Alternate CLANA Scenes - (Companion to The Clana Journals)

[superman_lives_on]

Save the evil laughter for the mad scientist lab, Cardinal. :rolleyes: :)

Talk about torture...and like Nemu said, I don't mean the Chinese one, either! :lol:

Lana's line of "Move it, mister" cracked me up for some reason...

[happycamper]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Congrats on post #1,000 on this thread, SV! :)

And it's mine, all mine! :D

Bwah-hah-hah-hah! :rolleyes:
Card, you can be so hateful at times... :mad:

I was waiting and waiting, hoping someone would post ahead of me. But I really did have to go to the office (and was a little late, besides). Sigh. :(

But to then see you gloating at achieving what I so obviously deserved instead...:mad:


:mad: :mad:

[SVsleuth]

SACRED - Part 6


Having finally arrived in Shanghai, Clark and Lana enter a crowded Chinese street. They look around with awe.

“It’s hard to believe we were driving by cornstalks this morning,” Clark says as he looks all around at the shops and people.

“We are definitely not in Kansas anymore,” Lana replies as she looks around with wide eyes.

They walk hand in hand down the street, continuing to look around at all the pedestrians and street vendors. Both sides of the street are lined with closely packed shops.

Lana inquires, “So how are we supposed to find this professor--?”

A Chinese man rides past on a bike, nearly running into Lana. Lana jumps instinctively toward Clark while Clark pulls her close to protect her. Finding herself safe in Clark’s arms, Lana gazes up into his eyes. 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, happy to have her enfolded in his arms, and not wanting to let her go too quickly. Lana 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, captivated by his eyes. After a long moment of being lost in each other’s eyes, their lips meet in a lingering kiss.

“Mmm…,” Lana murmurs as they break the kiss. “I’ve missed that.”

“Me too,” Clark admits, before leaning in for another kiss. Another bicycle passes by quite close to them, so Clark guides Lana to a safer, less crowded location closer to the shops, then enfolds her again in his arms.

“Now, where were we?” he asks as he smiles at Lana suggestively.

“Here,” Lana replies as she leans toward him capturing his lips once again. After a lingering kiss, Lana snuggles into Clark’s chest, and he draws her closer into his embrace, kissing her forehead and resting his head against hers contentedly.

“I love you, Lana. I guess we’ll have to find a crowded street more often, so we can kiss safely huh?”

Lana grins as she tightens her arms around his back. “Yeah, I guess so,” she agrees. “Although the crowded street does nothing to curb my rising desires, at least we can be certain we won’t act on them here.”

“Yeah,” Clark whispers huskily into her ear.

The young couple lingers a few minutes longer, enjoying the bond between them, before deciding they had better get on with their task. Clark’s arm around Lana’s shoulder, her arm around his waist, they continue down the street.
“So, how are we supposed to find this professor that Dr. Swann told you about?” Lana inquires.

“Um, Dr. Swann said to just take this street, until we find a green rooster,” Clark replies absentmindedly, as his eyes and his thoughts are still focused on Lana.

Lana glances up to find Clark studying her intently.

“You know, Clark, you’re never going to find the green rooster if you don’t start looking for it,” Lana says, somewhat amused.

Clark blushes, realizing he’s been caught staring.

“Sorry, Lana. But nothing in China can compete with you.” He squeezes her shoulder, and smiles at Lana as they continue to walk, finally tearing his gaze from her face.

After a few more steps, Lana stops and points to a shop with a green rooster sign hanging near the door. Clark looks to 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.

“Mr. Kent. Miss Lang. 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.

“I never really believed this existed,” the woman says with excitement. “You have no idea how many fortune hunters have searched for this map.”

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

“The temple seems to be located at the fork of a river,” Clark observes, pointing to the map.

“That’s odd,” the woman replies. “There’s no river there. But these symbols, they match those on the temple wall.”


“So you know where it is?” Lana inquires.

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

“I know the place well. There’s no mistaking that symbol,” the professor replies.

“Are you sure that this is the only temple with these kinds of markings?” Clark asks, not certain that they are in the correct location.

“On this continent anyway,” the woman answers. “That’s all part of the temple’s mystique.”

They stop walking in a narrow alleyway between two shops. The woman continues to speak to them.

“There’s a myth that claims an all-powerful god 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.”

“Can you take us to it?” Lana asks eagerly.

“Of course. But don’t show this to anyone,” she says as she indicates the map. “As long as the stone is still out there, there are fortune seekers who are willing to kill for it.”

She hands the map back to Clark. Lana glances up at him anxiously, as she grasps his arm in both of her hands.

The woman continues with a warning, “We need to be careful. Other people may know you’re here.”

Clark puts the map back in his jacket and grasps Lana’s hand in his as the woman leads them back into the street, toward the temple.

*****

Jason is standing alone in his cell in the temple. He turns toward the door when he hears Lex groan. The two guards open the cell door and throw Lex back into the cell. He falls against Jason weakly and he is sweating and bleeding from his bottom lip.

“Lex,” Jason says, a bit fearfully.

The guards grab onto Jason and pull him toward the door, yelling at him in Chinese.

“Lex!” Jason calls out again, as he is taken away.

Lex yells back, “Look, tell them whatever they want to know. This isn’t worth dying over!”

As one guard pushes Jason down the hallway, the other remains in the cell, pointing his gun at Lex. When Jason is gone, Lex turns away from the guard, wiping his lip.

“Just scare him,” he says calmly. He turns back to the guard. “Find out what he knows, but don’t hurt him.”

A third guard comes into the cell.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Luthor. I can’t make such a promise.”

Lex replies angrily, “We had an agreement.”

“There are people who have more money than you,” the guard retorts.

The guard jabs Lex in the stomach with his night stick. Lex groans in pain and bends over. Both guards grab him and push him out of the cell.

Lex continues to argue, “I never wanted anyone harmed!”

He fights their grip, but they continue pulling him down the hallway.

*****

Inside the Chinese temple, the Chinese woman is leading Clark and Lana through a large hallway, explaining some history to them.

“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. Villagers 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.

She whispers to him, “Clark, did you find something?”

Clark nods slightly to Lana, but says nothing, not wanting the woman to suspect anything.

The professor speaks up, “There’s another chamber in the east wing. This way.”

She moves toward another part of the temple, indicating for Clark and Lana to follow her. They both follow her. Clark looks back toward the wall again, trying to figure out how he can get a closer look without the woman being present.

The three continue walking down another hallway. Lana nods to Clark to return to the other room. Nodding his understanding, he lags behind, then turns back toward the other room.

Lana continues to follow the woman. Suddenly, she hears a sound.

“What was that?” she asks.

Both women look around nervously. Suddenly several uniformed men run into the hallway toward them.

“Run, Lana!” the professor yells.

Two men grab Lana before she can run away. “Clark!” she yells out. The guards push her to her knees. Another man grabs the Chinese woman and shoots her. 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.

[Cardinal]

Cliffies suck!

I did, however, like the fact that Clark and Lana got to enjoy their clinch in the Shanghai street this time around. There is no place that is not appropriate for Clana kissing.

If there's any remnant of isobel still left inside Lana, I guess this is the place where she'd show up, so I can't wait to see Lana's reaction to the second stone.

[Nemu]

:D
Gotta love working from home!!

lol

Well without the tattoo there is nothing left to stop them from trying to kill her (i say trying for 2 reasons... 1 is Clark and the other is like Card said... Isobel)

This was good... and very fitting with your current avatar...

PPMS :D

[superman_lives_on]

Oh man...how is Lana going to escape this one?! No tattoo on her back...and Clark may already be incapacitated by the Green Kryptonite in the statue's eyes... Oh man... :(

[SVsleuth]

I'm writing part 7 already... IF I get a decent response to part 6, part 7 may be posted tonight around 10:30 Central. So I await more replies... ;)

[happycamper]

Is there an Isobel this time?

If not, this does seem a particularly appropriate moment for Clark to reveal a few special abilities...:lol:


:D :D

[Nemu]

to reveal to whom? the bad guys? as always.. he would have to tap them unconscious at super-speed to free Lana...

PPMS :D

[binkys711]

ok SVsleuth it's taken me a while to tackle aj's fic and one of Card's fic, now it's time for me to cath up on yours! booyah! hehe I was left approximately in page 52 so I'm starting there! and here I go!.......

[SVsleuth]

Here it is as promised - the 2nd update of the day. Enjoy! ;)

SACRED - Part 7


Suddenly, the gun is knocked away, and the guards are thrown into a wall, one after another, all falling unconscious to the ground.

Clark goes quickly to Lana, lifting her from the ground and off of her feet as he brings her into a tight embrace.

“Oh, Lana, are you alright? I never should have left you!” he breathes into her ear huskily.

“I’m fine, Clark. But the Professor - they killed her, Clark!” Lana’s voice quavers as she says this. She buries her face in his shoulder and begins to sob uncontrollably. Clark turns his head to see the Professor lying in a pool of blood on the floor. He listens for any sign of a heartbeat. Nothing. Distressed, he hugs Lana closer to him.

“I never should have brought you here, Lana. This quest is more dangerous than I realized,” Clark asserts with regret.

“Clark, we don’t have time for second guessing. I’m sure more guards will follow. What did you find in the other room?” Lana inquires as Clark finally sets her down again on her own feet.

“Come on,” he says, as he takes her by the hand and leads her back into the first room. “Let’s go find out. I didn’t have time to open the door before you called for me.”

Back in the first room, Clark and Lana walk toward the wall with the indentation. Clark 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 gasping for breath, in agonizing pain. The eyes of the mask continue to glow.

“Clark!” Lana exclaims as she rushes to his side. Acting quickly, Lana grabs Clark by the feet, pulling with all of her strength, trying to drag him away from the kryptonite. Slowly she moves him across the floor, until he begins to breathe more easily. Lana then throws herself on top of him, covering his face in kisses. Clark regains his strength, sits up and hugs Lana close as she is now seated in his lap. Tears stream down Lana’s face, as she caresses his face.

“I’m okay, now, Lana. Thanks.”

They both stand up and turn toward the garment with the map. Lana moves closer to the garment, while Clark looks on from a distance.

Noticing immediately that the garment is the original map, Clark takes the folded map out of his jacket and looks at it, comparing it to the garment map.

Lana notices and asks, “What is it, Clark?”

“Lana, this isn’t a map to the temple. It’s a drawing of the temple through a tree.”

Lana walks back to Clark, takes the map, then brings it close to the garment on the idol, holding it up as she studies it.

“You’re right, Clark,” Lana agrees. “What looked like a long river forking at the temple is actually a forked tree trunk with the temple visible in the background.”

“That’s why no one could find the stone here in the temple. But from this perspective, the background goes on for miles. It could be anywhere,” Clark says with a sigh.

“Wait, Clark,” Lana says as she looks again at the garment map. “What if it’s not in the background? Think about it. The artist would have been standing right where I am. What if it’s located right at the base of the tree?”

“That must be it, Lana. I guess your artistic training in Paris is paying off after all,” he grins. “Get the garment, Lana. We should get out of here, before someone else shows up.”

Lana gathers the garment, walks back to Clark, then he lifts her into his arms about to speed away. Suddenly, his expression changes, and Lana can tell he hears something.

“Someone’s in trouble, Lana.”

“Go,” Lana says, without hesitation.

“I won’t leave you alone, Lana,” Clark declares, as a conflicted look spreads over his face.

Still holding Lana in his arms, Clark speeds away.

A moment later Lana finds herself still in Clark’s arms, but outside, behind the temple. Clark sets her on her feet beside him, as he turns up his superhearing.

“Ahhhhh! Nooooooo!” he hears someone yell out in pain. “I told you I don’t know how to read that map! Ahhhh!”

Lana hears the anguished cry as well. “Clark, someone is in pain, I heard the cry. They must be nearby.”

Clark and Lana move carefully along the outside wall of the building, toward the sound. They stop just before reaching a small window. Not wanting to be seen by the occupants of the cell, they are careful not to move in front of the window. Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through the wall. His eyes open wide in horror at the sight before him. He lets out an involuntary gasp. Lana puts a finger to her lips, reminding him to be silent. One of the guards inside the cell moves toward the window, having heard something. Hearing him move toward them, Clark scoops Lana into his arms and speeds away again.

*****
A moment later, Lana finds herself back inside the private jet at the airport.

“Clark, what are we doing here?” Lana questions. “It isn’t time to leave yet. We haven’t found the stone.”

“I know. But this is the safest place I could think of to bring you,” Clark replies.

“Clark, don’t even think about leaving me here and going off to find the stone without me,” Lana asserts adamantly.

“Lana, it’s too dangerous. I can’t…,” Clark begins.

Lana interrupts, “Clark, we are in this together, and together we will find that stone. After all, didn’t Dr. Swann say you would need me to be here?”

“Ok, Lana. But right now, I’m not going after the stone. There’s something else I have to do, and I don’t want to put you in danger.”

“You’re going back to help the prisoner?” she asks.

“Prisoners,” he says, emphasizing the plural. “I know they haven’t been on our side, Lana, but I can’t let them there to be tortured.”

“What? Who? Clark. You recognized them?”

Clark guides Lana to a seat on the sofa and sits beside her. He nods and looks seriously into her eyes. “Lana, the prisoners were Lex and Jason.”

“Oh, my god!” Lana exclaims as her hand flies up to cover her mouth, and tears begin to form in her eyes. She takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm the pounding in her chest as she recalls the anguished cries she heard. After regaining her composure, Lana braves the dreaded question, “Clark, wh-what were they doing to th-them?”

Clark takes a deep breath and exhales forcefully. He looks away, unable to look her in the eye as he tries to tell her. “Lana, they were chained, with their arms above their heads, and their ankles chained as well. And then, the guards… they…” Clark is having difficulty telling this to Lana. “Lana, I’m not sure you really need to know this.” Suddenly Clark stands up. “Lana, I need to go help them. The longer I wait, the more pain they’ll suffer.” He kneels on one knee in front of Lana and looks directly into her eyes. “Lana, promise me you’ll stay here, no matter what. And If I don’t come back in three hours, contact the pilot and have him fly you home.” He hands her a business card with the pilot’s number.

Lana protests, tears now spilling down her face, “Clark, I am not going to leave you here!”

“Lana, I’ll be fine. You know they can’t hurt me…”

She interrupts, “There was kryptonite, Clark.”

“I know. I’ll be careful. Please, Lana, promise me you won’t leave this plane until I return, and that you’ll let the pilot take you to safety if needed.” Clark’s voice is pleading, desperate as he holds her face in his hands, awaiting her promise. Seeing his demeanor, Lana decides she had better agree.

“Okay, Clark. I promise,” she agrees reluctantly. “But please, Clark, be extra careful. I can’t lose you,” she says tearfully as she caresses his face. I love you so much.” Lana leans in and kisses him hard, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. Clark returns the kiss, then pulls away, stands up, and gives her a nod and a small smile. “Always know that I love you, Lana,” he says. “I’ve gotta go.” And in an instant, he is gone.

[Cardinal]

:)


Originally posted by SVsleuth
Acting quickly, Lana grabs Clark by the feet, pulling with all of her strength, trying to drag him away from the kryptonite. Slowly she moves him across the floor, until he begins to breathe more easily. Lana then throws herself on top of him, covering his face in kisses. Clark regains his strength, sits up and hugs Lana close as she is now seated in his lap. Tears stream down Lana’s face, as she caresses his face.

Wow! The resuscitative power of Lana's kisses. She can help bring her man back from a near-death experience with a well-timed use of her lips...or maybe Clark was 'playing dead' to try and get something out of his brief incapacitation.

[Nemu]

yay!! :D

lol Card... I couldn't agree more about Lana's kisses...

Well... I knew something like that would happen (i mean the clana in the temple... minus the revival kisses ;))

Well... this sure is filled up with suspense and an intensity...

PPMS :D

[happycamper]

Two updates in one day...how great for us!

See how much easier life is, Clark, when Lana knows all? She was even able to help you get away from the green-K.

I guess it is good that Clark came across Lex and Jason now instead of half a year or so in the future. At least he is still willing to rescue Lex...

And I agree with the thoughts concerning the resuscitative power of Lana’s kisses... :)


:D :D

[NYC300Z]

So Clark is going to save them and leaving Lana to be all worried alone in the plane....I wonder how Clark will do this....

PPMS!

[binkys711]

ok good I've caught up with this one also! hehe your doing a great job with da fic SVsleuth! I love it! why couldn't this have been the real Smallville?!?! dang it! :p I hope Clarky comes out of this ok! and I wonder if Lana will go after him? I would love to see more Lana-fu!
This version of Smallville is much more intriguing...I can't wait to find out how Clark's ancestors and Lana's are connected! it's driving me crazy with curiosity! :confused: :eek: oh and I like it that Chloe already knows Clark's secret makes things much more easier on Clark! I'm also very happy Alicia didn't die and has her own hubby now! I adored the karaoke night! that was so sweet and romantic! YAY! :p
I wish Clark and Lana would get married already so they wouldn't have to struggle so much! poor things :( but alas the promise must be kept :) and besides.....so much passion surpressed for so long....they're gonna burst in their honeymoon! BOOYAH! :p (sorry had to say it!)

doin' an awesome job as always SVsleuth! PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Glad you're all caught up, binks. More to come later today... ;)

[Nemu]

ahh... i was sure it was your update ;)

PPMS :D

[SVsleuth]

SACRED - Part 8

Lana slumps against the sofa back and lets her tears flow freely. After a few minutes, she gathers her composure, dries her tears then picks up the garment they had found in the temple. She studies it closely, trying to visualize in her mind where the tree should be located in relation to the temple. Eventually, she folds the garment carefully, and places it in a storage compartment above the sofa. She paces back and forth, hoping that Clark will return much sooner than the three hours he mentioned. Finally, she decides to raid the mini fridge and make herself a sandwich, mostly to pass the time. After eating, she finds a book and tries to curl up in the recliner to read, needing to find some way to get her mind off of the danger Clark could be getting into. Oh, God, she prays silently, please let him be alright. I don’t know how I could go on without him.

*****

A hanging light bulb swings next to Jason. Jason and Lex are both hanging from the ceiling by their arms bound in chains. Jason is shirtless and Lex’s shirt is unbuttoned revealing blood dripping down his chest.

There are several Chinese guards. They speak to each other and then one of them holds a wet sponge connected to a jumper cable to Jason’s chest. There is another jumper cable connected to the chain holding Jason’s hands. A buzzing electrical current goes through Jason’s body and he screams through clenched teeth. The jumper cable is connected to an electricity box and one of the other Chinese men turns up the voltage. The main guard watches calmly.

“Enough,” he finally orders.

A man turns off the electricity box and the main guard walks up to Jason as he stops screaming and tries to catch his breath. The guard holds up a drawing of the treasure map and grabs Jason’s hair forcefully with his other hand.

“Tell me where this leads to,” he demands.

Jason doesn’t respond. He looks into the guard’s eyes coldly for a long moment. The guard looks at Lex and then back to Jason.

“Do you really think your friend will have such strong will?”

“Who says we’re friends? If you recall, I tried to shoot him before you captured us.”

The guard shrugs and speaks to his men in Chinese. A man takes the jumper cable off of Jason’s chain and connects it to Lex’s. Then he pulls the wet sponge out of a bucket of water and holds it to Lex’s chest.

“No,” Lex protests, as he tries to prepare himself for the expected jolt.

The sponge hits his chest, and the electricity crackles. Lex screams.

“Where is the stone?” the guard demands of Lex.

“Aah!” Lex yells out.

“Where is the stone?! Where is the stone?” the guard repeats urgently.

Lex continues to scream in pain. The guard orders his man to stop, and the sponge is pulled away from Lex’s chest.

Lex gasps for breath before replying, “I told you, I have no idea. I found the map. That’s all. I don’t know how to interpret it. That’s the absolute truth.”

The guard hits Lex in the face, then motions to the other, and the two leave in frustration.

*****
Clark returns to the temple outside of the small window to the cell where Jason and Lex were being tortured. He looks through the wall and sees a guard hit Lex in the face then motion to the other guard. The two guards then leave the cell. Clark listens to Lex and Jason.

Lex‘s voice is venomous as he accuses Jason, “See what you got us into. You and your stupid gun. How did you know to come to China anyway?”

Jason’s tone matches Lex’s, “I have my sources. You know my mother has been searching all her life for these elusive stones. There’s no way in hell I’m letting you get your hands on them, Luthor.”

Lex laughs. “I don’t think either of us has much chance of finding that stone now, Mister Teague - unless you know some way to break these chains and get us out of here.”

“Us? If I did know a way, I certainly wouldn’t be coming to your aid. How’d you find that map anyway? People have been searching for it unsuccessfully for hundreds of years.”

“Just lucky, I guess,” Lex retorts. “How’d you know I had it?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Jason replies smugly. “Is this interrogation over? Any more questions?” Jason asks sarcastically.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve always wondered - why did you take Lana to the tomb of Isobel Theroux? You knew Isobel might possess her, didn’t you?”

Jason denies it. “No. I didn’t know anything about Isobel at the time. But you’d give your right arm to know what I know now.”

*****
Clark moves cautiously into a position where he cannot be seen by Lex or Jason, but can still accomplish his task. Focusing his gaze through the window on Jason’s chains, he melts the metal with his heat vision, then does the same with Lex’s chains. He moves back into the shadows and watches them through the walls.

“What the hell…?” Lex inquires.

“I have no idea,” Jason says, “but I’m getting out of here.”

Clark smiles with satisfaction, until he realizes that Lex and Jason will still have to get through a locked door and past the guards. Thinking quickly, he superspeeds into the temple, knocks out the guards, breaks the lock on the cell door, then speeds away again.

Jason moves quickly to the door and is amazed to find that it opens easily, the lock having been broken. He exits quickly, with Lex on his heels. Even Lex is amazed to see the guards all knocked out cold.

After several minutes of navigating hallways, Jason and Lex come upon the dead professor and more knocked out guards. Continuing on their way, they soon find themselves in the main chamber of the temple. Both stop in their tracks, staring. Before them, a part of the wall has been opened, and an idol stands there, it’s green eyes gazing blankly at Lex and Jason. It seems obvious to both, that some sort of item must have been displayed there, and has been stolen.

“Who could have done this?” Lex wonders aloud. “Someone else is seeking the stones, and has obviously stolen something important that has been hidden for a long time. But why would they free us. It was almost as if by magic.”

Magic. Isobel? Jason‘s thoughts begin to race, trying to piece things together. Then he suddenly heads for the door at a quick pace.

“Where are you going?” Lex calls out. Jason ignores him and exits the building. Lex lets him go and walks over to the idol to inspect it more closely. He is intrigued by its similarity to other artifacts he has already collected - especially the unique green stones they all have in common. Lex recognizes the eyes as meteor rock - like the rocks in Smallville. He wonders how these type of rocks could have ended up in these idols, in three different parts of the world. Lex knows that the other two idols were found near the locations where the other two stones were found, as if guarding the prized artifacts. Yes, one was guarding the temple where he uncovered that stone in Egypt. The other was found guarding an underwater ruin off the coast of Honduras - where he knows Lionel’s people had found an ancient Mayan artifact. Lex pulls out his cell phone and dials a number, intending to have this idol join the others which are already safe in his vault at the mansion.

*****
Jason makes his way down the street, putting distance between himself and the temple. Finding a secluded location, he pulls out his cell phone and dials a number…

*****
Lana stares blankly at the first page of her book, unable to concentrate on what she is trying to read. Suddenly, her cell phone rings, and she grabs it quickly, certain it must be Clark. She flips it open without looking at the caller ID. “Clark?” she says excitedly, “is everything alright?” There is a long pause, and then the caller hangs up. Lana stares at the phone with a puzzled look, wondering if that was really Clark. Damn, why didn’t I check the ID of the incoming call before I answered? she scolds herself. Once the call disconnected, the identity of the caller was deleted, so Lana closes the phone, her anxiety level rising. She is tempted to call Clark’s cell to check on him, but is afraid she could put him in danger if his phone isn’t in silent or vibration mode. Reluctantly, she puts the phone away, and gets up with a sigh to make herself a cup of tea.

*****
Clark stands in the shadows, watching to make certain that Lex and Jason have escaped successfully. Soon, he observes Jason exit the temple and move hurriedly down the street. He expects Lex to follow. When he doesn’t, Clark again uses his x-ray vision to peer into the temple. He sees Lex studying the idol, then talking on his cell phone. Eventually, Lex also leaves the temple and makes his way down the street, disappearing into the crowd.

Clark turns his attention back to the temple. He scans various locations and is surprised there is still so little activity in the wake of the prisoners’ escape. Apparently, there aren’t as many guards as Clark had expected. As he scans the rooms, he comes across the form of the dead professor, still lying on the floor. A wave of sadness washes over him. He speeds to the location and kneels down beside her lifeless body. She gave her life to help us in our quest, Clark thinks. The least I can do is see that she is buried with respect. Clark carefully lifts her body into his arms, then speeds away to find an appropriate place to bury her.

*****
Two and one-half hours have passed since Clark left to go rescue Lex and Jason. Lana is increasingly worried, pacing back and forth in the cabin of the plane. Finally, she feels a gust of wind, and Clark is there before her, covered in dirt, his clothes disheveled. Lana ignores the dirt, and throws herself into his arms.

“Clark! Thank God you’re back! I was getting so worried.” Clark lifts her off her feet and her lips crash down upon his as she clings tightly to him, her arms wrapped around his neck. She kisses him repeatedly, intensely. Clark returns the kiss, but not with much emotion. Lana releases his lips, and he sets her on her feet. Finally taking notice of his appearance, Lana asks, “Clark, what’s wrong? You’re a mess! What happened?”

With a sigh, Clark sits on the sofa. “I buried the professor, Lana. It finally hit me that she gave her life to help us find this artifact. I wonder if it will be worth it. I mean, is it really that important for me to find and unite these stones? Important enough that people will have to die to make it happen?” Clark looks down at his feet sadly. Lana sits beside him, placing a comforting hand on his back.

“It’s not your fault, Clark. Dr. Swann and Jor-El seemed to agree that the answer to your question is ‘Yes’. Didn’t they say the survival of the planet depends on this?”

Clark nods silently. Lana leans over and gives him a kiss on the cheek. “Why don’t you go get a shower, while I fix you something to eat?”
Clark nods again. “Thanks, Lana” is all he says, before making his way to the restroom.

Clark showers at normal speed while Lana fixes him a sandwich and opens the bed. It is obvious to her that Clark is both tired and depressed, and all she wants to do is comfort him and take care of him. When Clark comes out of the shower, dressed in sweat pants and a white T-shirt, he sees that Lana has fixed the bed and prepared him some food. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth in spite of his somber mood. He sits down to eat, only looking up to say “Thanks, Lana,” before finishing his meal in silence. Lana sits beside him, drinking her cup of tea, aware that he needs time to work through some things. She knows him well enough to realize when he needs some space, so she remains silent, allowing him time to think.

As Lana washes up the few dishes, Clark moves to the bed, lying on his back, just staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. Lana leaves him alone and goes in to take her own shower and prepare for bed. As she comes back into the room, she pauses beside the bed, watching Clark, unsure of what to do next. Finally, she crawls onto the bed beside him, propping herself up on one elbow. “Are you okay?” she asks softly.

Clark moves his eyes from studying the ceiling to meet Lana’s caring ones. He nods slowly. “Yeah. I guess so. I’ll be alright.” He reaches an arm toward Lana and draws her head onto his chest, with his arm around her. He kisses her head. “It’s just…it’s just sometimes I feel the weight of the world so heavy upon my shoulders. And I want nothing more than to throw it off…but I can’t. I have to complete this mission. If I don’t, then the professor died in vain.”

Lana lifts her head and gives Clark a small kiss on the cheek, then settles back onto his chest. “I understand, Clark. I’m sure everything will work out fine.”

Clark hugs her closer to him, and begins to relax. “I guess you’re right, Lana.”

They lie there in silence until both of them drift off to sleep.

*****
Clark awakens at dawn, well rested and with a new determination to complete the task before him. Looking down at Lana, asleep on his chest, he smiles, and kisses her lips softly. She stirs, and her eyes flutter open. “I didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispers. “You just look so beautiful. I couldn’t help but kiss you.”

Lana smiles, happy to see that Clark looks relaxed and happy. “I’m glad to see your mood has improved.” She leans in to kiss him again. “I love you, Clark. It is so hard to watch you burdened like you were last night. I feel so helpless to do anything for you; but I want more than anything to remove the weight from your shoulders.”

“You did help me, Lana. Just being here by my side, and showing me your love in small ways. You helped me more than you know. It’s comforting to know I don’t have to face things alone.”

“You’ll never be alone, Clark. I’ll always be here for you.”

Their lips meet in another gentle kiss, and then, as if by mutual agreement, they get up to prepare for the day ahead.

*****
Clark and Lana stand at the base of a tree in Shanghai. Lana pulls out the paper map, and adjusts her position until the view of the temple through the branches of the tree matches the image on the map.

“This is it,” Lana says excitedly. “This must be where the stone is hidden.”

Clark x-rays the ground, but cannot see anything. “I don’t see anything there, Lana. Are you sure this is the right spot?”

Lana checks her position again, then kneels down and touches the ground. A bright white light begins to shine from the bracelet on her arm. Clark stares in amazement as the light shoots out from the bracelet toward the ground. A Kryptonian symbol appears as if it is burned into the ground. Lana draws her hand back slowly, watching in amazement as the soil begins to crack and separate. From beneath the ground there is a fiery orange light and smoke until finally the spot of soil under the symbol rises up and a small statue of a horse rises out of the ground on a pedestal. Lana picks up the horse and looks at it with awe. Suddenly, she stands up as if compelled to do so, walks over to a nearby rock and shatters the horse upon the rock, revealing the third stone of power.

As soon as the stone is revealed, Clark grabs his head, as an intense ringing sound summons him. Lana is frightened as she sees Clark struggling in pain. He moves toward the stone, and reaches out to touch it. When he does so, the ringing subsides, but a blue energy stream shoots out from the stone to Lana’s bracelet, to the spot on the ground where the symbol was located a moment before, and back to the stone, creating a triangle of blue pulsating light. Clark and Lana stand transfixed, as they are engulfed in a column of energy, just like the one Clark experienced in the caves when he communicated with Jor-El.

A voice speaks out of the energy field, “Daughter of Krypton, descendant of the House of An, Son of Krypton, descendant of the House of El. I am Kem-An, of Krypton. You have found this element which contains highly sensitive knowledge of a most critical nature. The knowledge contained in the elements must not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. It could lead to the destruction of your planet if the knowledge is abused. You are being entrusted with these stones and with a mission. Many safeguards have been built-in to this technology to prevent its power from being easily accessed. The knowledge of Krypton has been divided into three separate stones. You must find all three, and unite them using the portal. The bracelets must be guarded as well. They have the power to activate various technologies. One in particular must not be activated unless your world is on the brink of destruction. This power has been abused several times by others, causing unwanted events on your planet. That is why Jor-El, Nam-Or, and I joined forces to ensure that this power is no longer freely accessible. You will learn more of this after you have united the stones. Have you any questions, my children?”

Lana speaks up, “Why do you call me ‘daughter of Krypton’? I was born on Earth. I’m not like Kal-El.”

“You are aware of your descent from Isobel Theroux of Castelnau de Montmiral, yes?” the voice inquires.

“Yes,” Lana acknowledges.

“She is my daughter. I am Kem-An of Krypton. Our family was the keeper of the book of the ancient Kryptonian magics. We found that certain abilities we wielded on Krypton were enhanced on this planet, Earth. I apologize for the actions of my daughter Isobel. She was misguided in her use of our magics, and combined them dangerously with certain other Earthly arts, for selfish gain. She became obsessed with gaining access to the power I am entrusting to you. I could not undo the spell she used to possess you. But I have done all in my power to give you the ability to be free of her influence, and to work with Kal-El to protect this planet from further abuses. So, yes, Lana, a small portion of your ancestry is Kryptonian. You have more in common with Kal-El than you realized. Children of Krypton, do you accept the task entrusted to you this day?”

Clark and Lana exchange a look, then reach out to each other, clasping their hands. Lana nods to Clark. Clark answers for both of them, “Yes. We accept the mission entrusted to us. We will do our best to safeguard the knowledge of Krypton and see that it is no longer abused on Earth. We will do whatever we can to protect this planet.”

“Very well. You may use the bracelet and any one of the stones to communicate with me, or the key and a portal to communicate with Jor-El, if you need our assistance. Unite the stones without delay. Go in peace, children of Krypton.”

The shaft of blue energy fades, and Clark and Lana find themselves hand in hand beside the tree.

The bracelet and the stone stop glowing. Clark and Lana are speechless, staring at one another then back at the stone and the bracelet. Finally, Clark speaks, ‘We should go.” He pushes the pedestal that held the horse back into the ground, and covers over the spot with dirt. He then lifts Lana into his arms and speeds back to the plane.

*****

[Cardinal]

Nice to see that Clark and Lana were able to 'sleep together' without breaking their mutual pledge.

Yay! The bracelet actually does something. :D

Ooooh! Lana's part Kryptonian! I wonder what her Kryptonian name is?

[Nemu]

:D

COOL!!!!!

Well... this was good...

nice names by the way... I tried to find one with the A but nothing came...

you know... with the light shed on the story from Lana's ancestor...

May I take a wild guess and supposed that the decendant of the Or lineage is on earth and that I know who it is if that's the case?

Can't wait for more!!!

[superman_lives_on]

WHOA, SV! :eek: I never once expected something like this to happen! Clark and Lana finding the stone was to be expected--though the bracelet's role wasn't. (Still, I'm glad it finally played a role.) And I never figured they'd meet the disembodied voice of another Kryptonian... Kem-An seems kinder and more helpful than Jor-El, who, in my opinion, still has a lot to answer for...

I suppose if Lana had a Kryptonian name, it'd be based off the House of An...hmm...

Uh-oh, Jason called Lana and heard her say Clark's name... This doesn't sound too good. At least Lex is none the wiser about our heroes' quest. Whew...

[happycamper]

Yay! Lana's heritage has been revealed, and she can really do her part to help.

Now they can work together as a team to rescue the stones and save the Earth.


:D :D

[clana-lives-on]

ooh so lana is kryptonian...that should make things interesting. ppms!

[binkys711]

all I have to say is...is...LANA'S KRYPTONIAN?!?!...........

*faints*

---------
oh and PPMS! this is a whole new twist! BOOYAH! go SVleuth! *does happy dance*
soo....does this mean we can expect them to be able to have many little Clarky's and Lana's everywhere once they're married?! :D ;)

[<Nimrod>]

Haha well...HAPPY 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AND 3 DAYS ANNIVERSARY


:lol:





||UPDATE||

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by binkys711
all I have to say is...is...LANA'S KRYPTONIAN?!?!...........

*faints*

---------
oh and PPMS! this is a whole new twist! BOOYAH! go SVleuth! *does happy dance*
soo....does this mean we can expect them to be able to have many little Clarky's and Lana's everywhere once they're married?! :D ;)
Well, Lana is a small fraction Kryptonian. Isobel's mother was human. Isobel's husband was human too, so even their child is only 1/4 Kryptonian - but yes, that just shows that Kryptonians and humans could have children together. There ought to be 9 or 10 generations between Lana and Kem-An, so someone better at math can figure out what fraction Kryptonian Lana is. The line from Isobel comes down to Lana's mother, Laura Potter Lang.


AND, the way these two are when alone together, I'm sure it won't take long for there to be plnety of Clana babies... ;)

[Nemu]

well its either 1/512 or 1/1024 if im not mistaken...

they will repopulate the whole world! :rotfl:

[akuma]

Wow, great updates, sry ive been behind lately, but im all caught up now:) Interesting development with Lana, good twist. And Jason calls Lana then says nothin? Cant wait to see wht he does the rest of the year, cant wait for more!

[NYC300Z]

wow what a twist never saw it coming. Sounds pretty cool can't wait to see how it works out!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

SACRED - Part 9

Clark stands in the cabin of the plane, with Lana still in his arms, her arms wrapped around his neck. He is in no hurry to put her down. He looks into her eyes, still awestruck at the events that had just occurred near the tree. She gazes up into his eyes, content to remain in his arms, feeling more than ever that she belongs there.

Clark leans down to kiss her. “I love you, Lana,” he says after breaking the kiss. “So, Daughter of Krypton, what are you thinking, how does it feel?”

“Surreal,” Lana answers. “I can’t believe all of this is actually happening. I mean, I actually have a Kryptonian ancestor, and he can communicate with us, just like Jor-El does? It’s mind boggling, Clark.”

“Yes, it is,” Clark adds, “and I am so glad that we are in this together.”

“So am I, Clark. So am I,” Lana agrees, and then leans in for another kiss.

***
Jason sits in his luxury hotel room, surfing the TV channels for something to watch, when his cell phone begins to ring. Flipping it open, he answers, “Teague here.”

A voice with a Chinese accent speaks, “The job is complete, Mr. Teague. The listening devices are hidden, just as you requested, and recording devices have been activated.”

“Well done. Your payment will be dispatched in the manner previously agreed,” Jason replies as a smile forms on his lips. “Have the discs sent to me in the manner previously discussed.”

“Yes, Mr. Teague.”

“That is all.” Jason flips his phone closed with a widening smile.

***

Lex boards the LuthorCorp jet, and soon is in the air flying back toward the States. He lays on the bed, arms behind his head, mulling over the events that occurred in China.

Those Chinese double-crossers; I should have known not to trust those communist b*******.

Lex fumes over this for a few minutes, before his thoughts turn to another thorn in the side: Jason Teague.

Teague. His mother must have been behind my cronies turning on me. He seems to be on to something, though. He knew to go to China, he knew I had a map. And, he claims he knows something that I’d give my right arm to find out - something about Isobel or the stones. He’s obviously been watching me. So maybe it’s time I return the favor.

Lex pulls out his cell phone and makes a call to Metropolis. He speaks to someone briefly, then flips the phone shut and relaxes into the pillows. Time to find out exactly what kind of information Mr. Teague has been collecting.

***
Clark finally sets Lana back on her feet. They place the stone in the compartment with the map garment, as they discuss briefly what they should do with them when they get back home. They then agree to set the topic aside and watch a movie together. Lana chooses a DVD, Clark pops some popcorn, then they settle in for a relaxing evening together.

“What movie did you choose, Lana?” Clark asks as he joins her on the sofa, bringing a freshly popped bag of microwave popcorn.

“It’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” she says. “I figured something funny would keep the mood light.”

“Good idea. I’m in for a few good laughs,” Clark says with a smile, as he offers Lana some popcorn.

Before long, Clark and Lana are enjoying the movie, at times laughing out loud, at other times commenting on the corny songs.

When the movie comes to an end, Clark and Lana raid the fridge, finding some cold cuts for sandwiches. They also microwave some soup to go along with the sandwiches. They continue their light conversation about the movie as they eat, then take turns showering and getting ready for bed. Lana decides to take the recliner from the start this time, insisting that Clark use the bed. Neither of them even suggests that they share the bed, in spite of them having successfully managed to get through one night asleep in each others’ arms. That was accidental, and both Clark and Lana know better than to tempt themselves with such an arrangement intentionally.

Lana settles into the recliner, and Clark covers her with a blanket. He leans down and kisses her sweetly. “Good night, Lana. Thanks for the fun evening. We should lighten the mood more often. It’s good for us.”

“Yes, it is,” Lana agrees. “I really enjoyed tonight. Good night, Clark. Sleep well.”

Clark smiles warmly, moves toward the bed, blows Lana another kiss, then settles into the bed for the night.

***
The next morning at breakfast, Lana returns the conversation to the stones. “Clark, what do you think will happen if we unite the stones?”

“I’m not sure. It’s kind of scary,” Clark replies. “To think that people like Lex and Jason have been looking for them, expecting to find some trove of knowledge & power - well, that’s something neither of us have ever wanted. Part of me believes we must do it; but another part of me is scared to death of what will happen.”

“I feel the same way. When Isobel controlled me… I felt this unexplained power inside of me. And if that’s the kind of thing this leads to, I’m not sure I want it. It scares me,” Lana admits.

Clark takes her hand in his and kisses her fingers lightly. “Well,” he says, “then let’s agree to not talk about all of this stuff for the rest of the flight. Plenty of time for that when we can get guidance. Okay?”

“Agreed,” Lana says with a sigh of relief. “So, how would you like to pass the time for the rest of our time in the air?”

She looks up to meet Clark’s eyes. Clark raises his eyebrows, gives a wink, then says, “How would I like to pass the time?” He leans in and kisses Lana several times, then pulls back with a grin. “Maybe you should rephrase that question.”

“Yes, I think I should. Okay then, how will we choose to pass the time for the rest of this flight, so that we can keep our hormones safely in check?”

“Well, how about we play some board games and video games, while listening to this Weird Al CD. That definitely won’t create a romantic mood.”

“Sound like a plan,” Lana agrees, as she opens a storage cabinet and selects a few games.

Before long, Lana and Clark are again laughing while singing along with Weird Al:

My, my, this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later
Now he’s just a small fry

He left his home, and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin’ ‘Soon I’m gonna be a Jedi,
Soon I’m gonna be a Jedi!’

Later, Clark and Lana can’t help but watch some Star Wars movies, interspersing it with their own rendition of Weird’s Al’s song. The time seems to fly as they continue to find creative ways to enjoy each other’s company that do not involve major lip locks and other types of exploration. They are quite pleased with themselves as the plane lands in Metropolis, realizing that they have survived the return trip without serious temptation - and have had a great time together.

***
Upon his arrival back in Metropolis, Jason heads straight for the post office, collects a brown envelope from a post office box, and heads to his apartment. He opens the envelope immediately removing several CD’s, while booting up his desktop computer. He looks at the labels, selects the first disc, then inserts it into his CD drive, checking to make sure his headphones are plugged in. As Jason listens to the first disc, he checks his e-mail and deals with several other matters.

After hearing the very first conversation between Lana and Clark on the plane, Jason thinks, So, Lana now knows about her alien origins and something about the aliens who created the stones of power which we all seek. I wonder how she found out.

Jason continues to listen. After a few minutes, he unplugs his headphones, turns on his speakers, and begins to unpack his suitcases, as he listens intently to the recorded conversations.

Lana: So, Clark, what do we do now? Are you supposed to put the stone into the table with the first one now, or wait until we have all three?

Clark: I’m not sure, Lana. I guess we’ll have to get more guidance.

Lana: Clark, didn’t you say that Dr. Swann indicated that the third stone is in a safe location?

Clark: Yes, I think he has that one somewhere safe. Now, enough about the stones, and all that. I want to just spend some time with you - safely. So, pick a movie - um, not a romance one - and I’ll pop some popcorn.

Jason talks aloud to himself, “Lana certainly seems to be herself - not a hint of Isobel. But it must have been Isobel who released us - although I cannot fathom why she would do it. In any event, Lana and Clark seem to be working together to collect the stones. Now that’s a surprise. I never expected them to be involved in this hunt, apart from Isobel. Nevertheless, it seems Clark and Lana have two of the stones, and the third is being kept by none other than Virgil Swann.”

After this Jason lets the CD play as he lies down to rest. He finds nothing else of interest on this CD, only the sound of a movie playing, interspersed with occasional laughter from Clark and Lana, which causes jealous anger to rise up within him. When disc one is finished playing, Jason decides to turn in for the night and listen to the other discs the next day.

***

Lex sits in his library, his laptop open in front of him, headphones on his ears. He listens to the sounds coming from Jason’s apartment. At first, he hears nothing much, just a computer booting up, shoes walking, etc. After a while, he suddenly hears voices - the voices of Lana…and Clark. Lex is intrigued. He raises the volume, and listens intently. His smile widens. “Virgil Swann, Lana Lang, and Clark Kent. Why am I not surprised that Clark is somehow involved in this? They are getting too close for comfort, though. I must act quickly. Thank you very much, Mr. Teague. Thank you very much indeed.” Lex turns off his laptop, locks the discs in his safe, and exits the library.

***

[Cardinal]

Jason leeching on Clana and Lex leeching on Jason. Can't wait to see if Lionel has Lex bugged again.

Imagining Clana singing along with Weird Al is hilarious.

I wonder if Lana kicks the crap out of Clark at XBox just like she did Jason.

[Nemu]

:D

It figures...

Now the race for the third stone is on... as well as a reason for Baldy's interest in Blank for the cave wall... which I wonder how you will write this time around...

Anyway... so Jason knew Isobel was from alien descendence... hmmm... interesting...

At least they dont know everything and I'm sure there will be a way for Clark and Lana to get out of it without too much problem...

PPMS :D

[SVsleuth]

only 2 replies? BUMP - maybe no one knew I updated? :\

[SmallvilleMan]

Good job as always;)

[escout]

I am finally getting around to reading this wonderful story and am I glad I did!!
I have seen it at several sites, but have been too busy to stop and read. It's superb!!!! I am going to have too spend a lot of time reading to catch up!!!
Thank you for sharing this marvelous work with us!!!!!:)

[akuma]

Great job SV, lol everyone is watchin everyone, great.

[NYC300Z]

wow must have been an awesome listening device Lex got to hear things Jason was listening to on headphones! So everybody knows what the others know just they don't know the others know! lol Does that make sense?;) Still awesome to see Clark and Lana spend time together like that no problem! Great update!

PPMS!

[SmallvilleMan]

see sv everyone remembered your story, it's mine they forgot:\

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
wow must have been an awesome listening device Lex got to hear things Jason was listening to on headphones! PPMS!

Nah, I think Lex only heard the part that Jason played over his speakers.

[dreammaster]

wow that all I can say is wow

[binkys711]

great update SVsleuth! ooOoO and thatnks for answering my question w/ Clark and Lana having babies :) made me all happy :D however....finding out Lex and Jason are planning to screw up the clana didn't...DAMN THEM! and Clark and Lana were having such a sweet time on the plane! :) hehe.

PPMS!!!

[happycamper]

I never realized you updated - sometimes an updates moves far down the list before everyone's had a chance to see it. :(

Loved the Clark/Lana interplay. They are being especially good, but I wonder how long that can last?

I really enjoyed the final Jason and Lex scenes. Clark and Lana may be much closer in this alternate fic, but both Jason and Lex know so much more about the stones and our favorite couple. The upcoming episodes will be very interesting as a result!


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

Just to clarify a point: Lex only knows what he could hear when Jason had the speakers on - so he doesn't know as much as Jason. Jason knows a lot more because of the research he did on his own.

[SVsleuth]

SACRED - Part 10

Clark carries Lana’s luggage up the stairs to her apartment at the Talon. Lana searches her purse for her key, finally finding it buried at the bottom. Producing the key, she unlocks the door and enters the apartment, with Clark right behind her.

“Where do you want the suitcases, Lana?” Clark inquires.

Lana drops her purse on the sofa. “Oh, just put them in my bedroom, on my bed,” she answers, as she walks into the kitchen and begins to make some iced tea.

Clark carries the suitcases into Lana’s bedroom with ease, and deposits them on her bed. Glancing around her room, he lingers, as he notices the many photographs Lana has in her room of him and of the two of them together. He didn’t realize that many pictures of them had been taken. He walks to the dresser and picks up a photo of himself singing to Lana at the karaoke night. He smiles as he remembers that wonderful night.

Lana comes into the room, carrying two glasses of iced tea. “Where are you hiding, Clark? I’ve got some tea for you.”

Clark looks up, and Lana hands him a glass. “Thanks,” he says, and takes a few gulps.

Lana sees the photo Clark has in his hand. “That was a wonderful night, wasn’t it?” she asks as she slips her free arm around his waist and leans closer to view the picture with Clark.

“Yes, it was a lot of fun,” Clark agrees. “Who took the pictures? I didn‘t know there were any.”

“Oh, Brian took them and Alicia gave them to me. I finally got them framed just before our trip. Every time I look at them, I hear your voice singing to me again,” Lana says softly as she glances up at Clark.

Clark places the photo frame and his glass on the dresser, then takes Lana’s glass, setting it down as well. He then wraps Lana in his arms and gazes upon her lovingly. “I’ll sing to you forever, my Earth Angel,” he declares huskily. He hums some of the tune, then sings the last few lines quietly, “I’m just a fool, a fool in love with you.” They lean toward each other and share a lingering kiss. They gaze into each other’s eyes for another long moment, before Clark breaks the gaze, saying, “Um, I guess I’d better get going - you know?”

“Yeah,” Lana agrees, as she fingers the pendant around her neck. Walking over to the bed, Lana begins to unzip a suitcase.

“What are you doing?” Clark asks curiously.

Lana pulls out the original map garment and the kryptonian stone. “Where should we keep these, Clark?”

“How about your closet?” Clark takes the garment map from Lana, then walks to her closet, finds a spare coat hangar, and hangs the map on it. He then reaches into the back corner of the closet, and hangs it behind all of Lana’s beautiful dresses and sweaters.

“That should do, for the map,” he says. No one will ever think to dig through all of those clothes to find that map. Besides, the map won’t do them any good anymore anyway, since we have the stone. Do you have any other secret hiding places in your apartment, Lana? I know we were told to unite the stones as soon as possible, but I’m not sure if we’re supposed to put this one with the first one now, or wait until we have all three. So we’ll have to find a safe place for it until we can sort that out.”

Lana stares down at the stone in her hand. “Well, since it’s so small, it should fit in my secret hiding place.” Clark raises his eyebrows in a question. “Come see,” Lana says with a smile as she grabs Clark’s hand and leads him into her living room.

Clark watches as she removes a brick from the hearth, takes out a small box, places the stone in the box, then returns the box to the hidden cubbyhole under the brick, and replaces the brick. “Perfect,” Clark says with a grin. “No one will ever expect to find that stone under a brick in your apartment. So we’ll leave it there, until we talk to Dr. Swann or my father and get clear direction.”

Clark again takes Lana into his arms and embraces her, as she rests her head upon his chest. After a few moments, he kisses her forehead and releases her, saying, “I really should go. Maybe you can come by the farm later - after you have time to rest and freshen up from the trip? I might need moral support when I face my parents.”

“I’ll be there.” Lana leans up and gives Clark a small kiss on the lips, then pulls him over to the door. “Now go, before I decide to keep you here for good,” she says jokingly, as she pushes him out the door.

***
Lex removes the headphones from his ears, smiling to himself as he gets up from his desk and walks over to pour himself a drink. “Time to celebrate,” he says aloud to himself, as he walks back to his desk. He then picks up the phone and dials a number. “I have another job for you…..same apartment….yes….you will be well paid, as always….

***
In the loft, Clark is seated at his desk typing a paper entitled, “Why I Want To Go To Central Kansas” on his laptop. So far, the title is all he has finished. He stares blankly at the computer screen as Lana enters.

“It’s kind of hard to take college application essays seriously after the last couple of days, isn’t it?” she asks as she walks toward him.

Clark looks up with a start as he hears Lana‘s voice. “I was just trying to figure out if hidden temples and holographic ancestors fits under ‘community service’ or ‘extracurriculars’", he says as he looks up at Lana with a grin.

Lana smiles as she leans down to give Clark a kiss. She begins to massage his shoulders, standing behind his chair. “Did I come at a bad time?” she asks. “You seemed kind of startled when you saw me.”

“No. I just, um…” Clark stands up. “I just thought maybe you were my parents. I’ve been avoiding them ever since we got back.”

Clark walks away from the desk and toward the window. Lana follows him, placing a hand on his arm as she asks softly, “Why? Surely they’ll understand why we had to go.”

“I’m not so sure. Lana, my parents don’t like to think about my Kryptonian destiny. They want me to just keep pretending that I’m normal, and follow the same path every other teenager follows when he nears the end of high school. It’s hard for them to face the truth. I know they just want to protect me so I can live a normal, happy life. I don’t know how to talk to them about… about Krypton, and Jor-El, and the stones, and the bracelets… and my feelings for you.”

“I’m sure they’ll understand, if you just give them some time, Clark. I know one thing though: avoiding them won’t really get you anywhere.” Lana turns Clark toward her, and looks up at him as she caresses his face. Clark meets her eyes with his own. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. He nods.

“You’re right. So, um, maybe it would help if you and I sort out our plans together, and then I’ll confront my parents,” he says as he draws Lana into his arms.

Lana stretches up and kisses him softly. “Ok, then, let’s start with college. How can we go to college, yet continue our quest to unite the stones and learn more about our Kryptonian destinies?”

Clark’s smile widens as he gazes upon Lana.

“What?” she asks in response to his sudden smile.

“It’s just that… I like the sound of that… our destinies. It doesn’t frighten me nearly as much as it used to - knowing that we are in this together.”

“I feel the same way, Clark,” Lana replies. She gives him one more small kiss, then pulls away from him gently, and moves to the sofa. Taking a seat, she motions for Clark to join her. “So, let’s work through our options, okay?”

“Okay,” Clark agrees as he takes a seat beside Lana. Before long they are in a serious discussion about their plans for their immediate future.


***

Several hours later, Clark and Lana enter the Kent kitchen hand in hand. Jonathan and Martha are there playing a card game at the counter.

Jonathan speaks up, “Well, I do hope you brought us a souvenir.”

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

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

“Not yet. But we have it. Even though there was kryptonite guarding the original map, we got the stone,” Clark says, as he squeezes Lana’s hand and smiles at her.

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

Clark shrugs. “I don’t know. That’s why we haven’t put it with the other one yet. We need to get more guidance from Dr. Swann and from Jor-El and Kem-An before we’ll feel ready to do that.

Jonathan interrupts, “Wait, wait. Um, Clark, who’s Kem-An? Now there are more Kryptonians? And what does any of this have to do with Lana? Why did she have to go with you to China?”

The worry is evident on Martha and Jonathan’s faces, as Clark and Lana relay the events of the past few days. After listening to everything they have to say, Jonathan sighs audibly, then voices his concerns, as he gets up and heads toward the coffee pot. “All of this makes me very uneasy, Clark. I’m not sure you two should be getting yourselves involved in this. I mean, wouldn’t it be better for the both of you to just do what every other high school senior is doing - think about college, and career possibilities, and prepare for your future? Time is running out to decide about college, Clark.”

“Lana and I have already come to a decision,” Clark asserts.

Jonathan looks up in surprise, “Oh? And what decision have you reached, son?” he inquires, as he pours several cups of coffee and sets them on the table for everyone. He re-takes his seat at the table as Clark replies.

“Well,” Clark begins, “I’ve decided that I really want to stay in Smallville…”

Jonathan frowns and interrupts, “Clark, you do not have…”

Clark stops him, “Dad, hear me out.” Jonathan nods, and waits for Clark to continue.

“I have several reasons for wanting to stay in Smallville. You know, of course, that one of them is the farm - and I know you don’t want the farm to ‘hold me back’, Dad - but it’s not. I love this farm - and I don’t want to lose it. Another reason I want to stay in Smallville is to have quicker access to the caves and Jor-El, as I try to sort out my role in this whole search for the three stones of power. So I’ve decided to apply for an academic scholarship to Central Kansas A & M. If I get enough, I’ll go there. If not, I’ll attend Smallville Community College for my first two years, then transfer to A & M for my last two years. That will cost a whole lot less.

My final reason for wanting to stay close to home is Lana - I want to be close enough to her to be able to continue building our relationship. I need to be close to her.”

Martha speaks up, “Lana, have you decided where you will attend college?”

Lana smiles warmly as she answers, “Yes, Mrs. Kent. I’m going to take the scholarship to Met U. It’s really too good of an offer to pass up. I thought about going to the Community College for my first two years, but if I did, I would lose my scholarship - and wouldn’t be able to afford to finish at Met U. With Clark’s speed, Metropolis isn’t really that far away, so we can still see each other quite a bit.” Lana looks over at Clark, and gives his hand a squeeze. Clark smiles as he meets her gaze, then looks back to his parents.

Jonathan observes Clark and Lana, then exchanges a look with Martha. Martha raises her eyebrows as if sending a signal to Jonathan. Jonathan nods slightly then turns his attention back to Clark and Lana. “Well, son, it does seem you two have considered your options carefully, and made your decisions. I’m proud of you for that. I can’t say I’m not nervous about this whole business with the stones and Jor-El, but I guess as a parent I’ll always want to protect you. I guess I have to get used to the fact that the time for that is passing, and allow you to make your own decisions, whether I’m comfortable with them or not. Just promise me one thing, son; promise me you will always be careful. I cringe at the thought of what could happen if you come across more kryptonite.”

“I’ll be careful, Dad; I promise,” Clark says as he looks his dad in the eye.

Martha smiles with relief as she watches this exchange between the two men in her life. Lana also breathes a sigh of relief to see Clark and Jonathan come to an understanding.

***
After seeing Lana off, Clark heads back up to his loft to again try to work on his scholarship essay. After several minutes of staring at the nearly blank page, he hears a beep from his laptop indicating that he has a new e-mail. Clark clicks the link and finds an e-mail from Dr. Swann, requesting a meeting with Clark and Lana at the earliest possible opportunity.

[Cardinal]

Damn Lex is going to steal the stone after Clana worked so hard to get it.

I guess that's poetic justice after Kal/Clark did the same thing to Lex.

Nice to see that Clark and Lana discussed their educational plans this time around. ;)

[Nemu]

:D
Well... I hope Lana does like on the show... and change the hidding place... maybe a gut feeling she gets ;)

Well... at least like Card said... they talked about their school plans this time around...

PPMS!!! :D

[happycamper]

:) Later...

Bad Lex!

I'm not sure why Clark was unwilling to put this stone in with the other.

Not too worried, though. Even if Lex manages to get this stone, he will be driven back to Clark to get the one already in place at the cave, giving away the fact that he heard the conversation between Lana and Clark.

On the personal front, everything seems to be falling into place, with even the acceptance of the Kents...:) It really is too bad that the alternate universe of Smallville didn't turn out this way...:(


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

LUCY - Part 1

Clark enters the farmhouse in the early morning, after finishing his chores. He notices the blinking light on the answer machine, so presses play and allows the message to play as he raids the fridge.

Lo, it’s Lucy. Why the hell aren’t you answering your cell phone? I want to come see you. Can you arrange a place for me to stay while I’m in Smallville? Thanks, sis. See ya soon.

Clark’s brow furrows in confusion. Lois has a sister? News to me. Sounds like she thinks Lois still lives here, and plans to show up soon. Clark releases a sigh. Just when I thought Lois was out of my life for good. I guess I better try to get in touch with her, so she can meet with her sister.

Clark looks up a number in the small address book near the phone, then proceeds to dial Lois’ cell number. It goes directly to voice mail, so he leaves her a message about Lucy, then hangs up with a shrug. Checking the time, Clark sees it is nearly time to meet Lana for a morning run they had planned before school, so he hurries to get ready, then dashes off to meet her.

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

“You know, you cheated on that last stretch, young lady. I had you beat,” Clark says as he grabs Lana playfully from behind.

Lana links her arm with Clark’s, as they continue up the stairs.

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

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

“Oh, my God,” Lana exclaims.

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

“Hold on,” Clark says, worried that someone could still be in the apartment.

Clark goes to the open bathroom door and looks inside. Then he closes the door and comes back to Lana, scanning the rest of the apartment quickly with his x-ray vision for any signs of an intruder.

“Is anything missing?” he asks Lana.

“I don’t know,” she says, as she moves to her dresser and looks at her jewelry box.

“My jewelry is still here.” She picks up her wallet from the bed. “My wallet’s right where I left it.”

“Okay,” Clark says with relief, “well, if nothing valuable is missing, then…”
Suddenly their eyes meet, and they share a look of realization.

Lana voices the common thought, “The stone.”

Lana and Clark move quickly to the fireplace. Clark removes the loose brick from the base of the fireplace and pulls out the small box. He opens the box; it is empty. Lana puts her hand on her head in panic and walks away from the fireplace.

“Who else could’ve known it was here?” Clark muses aloud.

“I don’t know,” Lana replies with concern.

“Well, no one saw us with it in China,” Clark continues.

Lana has a thought, and turns to Clark. “Maybe, uh, maybe Lex or Jason figured it out.”

Clark immediately begins to scan every inch of the apartment with his x-ray vision. It doesn’t take him long to locate several bugs, which he promptly incinerates with his heat vision, as Lana looks on in amazement.

“That’s all of them,” Clark states after destroying the last one. “Since there was no forced entry, I have to assume that Lex is the one who had the place bugged, since he has access, as part-owner of the Talon.”

“So now Lex has a stone. I guess we should have brought it to the caves right away,” Lana said regretfully. “So, what do we do now?”

“Well, I suppose we had better go visit Dr. Swann. I received an e-mail from him yesterday, asking for us both to come see him as soon as possible. I guess he wants to know what happened in China.”

“Okay. So how soon do you want to go?” Lana asks.

“How about right after school?” Clark suggests.

“Sounds good.” Lana gives him a quick kiss. “Now scram, so I can shower & get to school on time. See ya there.”

“Okay,” Clark says. He kisses her on the forehead, then exits the apartment, deep in thought.

***
Lex stands inside his open vault. He places the stone on a shelf, then admires the beautifully embroidered garment which is the original map. He looks at the three statues containing the green meteor rocks. He smiles to himself with smug satisfaction, as he walks out of the vault.

***

After school, Clark finds Lana at her locker.

“Hey, Lana. I have a few chores I need to do before we head off. Want to meet me at the farm when you’re ready?”
“Sure, Clark. I’ll be there in about an hour,” she says, as she shuts her locker, and they walk side by side down the hallway and out into the daylight. Clark leaves her at her SUV, then jog away, out of sight of the other students, before superspeeding home.

He drops his book bag in the loft, then heads off to do the afternoon chores. When he is done, he dashes up the stairs to shower and change for his trip to New York with Lana.

Hearing a car drive up outside, Clark makes his way down the stairs, expecting to find Lana. He stops in surprise, as he sees an unfamiliar girl, standing in the kitchen, talking with Martha.

Hearing Clark enter the room, Martha, turns to him, “Clark, this is Lucy, Lois’ sister. Lucy, this is my son, Clark. I’m sure he’ll be happy to help you track Lois down, won’t you, Clark?” she asks, as she looks up at Clark. “Meanwhile,” Martha adds to Lucy,”you can stay in Clark’s room.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put anyone out,” Lucy protests.

Clark sees the look of warning on his Mom’s face, and swallows his frustration, giving Lucy a fake smile. “No problem,” he says unconvincingly.

***
Lana enters the Kent house in search of Clark. She stops as she enters the kitchen, noticing a really cute girl there, obviously eyeing Clark.

“Well, it’s really nice of you to give up your room for me, Clark,” the girl gushes, as she blinks her large painted eyes at Clark.

She’s staying in his room? No way! First Lois, now this… this…. Lana can’t think of an appropriate adjective. She just knows she doesn’t want any other girl sleeping in Clark’s bed.

Clark stands there awkwardly, not knowing what else to do or say, when he suddenly hears Lana clear her throat, and looks up with relief.

“Lana,” he says, as he makes his way to her. Noticing right away the way Lana is glaring at Lucy, Clark pulls her into his arms, and kisses her. “Ready to go?” he askes after breaking the kiss.

“Absolutely,” Lana answers, eager to take Clark away from this new girl who continues to eye him hungrily.

Clark turns to Martha. “Mom, Lana and I have plans. If you don’t get a hold of Lois before we get back, then I’ll be glad to try to help track her down. Meanwhile, why don’t you call Chloe? Maybe she knows another way to get in touch with Lois.”

Clark turns to Lana. “Let’s go.” Taking her hand, he leads her out of the house, and behind the barn, before lifting Lana into his arms and speeding away.

[Cardinal]

In this version of Smallvile, we know a stone really did get stolen, though why Lex decided to steal the blouse/map thingy, I'll never know.

I loved Lana's protective reaction when she realized that Lucy would take Clark's bed.

I always hated it as a kid when my parents would offer my bedroom to any idiot that took a notion to come visit them. Why didn't my folks give up THEIR beds? I bet they would have discouraged too many visits then. :p

And thinking of CK and Lana out running made me think of the original scene where Lana was wearing that purple and black running suit...hubba, hubba! :D

[Nemu]

Man Martha is a mean one in her generosity... she knows Clark wasn't going to be happy...

At least he had his meeting to save him the pain of the Lane duo...

soo... now Baldy has 1 stone and the map... oh well...

I guess once we reach the time to gather that stone Clark won't be alone in this story and Lana will be by his side...

lol Card... I guess I will have to watch that episode again to truly understand your comment about the running outfit ;)

PPMS SV!!!!

[escout]

Awesome. I will get through all of it bit by bit...It's totally awesome and it's the way it should have been done on the show!!!!:)

[happycamper]

I don't remember the running suit. :( Have to remind myself to check out the DVD later...

So Lex got the stone. I think that Clark is going to have to sweep for bugs on at least a daily basis.

I guess it's all right to leave the stone with Lex, for now. That way Clark knows where it's located, at least. :)

Lucy has come to cause trouble, and if I remember right, 'liked' Clark, is a cause for jealousy since she's also sleeping in Clark's bed. :lol:

More, please!


:D :D

[clana1fan4ever]

Awsome update

[clana_never_give_up]

I just caught up to your story. It's really good.

I wish the show would've been like this. It would of been better.

I wonder what Dr.Swann wants to talk about with Clark and Lana. This will be interesting.

[NYC300Z]

Just caught up missed one! Liked the ending of the last episode and how it flowed smothly into Lucy good that Clark was running with Lana, but now Lex has the stone!

PPMS!;)

[Trent083]

Another awesome effort SV, I love your work

[Nemu]

can't wait for the next part SV!!!

PPMS!!!

[clana_never_give_up]

Me either, this story is so good.

[ronmanb77]

pulled a marathon on this one. Great way to re-write the season. Great story.

[SVsleuth]

Thanks, everyone. I DO hope to get back to writing this soon. I've tried a few times, but just couldn't pull it together yet. I will try again this weekend, and hope to have better success. It always takes me a while to get back into it after taking a break from it. I have some definite plot twists that I plan to use, but haven't figured out exactly how to fit them into which episodes. Thanks for hanging in there, waiting. :)

[clana_never_give_up]

^Thanx for the update SV!

[SVsleuth]

Happy Birthday, Cardinal! Here's a birthday update for you. ;)

***

LUCY - Part 2

Half way to New York, Clark stops running, in order to give Lana a break. When he’s carrying her, he is careful not to use his greatest speed, so as not to make things too uncomfortable for her. He stops at an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway, gives Lana a small kiss, then sets her on her feet.

“Half way there,” he says with a grin. “Are you alright? I’ve never run someone this far before,” he says as he runs his fingers through Lana’s hair to get the knots out.

“I’m okay,” Lana assures him with a smile. “Maybe my few Kryptonian genes help me to endure it,” she laughs.

Clark grins. “May be,” he says. “So, what do you think?” Clark asks as he directs Lana’s attention to the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lana finally removes her eyes from Clark’s face and turns to take in the view. “Wow! It’s beautiful!” she exclaims with delight, as she walks to the railing and continues to enjoy the view of the mountains, a deep blue against the lighter blue of the clear sky.

“Yes, it is,” Clark says softly, as he focuses his attention on Lana alone. He leans against the railing and drinks in her beauty, captivated by the way she seems to glow as she takes in the beauty of nature. It’s as if every ounce of nature’s beauty seeps into her, transforming her natural beauty into something seemingly supernatural.

Lana breathes in the crisp air deeply, closing her eyes for a moment as she exhales, peacefulness filling every inch of her being. Finally she glances at Clark. She sees how he is just watching her, with that special something in his eye. She realizes his last comment was in reference to her, and not to the mountains. Her heart rate increases, as it always does when she sees him looking at her that way. She swallows, as her eyes lock on his in a long gaze.

Clark moves toward her, and takes her hands in his own, his eyes never leaving hers. He leans down and kisses her softly, tenderly. “I love you, Lana. No matter what happens with all of this, I want you to know that I will always love you.” He kisses her again.

“I love you, too, Clark - always,” Lana says in almost a whisper. She leans in to his chest and he wraps his arms around her in a loving embrace.

***
After finding a little café where they get a bite to eat, Clark again lifts Lana into his arms and speeds toward New York. Arriving in the alley behind the Museum, Clark helps Lana straighten her hair and clothes, and she does the same for him. When they feel presentable, Clark takes Lana’s hand in his own and leads her to the basement where Dr. Swann’s office is located.

“Dr. Swann? Are you here? It’s Clark Kent.” Clark looks around and leads Lana further into the room, to where Dr. Swann is usually seated, behind his desk.

“Clark,” Dr. Swann says with a smile, as Clark comes around the corner of a bookcase and into his view. Then he sees Lana. His eyes open wide and he swallows hard, as he tries to reign in the wave of emotion that sweeps over him upon seeing her. “Lana,” he finally manages to say, his eyes still fixed upon her.

Something about the way he says her name causes Lana to lift her eyes quickly to meet his gaze. He holds her gaze for only a split second before shifting his eyes away, and back to Clark. He clears his throat, then speaks.

“Lana, I’m so glad Clark finally brought you to see me. Have a seat - both of you,” he continues, “we have much to discuss.”

Clark pulls out a chair for Lana, then takes the seat beside her, taking her hand in his own. Dr. Swann smiles as he observes the gesture of affection, pleased to see the obvious bond between the young lovers.

“So,” Dr. Swann begins, “how was the trip to China? Did you obtain the stone?”

Clark speaks first, “Well, the trip had its ups and downs. And yes, we obtained the stone. But…”

“But you didn’t place it in the table with the other,” Dr. Swann interjects.

Clark looks up, surprised. “How did you know?”

“If you had done so, the third stone, the one in my possession, would have called out to you, and you would have completed the uniting of the stones by now. Why did you delay?” Dr. Swann asks.

Clark sighs. “We weren’t sure…we were afraid that…well, the rumors of all that power…”

Dr. Swann nods knowingly. “You fear having the power. You should fear more Lex Luthor having the power, Clark. Where is the stone now?”

Clark shifts his eyes away from Dr. Swann’s as he answers. “It was stolen from us. I believe Lex has it.”

Dr. Swann lets out a sigh of frustration.

“Clark, I cannot stress enough to you how very dangerous these stones can be in the hands of Lex Luthor. He must not be allowed to unite them.” Dr. Swann pauses, seeming to be in deep thought, trying to make a decision. “Clark, if I give you the stone that I have in my possession, can you promise me you will take it straight to the caves and place it with the first one?”

“What would happen, if I do it?” Clark asks nervously.

Dr. Swann notes Clark’s hesitancy. “The final stone would call out to you, so that you could find it quickly, unite it with the others, and obtain access to the knowledge encoded there.”

Clark looks at Lana, and then back to Dr. Swann. “I-I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

Dr. Swann nods. “Fair enough. Then I will hold on to the stone for now. If you can get that stone away from Luthor by another means, please, do it. This delay is dangerous, Kal-El. Take a week or two to think about things. Then come back to see me again. There are things I could reveal to you that may help you decide - but revealing these has its own risks. Take some time to think about what would happen to this planet if Lex Luthor were to obtain access to all the knowledge collected by the Kryptonian race for its entire existence. I can assure you, Earth would certainly meet the same fate as Krypton.”

“How can you be so certain, Dr. Swann?” Clark asks seriously.

Dr. Swann reflects in silence for a long, sobering moment. He finally looks Clark in the eye. “I just know,” he says ominously.

Lana is getting chills as this topic is discussed. She decides to change the subject. “Dr. Swann, would you like to know what else happened in China?”

Dr. Swann looks to Lana. “By all means, Lana. Fill me in.”

Lana and Clark go on to fill Dr. Swann in on all the details of what happened in China and afterward: how the professor was killed; how they found the original map and then the stone; how the bracelet was involved, and how they spoke with Kem-An; how Clark rescued Lex and Jason; how they found Lana’s apartment bugged, after discovering the stone had been stolen.

Dr. Swann listens with interest. He is especially intrigued by the revelation about Kem-An being Isobel’s father, and thus Lana’s ancestor. Suddenly, many questions that had long had gone unanswered begin to make sense to him. Yes, Kal-El is on the right path this time. Don’t mess it up, Kal-El. Don’t mess it up like I did.

“If you have doubts and fears, Kal-El, then make use of the access you have to Kem-An and Jor-El. They can help you. Allow them to help you. Trust them. I’ll remind you, the very existence of this planet depends on your mission, Kal-El.”

Clark sighs heavily. Lana squeezes his hand reassuringly. They both stand up. Clark speaks. “Thank you, Dr. Swann. This is difficult for me - for us. We did accept the mission Kem-An gave us. It’s just not so black and white now that it’s time to do it. I guess we have a lot to think about. We’ll keep in touch.”

“Good-bye, Kal-El. Good-bye, Lana. I hope to see you both again very soon.”

Clark and Lana make their way out of the basement. Clark then lifts Lana into his arms, and speeds away, toward home.

***
After bringing Lana to her apartment, Clark heads home. It is late. Clark enters the house and starts toward the stairs. He wants nothing more than a warm, relaxing shower, and then to settle into his bed for the night. Just as he reaches the steps, he meets Martha coming down from upstairs.

“Oh, Clark, I’m glad you’re home. I was beginning to worry. You never really said where you were going or how long you would be gone.”

Martha hugs Clark at the bottom of the stairs and indicates with a nod that she wants to talk to him further. Clark follows her into the kitchen.

“Sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you. Lana and I went to visit Dr. Swann.”

“In New York?” Martha asks in surprise.

Clark smiles, “Yes, in New York. I ran us there.”

“Shh…,” Martha cautions. “Lucy is here. She’s spending the night, then will meet up with Lois tomorrow.”

Clark sighs audibly. “I guess I get the sofa again,” he says, a bit frustrated. “I was really looking forward to a good night’s sleep in my own bed. That was a tiring trip.”

Martha looks at Clark sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Clark. But I couldn’t ask the girl to sleep on the sofa or in the loft. It’s only for one night.”

“Better be,” Clark says. “Well, I need to go shower. Can I at least get in my room to get some clothes?”

“I left some for you in the bathroom, Clark - something for tonight, and your work clothes for the morning.” She gives him an apologetic smile. “Will you be alright?”

“I suppose so,” Clark answers, then turns and makes his way up the stairs.

***
A short time later, Clark settles in on the sofa. He takes out his cell phone and dials Lana’s number.

“Hey, Clark. I was hoping you’d call,” Lana says as she shifts her position in her bed to get more comfortable. “Are you all comfy in your bed?”

“Nope. Got bumped to the sofa. Lois’ sister is still here, so she has my room,” Clark complains. “And, she used all the hot water, so I couldn’t even enjoy my shower.”

“Aw…my poor baby. I know you’re really tired and could have used a good warm shower and a good night’s rest in your own bed,” Lana sympathizes. Wish you could share mine, she thinks, before mentally slapping herself. Aloud she just says, “Well I hope she’s really only staying one night. You know I hate it when other girls get to sleep in your bed.”

“I hate it too,” Clark says. There’s only one girl I want in my bed, he thinks. Catching himself, Clark shakes off those thoughts, and releases an audible sigh. Lana can guess what he was thinking, but she says nothing. “Lana, will you come over for breakfast in the morning? I’m not really looking forward to having to share breakfast with Lois’ kid sister. Having you here will help immensely.”

“You don’t have to ask twice, Clark. I’ll be there, bright and early. I miss you already,” she says, as she turns on her side and stares at the framed photo of Clark resting on her bedside stand.

“I miss you, too, Lana. I wish…well, never mind. Just sleep well, okay. I love you. See ya in the morning.”

“Good night, Clark. I love you, too. I hope you can rest okay on that sofa. ‘Night.”

Lana flips her cell closed, places it on her nightstand, then slides down under her comforter. Before long she is sound asleep, dreaming of Clark.

Clark stretches out on the sofa, tossing and turning, trying to get his large frame into a semi-comfortable position. At least I can look forward to seeing Lana in the morning, he thinks, as he finally drifts off to sleep.

***
Very early in the morning, Clark is up and doing his chores. When most of them are complete, he heads into the barn, and is startled to see Lucy Lane there, dressed in denim overalls, and carrying a pail of milk. She smiles at Clark, obviously attracted to him.

“Hope you’re thirsty,” she says.

“What are you doing?” he asks her.

“Oh, I figured I would help out and get the morning milk. I spent last spring break on my friend’s farm in the Swiss countryside,” Lucy says as she walks closer to Clark and gives him her most winning smile.

Clark takes a step back, becoming uncomfortable with her boldness. “Well, you didn’t really have to do that,” he says, unsure if he should take the pail from her and carry it himself.

Lucy flashes him another smile, batting her long lashes as well. “I figured if I’m gonna stay, I have to pull my own weight.”

Lucy walks toward him again slowly as she speaks, smiling up at him flirtatiously.

Lana walks into the barn, looking for Clark. She stops when she sees Lucy flirting with Clark. Clark again steps back, uncomfortably.

“Um, Lucy, let me carry that,” he says, as he reaches for the handle of the pail. Lucy lets him take it, but purposely glides her hand over his during the exchange, and looks up into his eyes as she gushes, “Oh, thank you, Clark.”

Lana can’t stand it any longer. She moves quickly toward them, calling out, “Good morning, Clark. Ready for breakfast?”

Clark breathes a sigh of relief at the sound of Lana’s voice. He puts the pail of milk on the ground, and walks quickly to Lana, wrapping his arms around her and leaning down to kiss her. “Good morning, angel. I’ve missed you so much.”

Lana leans up to kiss him again, at length. “I missed you too,” she whispers.

Lucy just stands there staring at the couple uncomfortably. When they continue to kiss, seeming to have forgotten all about her, she just sighs, picks up the pail of milk, and heads out of the barn toward the house.

Eventually, Clark and Lana make their way back to the house. As they enter the kitchen, Lana takes hold of Clark’s hand possessively, as she shoots daggers from her eyes at Lucy. All during breakfast, Lana sends non-verbal messages to Lucy to back off. Lucy recognizes their bond, but continues to flirt nonetheless, just for the fun of it.

After breakfast, as Lana helps Martha clear the table, Lucy sidles up to Clark flirtatiously, batting her lashes at him. “Clark, could you help me wrestle my suitcases down the stairs? Please? Lois wants me to meet her at the Talon. Oh, and could you give me a ride there? I had to take a cab to get here, but…”

Lana overhears, and turning around she sees Lucy again flirting with Clark. She knows the reason Lois wanted to meet Lucy at the Talon instead of at the farm is because Clark and Lois are still on the outs with each other. There’s no way in hell that girl is taking my man alone with her in his truck. Lana moves in beside Clark, wrapping her arm around his waist, and glaring at Lucy. “I’ll drive you, Lucy. Clark has chores to do.”

Clark looks down at Lana in surprise. He hasn’t seen this jealous Lana much. He smiles at her, and leans down to give her a small kiss. “Thanks, Lana. I’d appreciate that.”

Defeated, Lucy turns away, and helps Martha finish clearing the table. Clark whispers into Lana’s ear, “Just don’t scratch her eyes out, okay? You know I only have eyes for you. Don’t let her get to you, okay? I love you.” He kisses her again.

“You’re right, Clark. I just can’t help but feel angry and jealous when a girl makes a play for you, though, when you’re obviously spoken for.” She gives him another kiss.

“Yes, I am hopelessly in love with you, Lana. No other girl has even a sliver of a chance to take me away from you. So, just get her to Lois for me, okay? Then get straight back here, because I’ll be missing you.”

Clark kisses her once more, then bounds up the stairs to get Lucy’s suitcases. Lana smiles as she watches him go. Lucy turns to see the way Lana is staring after Clark. She gets the message, loud and clear. Looks like he’s definitely taken. I should have guessed that a hunk like that would already have a girl. Oh, well, I’m leaving today anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.

Before long, Lucy thanks Martha for her hospitality, Clark places Lucy’s suitcases in Lana’s car, and Lana and Lucy drive off to find Lois. They drive in silence for a while, before Lucy finally speaks up.

“Listen, Lana, I’m sorry about the way I acted with Clark. I can see that the two of you are quite taken with each other. I was just having a little fun. I’ve been at an all girl school for so long, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to flirt with a hot hunk of a guy. Forgive me?”

Lana glances over at Lucy. “Okay. Forgiven. But you should be careful. You just might get your eyes scratched out if you do that to the wrong girl.” Lana smiles at her.

Lucy nods. They pull up in front of the Talon. Lana and Lucy each carry a suitcase into the Talon. Lucy sees Lois and moves toward her for a hug. Lana slips away before having to deal with Lois. She’s had enough of the Lanes for one day.

Lana drives back to the farm. Clark scoops her into his arms and kisses her repeatedly.

“Wow! What’s that for?” Lana asks.

“Just to let you know without a doubt that you’re the only one for me. Now, I was thinking I could practice flying today. Care to come ? Mom’s packing a picnic lunch for us.”

“Oh, cool! Yes, I’ve been waiting for another opportunity to watch you crash into trees and bushes.” Clark sets her down on her feet and they walk toward the house together. “You always look so cute with leaves in your hair…”

***

[Cardinal]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, SV!

Now, as for your update, I love, L - O - V - E, seeing jealous Lana. That's the one thing I'll miss about having no Clois on Smallville, Lana won't have any chance to really get jealous. That is, unless they finally bring in Lori Lemaris.

Swann seems to know more than we thought. Be interested to know what he knows and how he knows it.

PPMS! :p

[Nemu]

:D knew it was either you or Card lol

From the way Swann takled it sounded like he is at least part Kryptonian... Maybe of a third tree?

This was good SV!!!

Jealous Lana was fun to see... At least Lucy is faster than her sister at understanding that she needs to back off...

PPMS!!!

[clana1fan4ever]

:) Great update!!

It is pretty fun to see Lana jealous :lol:

PPMS!!

[NYC300Z]

lol Clark crashing into bushes and things! Just wonderful to see them working on everything together!

PPMS!

[clana_never_give_up]

Clark crashing into trees and bushes will be really funny.

:D :D :D :D :D :lol:

[clana1fan4ever]

So do we get an update for this story anytime soon SV? :)

[SVsleuth]

I hope so. I've been real busy, but I was reading over my notes for this story tonight. It's just getting harder to write, as I get closer to the end, and need to tie up a lot of loose ends. I think about it oftne, and hopefully, things will click soon & I can actually get the rest written. There are a few major surprises ahead - I just have to figure out how to get them into the story without a huge diversion for telling some backstory. As soon as I figure it out, I'll write more. Sorry for the long waits between updates. This story is quite a challenge.

[clana_never_give_up]

I think we all would like a good-well thought out post. So don't rush it.

I'd rather wait a lond time for a well-thought out update then a two second thought update.

Take your time SV.....no one'as pressuring you........(well I'm not at least)

:D :D

[SVsleuth]

ONYX - Part 1

Lex and Dr. Sinclair are in a laboratory, conducting an experiment. They are using a large Kryptonite crystal to irradiate seeds. The temperature keeps rising out of control, and Lex is caught in a beam of energy. When it stops, Lex collapses to the floor, then an explosion occurs in the lab. Lex gets up slowly and helps Dr. Sinclair up. His head is bleeding.

“I’m calling this one a failure. Come on, Dr. Sinclair, I’ll get you to the hospital,” Lex says as he helps Dr. Sinclair out of the lab. As they are leaving, another Lex who has been lying behind the shattered kryptonite crystal stands up and watches them go with disbelief.

***
Clark and Lana are stretched out on a blanket, under their favorite tree, having a picnic.

“Alright, that’s enough eating, Clark. It’s time to practice your flying. Come on.” Lana gets up, takes him by the hand, and tries to pull him up from the blanket. Clark pulls her down to him instead, onto his lap and kisses her.

“I’d rather stay here, with you,” he says softly, as he leans in for another kiss.

Lana kisses him several times, then says, “Come on, Clark. Start practicing. I’m still waiting for you to get good enough to take me up for a flight.”

“I think that will take quite a while Lana. I’m not going to risk hurting you…”

Lana gets up and Clark finally stands as well. He takes her hand and they walk to an open area where Clark can work on flying. He begins by simply trying to rise straight up from the ground. He had mastered that technique pretty well the last time he worked on developing his flight. He practices this levitation-type flight for a while, rising as high as he dare in the late afternoon light.

Lana sits cross-legged on the ground, watching his every move, admiring her man with pride. Eventually, she gets up and walks over to him.

“You seem to have that type of flight mastered pretty well, Clark. Can you take me up - just a bit?” She sees his hesitation. “Please?” she asks as she gives him a light kiss. “Just a few feet off the ground. I can’t possibly get hurt.

Clark looks at her pleading eyes, and releases a sigh.

“How can I refuse you,” he says with a smile. “Okay, I’ll try. But just a few feet up.”

He pulls Lana close to him. “Stand on my feet, and wrap your arms tightly around my waist.”

Lana does as he instructs, and Clark enfolds her in his arms. He kisses her on the top of her head. “Okay, ready?” he asks.

“Ready,” Lana replies as she snuggles closer into his chest.

Clark concentrates, just as he had been practicing all afternoon. He is nervous about trying this, and is being very cautious. Ever so slowly, his feet leave the ground, and he hovers about 3 inches above the ground.

“You okay?” he asks Lana.

Lana tips her head up, “I’m fine, Clark. We’re only three inches off the ground. Come on, take me a little higher.”

Clark concentrates. The added weight causes a smaller rise than previously, so he tries to compensate. As he does so, Lana kisses his neck. Not expecting this, Clark loses his concentration, and finds himself suddenly shooting toward the sky at a much greater speed than he had intended.

He instinctively pulls Lana closer in a protective gesture. “Lana, stop! I can’t concentrate.”

Fearing for Lana’s safety if they fall from 20 feet up, Clark focuses hard and tries to lower himself slowly to the ground. In his eagerness to get Lana down quickly, he lands harder than he would have liked, and they fall over in a tangled heap upon the ground.

“Lana! Are you alright?” Clark asks with great concern in his voice.

Lana laughs out loud, as Clark rolls onto his back with Lana still held tightly in his arms. “I’m fine, Clark,” she says through her laughter and leans down to kiss him. Relieved, he finally grins, then kisses her repeatedly. “Let’s do it again, Clark,” Lana requests.

“What?” he replies with wide eyes. “No way! Lana, you could have been seriously injured. Absolutely not. You’re grounded until I can be sure I have total control of this ability.”

Clark rolls her off of him and stands up, then offers her a hand and pulls Lana to her feet and into his arms. He plucks a few pieces of grass from her hair, and moves a stray strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He gazes upon her face, becoming more serious.

“Lana, that was very careless of me. If you ever got hurt because of me…I could never forgive myself. I’d probably never use my abilities again.”

“Clark, don’t talk like that. You’re never gonna hurt me. Now get over there and keep practicing now that it‘s getting darker out, while I pack up the picnic stuff,” Lana says, then gives Clark a quick peck on the lips and heads toward the picnic area.

Clark stands straight, then bends his knees, thinks of Lana kissing his neck, and pushes off from the ground with his feet. He shoots high into the sky in an instant. Lana turns and her jaw drops as she witnesses Clark launch himself into the sky and disappear. After a few moments, she begins to get concerned. Where is he? She walks back to where Clark had been and scans the sky, searching for a sign of him. Suddenly, she feels a wind, and she turns to see Clark behind her, grinning ear to ear.

“Clark! Are you alright? You scared me!” Lana scolds as she wraps her arms around him tightly.

Clark continues to grin as he replies, “I’m fine, Lana. That was amazing! It was the closest I ever came to the experience I had when Jor-El forced me to fly last summer. I did have trouble controlling the landing, though, with so much power in the flight. I downed a few trees and left a huge hole in the ground - so I decided to run back, to make sure I wouldn’t do the same thing here and possibly hurt you.” He gives her a kiss, then taking her hand says, “Come on. We should go, It’s getting really dark now.” They walk back to the picnic area and pack everything into Lana’s SUV. Just as they are finishing, Clark’s cell phone begins to ring. He lifts it from the holder on his belt and checks the caller. “It’s Chloe,” he informs Lana as he flips his phone open and puts it to his ear.

“Hey, Chloe, what’s up? You won’t believe what I just did… What?…Was anyone hurt?…Yeah, I’ll meet you there…Okay, bye.”

Lana looks at Clark worriedly. “What is it, Clark? What happened?”

“There was an explosion at a LuthorCorp lab. A friend of Chloe’s told her. Lana, you know that explosions at LuthorCorp have a history of creating unwanted problems in the community - like that time when everyone had their worst nightmare. I should go and make sure no one is in danger.”

Lana nods her agreement. “Go, Clark. I can drive home. Just call me later and fill me in, okay.”

“I promise,” Clark says, and he leans down to kiss her quickly, before speeding away.

Lana climbs into her SUV and heads home.

***
At Smallville Medical Center, Clark meets Chloe and they make their way into a patient room where Lex is sitting on an exam table.

“Lex, are you okay?” Clark asks with concern.

“Clark. I’m fine,” Lex says as he stands up. “How did you know I was here?”

Chloe speaks up, “One of your EMTs is a friend of mine. She said there was an explosion at LuthorCorp?”

Clark adds, “What happened?”

Lex answers honestly, “We were conducting an experiment.”

“Well, I’m guessing it didn’t go well.,” Clark replies.

“Not exactly as I hoped, but it was worth the risk,” Lex says.

Chloe pipes up, “I’m sure it was… to LuthorCorp’s bottom line.”

“To the world, Chloe,” Lex says, with sincerity. “Look, why don’t the two of you come with me to the lab, and I’ll show you what Dr. Sinclair and I have been working on?”

Clark and Chloe exchange a puzzled glance, surprised by the invitation.

Lex continues enthusiastically, “I really think you’re gonna like this one.”

Lex grabs his coat from where it is hanging by the door and leaves the room.

Clark looks at Chloe with a shrug, “All right, let’s go.”

Clark starts to leave, but Chloe stops him.

“Clark, wait, I’m not buying any story from a Luthor without corroboration. So I’m gonna go talk to Dr. Sinclair and find out what he has to say about this.”

“Okay,” Clark repies. “I’ll check out the lab with Lex.”

“Just be careful, okay? I mean, no matter what he says, LuthorCorp experiments never end well,” Chloe reminds Clark. Too often they involve meteor rocks, she thinks with a sigh, as she watches Clark follow Lex out of the room.

***
The duplicate Lex enters Dr. Sinclair’s hospital room, talks with him briefly, then injects air into his IV, which leads to his death. As he exits the room he runs into Chloe.

Chloe is confused, having thought Lex left with Clark.
They speak briefly, until a Code blue is called for Dr. Sinclair’s room. Chloe is frightened & suspicious, having just seen Lex exit that room.

***
Clark and Lex are in the laboratory at LuthorCorp. They stand next to a glass tank full of plants.

“This is what your secret experiment was about?” Clark asks. “Gardening?”

Lex smiles. “No, Clark. It’s about the future. These are growing in common sand with only a few drops of water as irrigation.”

“If my dad planted a crop of these, he’d never have to worry about the harvest again,” Clark says in amazement.

“Until it arrived on your dinner table,” Lex adds.

Lex walks over to a nearby table and Clark follows him. Lex picks up an apple and hands it to Clark.

“Taste it,” he says. Clark takes a bite. “Those were grown from irradiated seeds.”

Clark makes a face as he tastes the apple.

“Something’s wrong,” he says. “It tastes—”

“Rotten?” Lex finishes for him. Clark nods. “That’s what we’ve been wrestling with. See, we’ve successfully destroyed the genes that make a plant weak, giving it the ability to thrive under the harshest conditions. But the process also affects the fruit it bears, and not for the better.”

“Is that what you were trying to fix when the explosion happened?” Clark asks.
“Dr. Sinclair thought increasing the temperature of the reaction would solve the problem.”

Lex walks toward the middle of the room where the shattered tank rests. Clark puts down the apple and follows him.

“We pushed it further than we ever have, Clark, but the meteor rock became unstable,” Lex reveals.

“Wait, you’re working with meteor rocks again?” Clark asks in surprise.

“If I can find a way to make this work,” Lex replies, “LuthorCorp could put and end to hunger and famine forever. I’m hoping there’s something in Dr. Sinclair’s notes that will explain exactly what went wrong.”

Lex goes to a safe on the wall and punches in a code, then opens the door revealing Dr. Sinclair’s notes on a shelf. Clark is suddenly weakened and backs away from the safe as on the shelf below the notes there are several large crystals of kryptonite. Clark stumbles and almost knocks over a table.

“Clark, you all right?”

“Yeah, um, I don’t think that apple’s sitting very well. I’ll wait for you outside.”

Lex looks at Clark with concern as Clark leaves the lab. As he goes, the other Lex is hiding out of sight, listening to what has been going on.

[Cardinal]

The new Clana interaction is, of course, my favorite part. It looks like Lana distracting Clark made him forget about his inhibitions about flying, allowing him to fully use that ability...or maybe it's just hormone-powered, too.

[clana1fan4ever]

:D
Nince another one of Clark's abilities have to work with the affect of Lana. That was like my favorite part :)

PPMS!

[Nemu]

Cool!!! :D
I wouldn't say hormone 'controled' but it is affected by his emotions and hormones I think...

that was good!!!

the clana stuff was fun and just what was needed ;)

PPMS!!!

[clana_never_give_up]

Interesting. Keep it going!

:D :D :D :D :D

Clark flying was pretty funny I must say. :rotfl:

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by Cardinal
The new Clana interaction is, of course, my favorite part. It looks like Lana distracting Clark made him forget about his inhibitions about flying, allowing him to fully use that ability...or maybe it's just hormone-powered, too.

lol Card I was thinking it was the latter, but who knows? I agree the Clana interactions are the best! Can't wait for more.

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

ONYX - Part 2

Lionel is planning a charity fundraiser and goes to see Lex at the mansion to discuss it. Lex promises to help out by making an appearance, as the head of LuthorCorp, and by getting support from others with deep pockets. He even insists that the fundraiser be held on the top floor of the Luthorcorp building. Lionel is surprised at Lex’s sudden generosity, but accepts Lex’s help, thanks him, and then leaves. Lex turns to his briefcase on his desk and picks up Dr. Sinclair’s notes. Suddenly, the other Lex, is standing behind him.

“Amazing work, isn’t it?”

Lex is startled by the voice. He turns quickly, only to find himself face to face with himself.

“Hello, me,” the intruder says, and then strikes Lex across the face with a pistol, knocking him to the floor. “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.

***
Lana parks her SUV, gathers the picnic supplies into her arms, and heads into the Talon and up to her apartment. After dumping her armload onto the sofa, she decides to just go take a bath and get ready for bed. Maybe by the time I’m done, I’ll hear from Clark. I hope he didn’t run into too much trouble investigating that LuthorCorp explosion.

Lana gathers her nightclothes then heads to the bathroom and starts the water running in the tub, tossing in a few lilac scented bath oil beads. As she lifts her shirt over her head, Lana winces. Tossing the shirt aside, Lana turns her back to the mirror to inspect her right shoulder. That’s going to be an ugly bruise, she thinks to herself. I hope it fades fast. Clark will never forgive himself if he finds out I was hurt when we landed, even a little bit. That shoulder is really starting to stiffen up now, though. Soaking in the tub will help - I hope.

Some time later, Lana is propped up in bed, with pillows behind her, and a book in hand, as she waits to hear from Clark. She hasn’t even read one page before she begins to nod off. Suddenly, the phone rings, jolting her back to reality.

Lifting the phone to her ear, she says, “Clark, is everything alright? I was getting a bit worried when I hadn’t heard from you.”

“I’m fine, Lana. Don’t you worry about me. Lex was checked out at the hospital and released, but the scientist who was conducting the experiment was hurt more seriously. They’ve admitted him, but they think he’ll be fine.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Lana replies with a sigh of relief.

“Lex seemed different, though,” Clark added. “He seemed to be unusually friendly - even brought me to the lab to show me the experiment they had been working on. He was trying to use kryptonite to make seeds that will grow under very harsh - - -”

Lana interrupts him, “There was kryptonite there, Clark? Were you hurt? Are you alright?”

Clark can hear the panic in Lana’s voice.

“Calm down, Lana. I promise, I’m fine. As soon as I began to feel the effects, I backed off, made an excuse, and left.” Clark hates for Lana to worry about him, so changes the subject. “What about you? We had quite an adventure this afternoon. Are you alright? Are you sure you didn’t get hurt during that hard landing?”

Lana is silent as she takes a long breath, debating herself about what to say.

“Lana?”

“I’m here, Clark,” Lana says, her voice more subdued. She finally decides that she cannot lie to Clark or keep things from him. They had agreed to always be open and truthful with each other. “Actually, Clark, I did kind of bruise my shoulder a bit - but it’s not too bad. I’ll be fine. I’m sure it will heal quickly.”

Lana can easily imagine the look she knows is on Clark‘s face - the look he always gets when he blames himself for something. “I’m so sorry, Lana,” Clark says as he mentally berates himself. “I never should have…”

Lana again interrupts him. “Clark, it’s not your fault. I begged you. Anyway, it’s just a bruise. Not a big deal. I’ll survive.”

“Still…I am sorry.”

Lana smiles, wishing Clark was with her so she could give him a big hug and kiss for always being so sweet to her.

Clark and Lana chat for a while longer before reluctantly agreeing that they had better hang up and turn in for the night.

“Good night, Lana. I love you. I hope your shoulder feels better.”

“I love you, too, Clark. Thanks for everything - for just being you. Good night

***

The next day, Clark enters the Torch office where Chloe is working.

“Chloe,” he says as he enters.

Chloe looks up from her computer. “Hey. It’s about time. Pretty slow for the quarterback.”

“Ex-quarterback. What’s so important?” Clark asks.

“Dr. Sinclair.”

“Did he say something about the explosion at LuthorCorp?” Clark asks.

“He couldn’t, Chloe replies. “He’s dead, Clark.”

“What? What happened?” Clark pulls another chair up and sits beside Chloe.

“Cardiac arrest,” Chloe informs him, “in a guy with no history of heart problems.”

“Well, I’d better go tell Lex,” Clark says as he stands up and moves toward the door.

“He already knows, I think,” Chloe says. “I bumped into him coming out of Dr. Sinclair’s room just before he died.”

“When was this?” Clark asks as he pauses near the door.

“Right after you left for the lab,” Chloe tells him.

Clark’s brows furrow as he tries to make sense of this. “Well, Chloe, I was with Lex. We went to the lab together.”

Chloe’s eyes widen as she begins to realize that something wall-of-weirdish may be going on here. “Which would be about the same time I was talking to Lex outside Dr. Sinclair’s room.

“Well, that’s impossible,” Clark says.

Chloe looks at him in disbelief. “Not in Smallville,” she says. “You of all people should know that.”

Chloe goes to her computer and sits down. Clark nods and gives Chloe a crooked smile, as he retraces his steps then sits down again beside her.

“Well, there must be a way to figure out the timeline,” Clark says.

Chloe begins typing on her computer. “Yeah, there is. Smallville Medical Center has a surveillance system which, as far as you know, I’ve never hacked into because that would be wrong.”

Clark nods, smiling slightly, waiting.

“It’s just gonna take a while,” Chloe says apologetically.

Clark nods and stands up. “Call me if you find anything,” he says as he heads toward the door.

Chloe continues typing as Clark leaves.

***

Lana enters her apartment after school with a bag of groceries. She stops suddenly as she sees that Lex is seated on her couch.

“Lex. What are you doing here?” she asks, not knowing what to think about this intrusion.

“I got a message on my cell that you wanted to see me,” Lex says matter-of-factly.

“So you just let yourself in?” Lana asks incredulously.

“My bad,” Lex replies. “Would you like me to go?”

“Yes. Yes, actually, I would. Just because you’re owner of the Talon doesn’t give you the right to just come into my apartment whenever you like,” Lana says angrily.

Lex stands up and walks toward Lana. He takes her groceries and puts them down on the kitchen counter, acting quite like a gentleman. Lana becomes confused.

“So what can I do for Miss Lang this afternoon?” he asks.

“I never called you, Lex. What is it that you really want?”

“Why the hostile tone, Lana? I thought we were friends. Has Clark been feeding you lies about me? I don’t know why you want to stay with him in the first place. What I think, Lana, is that you deserve better. You deserve to be with someone who recognizes how extraordinary you are.”

Lex walks toward Lana, getting uncomfortably close to her. He caresses her face with the backs of his fingers, making her flinch.

“Lex, what are you doing?” Lana asks as she recoils from his touch.

“What I’ve always wanted to,” he answers.

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

“Well, I do like them feisty,” Lex says with a smirk.

“Get out of my apartment!” Lana says angrily as she points toward the door.

“If that’s how you want to play it,” Lex replies. “Oh, by the way, I’m closing the Talon.”

“What?! You can’t do that!” Lana exclaims.

“Hmm, I think I can,” Lex says smugly.

“Lex, this is my home. Where am I supposed to go?”

“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 looks Lana over, checking her out. “I know I will.”

Lana is fuming as Lex turns and leaves the apartment.

***

Lex and a female partner are fencing in his study. They are wearing full fencing gear including masks. Lionel enters.

“Lex.”

Lex’s partner becomes distracted and looks at Lionel. Lex takes the opportunity to press the tip of his fencing sword to his partner’s chest, winning the match.

“What’s going on? What the hell are you doing?” Lionel asks.

Lex and his partner take off their masks.

“Seizing the moment, Dad. Just like you taught me.” Lex turns toward his partner. “Same time tomorrow?”

She smiles at him and starts to leave the study. As she passes by Lex, he slaps her behind and she turns around, startled but still smiling. She leaves. Lionel puts his hands on his hips, sighing disapprovingly.

“Now, what’s your problem with me this time, old man?” Lex says to Lionel disrespectfully.

“It was your offer to hold a fundraiser at LuthorCorp Plaza, then you go behind my back and cancel the whole thing. Why would you do that?”

Lex answers in a mimicking voice, “Because helping those who refuse to help themselves is a waste of time and money, son! Isn’t that what the old Lionel Luthor used to say?”

Lionel answers, “I’ve changed. People change, Lex.”

“No, they don’t,” Lex insists. “They just get soft. Like you. All right, Dad. I’ll let you have your little blue plate charity soiree. I’ll even make a generous contribution.”

Lionel eyes him suspiciously. “And what would I have to do in exchange for this contribution, hmm?”

Lex selects two fencing swords and tosses one of them to Lionel. Lionel catches it.

“I want you to prove you’re still worthy to be my father,” Lex demands.

“Are you insane, Lex?” Lionel asks loudly.

“No. Just curious,” Lex replies.

Lionel protests, “I’m not going to fight—”

Lex lunges at Lionel with his sword, forcing Lionel to defend himself. They duel each other, walking around in a half circle as Lionel yells at Lex.

“Lex, stop it! Lex, stop it!”

Lex stops for a moment.

“Is the miraculous transformation into the man in the white suit genuine, or is it all just an act?”

Lex attacks again, and Lionel blocks with his sword.

“Lex, stop this! Stop it now! Lex, stop it!”

Their swords clash above their heads and Lex pulls Lionel close to his face.

“Do you even know the answer to that question or have you been too afraid to ask? What’s inside you, Dad? Is it really just puppies and hugs now or is something else twisting in your gut, squirming to be free again?” Lex challenges.

In a rage, Lionel pulls his sword away from Lex and whips Lex across the face with the handle, knocking him to the floor. Then Lionel presses the tip of the sword to Lex’s chest.

Lex looks up at Lionel. “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’s tone becomes threatening. “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 enters the barn and stops when he sees Lana sitting on the stairs looking upset.

“Lana? You okay?”

Lana stands up. No. No, I’m not. Clark, when I, um, when I came home, Lex was in my apartment. The way he was acting… It was like he was a totally different person.”

“Maybe he was,” Clark says, almost to himself. “Lana, what did he do? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Clark asks as he moves toward Lana and begins to enfold her in his arms.

Lana winces as Clark accidentally presses on her bruised shoulder. Clark immediately loosens his grip. “What is it, Lana?”

Lana touches her bruised shoulder gently. “It’s just my bruised shoulder. It’s still kind of sore.”

“Can I see?” Clark asks, as he reaches for the neckline of her stretch top.

Lana nods her permission, and Clark gently slides the shirt off of her shoulder just enough to inspect her bruise. “Ow,” he says. “I’m really sorry, Lana. I --”

“Clark, we’ve been through this. It’s not your fault. Now, back to Lex. Do you think that maybe he’s having another psychotic break?”

Clark shakes his head negatively. “It’s more complicated than that.”

“It always is, isn’t it?” She says. “You think you know someone, but there’s this side of them that you never see. Until it’s too late.”

“Well, you’ve certainly seen me at my worst,” Clark says regretfully.

“And at your best,” Lana counters softly.

“Lana…”

Clark’s cell phone rings, interrupting him. He answers it.

“Hello? Oh, hey, Chloe.”

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

“What about the time stamps?” Clark asks.

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

“Yeah. Thanks,” Clark replies, then hangs up and turns back to Lana. “Lana, Chloe and I think that the accident at LuthorCorp might have done something to Lex. There seems to be two of him now.”

“Two Lexes? So that’s why he was acting so strange, and even…” She stops.

“Even what, Lana?” Clark asks, his concern rising. “What did Lex do?”

Lana looks up at Clark hesitantly. “He kissed me. Before I knew it, he just grabbed me and kissed me,” Lana says, her voice beginning to shake at the memory of it. “Hold me, Clark,” she whispers as she leans in to his chest.

Clark enfolds Lana in his arms, being careful not to press on her bruised shoulder. Lana sighs audibly as she buries her face in Clark’s chest. Clark’s anger toward Lex rises, but his need to comfort Lana overrides it for the time being, so he just holds her close, and kisses her on the head. He can almost feel her anxiety melt away as she rests against him.

Finally she tips her head up and looks at Clark. “Thanks, Clark. I always feel so safe in your arms. Everything else fades away, and I feel totally at peace, resting in your love.” Lana smiles into his eyes. “Thanks,” she whispers, and stretches up to capture his lips with her own. When they break the kiss, Lana gazes into Clark’s eyes as she caresses his face with a gentle hand. “I love you, Clark. Kiss me again. Help me to forget that his lips ever touched mine.”

Clark draws her close and gladly obliges, kissing her tenderly, meaningfully. Finally looking intently into her eyes, Clark asks, “Are you okay now, Lana?”

She nods. “Yeah. Perfect.”

“I should go figure out what to do about the two Lexes. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine, Clark. Go on. Please, go figure it out. This new Lex is rather frightening. I’d hate to think what he could do if he remains like that forever.”

“Don’t worry, Lana. We’ll get to the bottom of it. I better go now. Stay safe.”

With one more kiss, Clark turns and heads out of the barn.

***

[NYC300Z]

1st! ahh Lana did get hurt in their little flying trip....oh well Clark needs to learn to not beat himself up as much. Clark is off to confront Lex...I wonder what he has instore for Clark? Great Clana scenes I can't say it enough they make the original pale in comparison!

PPMS!

[Nemu]

:D 2?

I fully agree with NYC up there...

Sooo... now to play with Jekyll and Hyde...

This is one place where you can change the future once again SV... by having Alexander come out as the dominant instead of Baldy...

or keep it the way it went...

PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

NYC & Nemu - I edited part of the scene between Lana & Lex at her apartment, changing a few things. I realized that at this time, Lex owns the Talon & Martha runs it. Lana is just a tenant. So I made a few changes. Sorry for my lapse of memory there. So you two should refresh, then re-read that part. Sorry. - SVsleuth

[Nemu]

lol SV... i had already the edited version...

so i dont even know what you wrote first ;)

[NYC300Z]

I caught the original so let me go back!;)

ok went back re-read that part. Still great update!:cool:

[clana1fan4ever]

:D

Great!!

Clark does need to stop beating himself....

I loved the Clana scene you had SV :)

PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

Lana needs some Ben-Gay, and Clark needs to be the one to rub it in. ;) :D Oh wait, that kind of activity could cause our favorite couple to break their vows, so that will just have to remain a fantasy for them both.

[SVsleuth]

ONYX - Part 3

Lana downs her third cup of coffee as she moves nervously around her apartment, waiting for a call from Clark. Surely he should have called me by now, she thinks, as she glances at the clock. Eight p.m. Lana grabs her cell phone for what seems the hundredth time since Clark left her to go investigate the two Lexes. She presses the speed-dial and waits again - and again, his cell goes directly to voice mail.

“Clark, where are you? Please call me. I’m worried about you.” Lana flips the phone shut, glances again at the clock, then grabs her keys and heads out of her apartment.

***
Lana pulls up to the Kent farm. There is no light on in the barn, so she heads for the house. The door is unlocked, so Lana lets herself in. “Mr. Kent? Mrs. Kent? Is anyone home?” she calls. No response.

With a sigh, Lana resigns herself to wait even longer, and settles onto the sofa.

***

Lana is startled awake by the sound of someone coming noisily into the house. She turns quickly, only to see Clark carrying Chloe into the house. He sets her down on a bar stool, then gets her a damp cloth for the cut on her face. He then goes to the refrigerator and pours a glass of cold water for Chloe. Lana jumps up and heads toward the kitchen. “Clark! Thank God you’re alright! I’ve been worried sick, and you weren’t answering your cell.”

She runs to him and throws her arms around him, then plants a kiss on his lips. “Don’t scare me like that!” she scolds.

“I’m sorry, Lana, I never meant to worry you. Chloe was hurt, though.” He turns to Chloe. “Chloe, we really should get you to the hospital.”

“Yeah, ‘cause that worked out really well for Dr. Sinclair.” Chloe says sarcastically. “Clark, I’m fine, okay? Although I still can’t believe I survived the sky falling on my head. I knew you were strong and fast, but I guess I was still totally surprised to actually be alive after that ceiling fell.”

Lana interrupts, “What happened? What do you mean the ceiling fell?”

“It was the evil Lex.” Clark informs her. “He lured us to the lab, then dropped the ceiling on us, in an attempt to get rid of us.”

“Good thing our ex-quarterback moves so fast,” Chloe says with a smile.

Clark grimaces as he pushes Chloe’s hair out of the way to look at a bruise on her forehead. “Yeah, well, not fast enough,” he says.

“Clark, I can live with a couple of bruises considering the alternative,” Chloe says with a smirk. “You’re always there when I need you, Clark. I just hope someday I can do the same for you.”

Reaching out for Lana’s hand, he gives it a squeeze as he says, “Right now I just want to make sure you girls are safe until I can figure out what to do about the two Lexes.”

Suddenly feeling she is intruding on Clark and Lana, Chloe stands up and puts on her coat as she speaks, “I can… I can stay with Lois at the military base. Perfect. Although getting between her and the general while they’re trying to reconcile might be just as dangerous. Wanna come with me, Lana?”

“Um, no. Thanks, Chloe, but I’ll figure out something else,” Lana answers.

Chloe nods, then turns to Clark, “Watch out, okay Clark? Lex can be devious enough. There’s no telling what his evil twin is capable of. I’ll be on my cell.”

Chloe walks toward the door and lets herself out.

Lana turns to Clark, grabs hold of both of his hands, and pulls him toward her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she again reaches up to kiss him repeatedly. Clark enfolds her in his arms and returns her kisses eagerly.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t call you. My cell was crushed in the “accident”.

“Did you find out anything else?” Lana asks.

“Well, I did see a piece of Black Kryptonite at the lab. I wonder if it was created during the accident. I don’t remember if I‘ve mentioned it before, but black kryptonite can split a person in two and can put them back together - that’s how I got back to normal last summer. My mom got a piece of Black K from Dr. Swann.”

Lana looks thoughtful. “Clark, maybe you can get that piece of Black Kryponite and use it to reunite the two Lexes,” Lana suggests hopefully.

“I thought of that. But I’d have to figure out a way to keep it from affecting me. I could begin to feel it when I got near it. I had to back off quickly,” Clark says.

“There has to be a way.” Lana insists.

Suddenly Clark stops, seeming to be listening to something. “Someone’s in the barn, Lana. I’m gonna go and check it out.”

“I’m coming with you…”

“No!” Clark says, quite sharply. Then he softens his tone, as he takes Lana hands in his and looks lovingly upon her. “No, Lana, please, just stay here. I need you to be safe. Lex is more dangerous than we thought. He’s willing to kill, Lana, and I don’t want you in his cross-hairs.” He leans down to kiss her gently.

Lana nods her agreement. “Okay, Clark, I’ll stay. But, please, be careful. If anything ever happened to you, I…”

“Nothing is going to happen to me, Lana. I can handle Lex - even his evil twin. Don’t worry.”

Clark kisses Lana once more, and turns toward the door.

“Clark?” Lana calls out. He stops and looks back at her. “If you don’t come back in fifteen minutes, I’m coming after you.”

With a nod, Clark turns and heads out to the barn.

***

Clark enters the barn. Using his x-ray vision he locates Lex in the loft. He super-speeds up there and confronts evil Lex directly.

“Where’s Lex?”

“He’s standing right in front of you,” Lex says with a smirk.

“No, you’re not him. In spite of our differences, the real Lex would never try to kill me - or Chloe.”

“No, you’re probably right. But he’s thought about it! All the times you’ve meddled in his plans, derailed his ambitions. He’s thought about killing all of you. He just never had the guts to go through with it.”

“What are you?” Clark asks, wondering how much this Lex understands about what happened to him.

“I was just about to ask you the same question. I dropped half the lab on you and Miss Sullivan and yet, here you stand.”

“I was lucky,” Clark replies uncomfortably.

“Don’t be modest, Clark. We both know you’re much more than that. It all makes sense now. That first day on the bridge when we met, how you were able to save me when my car went into the river. All of the other miraculous times you appeared in just the right place at just the right moment, almost as if you possessed powers and abilities beyond those of mortal men.”

Clark inhales nervously, realizing that Lex knows way too much about him.

“You lied to me for years, Clark. But now I know your secret.”

Clark tries to keep up the façade, not knowing what else to do. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lex cuts in sharply, “Don’t! I saw you after the explosion. You lifted a half a ton of concrete like it was nothing. I should’ve figured it out a long time ago. All the pieces were there. I was just blinded by friendship. A factor that’s been removed from the equation.”

“Whatever you are, whatever you’re planning, I’m gonna stop you,” Clark says with determination.

“No, you aren’t. You’re gonna join me,” Lex declares.

“What?” Clark asks incredulously.

“Think about it, Clark. My intellect, your powers. Together we could rule this world. We’ll walk as gods among men.”

“You’re not a god. I’m not even sure you’re human.”

“Are you?”

Lex turns away and walks toward the loft window. Clark follows.

“Is the real Lex still alive?” Clark asks him.

“Oh, you don’t get it, do you?” Lex turns to face Clark. “I am the real Lex!” he shouts.

Clark asks more insistently, “Is he still alive?”

“Sort of.” Lex admits. “I mean, I couldn’t really be sure what would happen to me if I killed him, so I tucked him away where I could keep an eye on him, maybe torture him a little when I’m feeling blue.”


Clark super speeds to Lex and grabs his neck angrily.

“Where is he? Where is he?”

Clark is suddenly weakened and falls to the floor.

“What’s the matter, Clark? You look a little sick. Just like back in the lab when you were with the other me when he opened the safe door and exposed you to the meteor rock. Yeah, I was watching.”

Lex is holding a small open box with a ring in it. The stone in the ring is a piece of kryptonite. Lex removes the ring from the box and slips it onto his finger.

“Every man has a weakness, Clark, no matter how superhuman he may be. I’ve embraced my destiny. Now embrace yours. We could forge a new future together.”

Clark struggles to his feet slowly. “I’ll never join you,” he declares through clenched teeth.

“Yes, you will. Or everyone you love will suffer! Beginning with Lana.”

Lex punches the weakened Clark across 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.

Just as Clark falls to the ground, Jonathan and Martha have pulled into the yard in the truck, and see him fall. Martha jumps out of the truck and runs toward Clark.

“Clark!” she exclaims as she runs toward him.

“Mom!”

Jonathan is right beside her, “Son!”

Clark stumbles into the barn and falls down.

“Dad!” he calls out. In his weakened condition, he cannot manage to say more.

Jonathan and Martha enter the barn and run to Clark. He has a cut on his face from where Lex hit him.

“My God, Clark! You’re bleeding!” Martha exclaims.

Just then, Lex comes down the stairs.

“I’m guessing that doesn’t happen very often,” he says.

Jonathan replies, “Lex. What did you do?”

Lex pulls out a gun and aims it at them, staying close enough to Clark that the highly refined meteor rock keeps him weakened.

“I gotta hand it to you guys. I mean, keeping something like this a secret must’ve required an impressive ability to obscure the truth. Maybe the Kents and the Luthors have something in common after all.”

Jonathan notices Lex’s kryptonite ring. Lex nods, pointing to the ring.

“Yeah, I know about the green meteor rock and Clark’s unique gifts,” Lex taunts smugly.

Martha speaks up, “What do you want?”

“The world, Mrs. Kent. And your son’s gonna help me bring it to its knees. Now, talk some sense into him before something unfortunate happens!” Lex orders.

He fires the gun, shooting Jonathan in the leg. Martha screams as Jonathan falls to his knees.

“Like that,” Lex adds.

Clark yells out, “Dad!”

Martha runs to Jonathan’s side. Clark tries to go to Jonathan but he is too weakened by the kryptonite and he falls down again. Lex smiles evilly.

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

***
Lana is in the house, waiting nervously for Clark to return. The fifteen minutes she gave him are almost up. Suddenly, she hears a gunshot. “Clark!” she exclaims She grabs Jonathan’s rifle from the wall and races from the house over to the barn, not knowing what to expect. She stops before entering the barn and peers around the edge of the doorway. She surmises quickly that Clark is incapacitated from kryptonite, and Jonathan has been injured. She sees Lex, on the bottom step, pointing a handgun toward Jonathan. Thankful for the riflery class she took at school the previous semester, Lana aims the gun at Lex’s arm, and fires. Missing the mark, the bullet grazes his hand instead, and, startled, Lex drops the gun. As he turns to retrieve it, Lana calls out, “Don’t even think about it, Lex, or the next bullet goes into your heart.” Lex stops, raising his hands in the air slowly. “Get out,” Lana orders him.

Lex looks at the rifle, and decides to leave while he can. He walks slowly out of the barn. Turning back, he says to Clark, “This isn’t over, Clark. You will join me or pay the consequences.” Lana lets Lex pass and he gets into his car and speeds away.

Lana drops the rifle, and runs to Clark, dropping down beside him and pulling him into a tight hug. “Oh, Clark, are you alright? How did he know about your weakness?” Lana kisses Clark repeatedly. Clark’s strength is returning, and his cut heals in front of Lana’s eyes. Clark turns his attention to Jonathan.

“Dad, are you alright?” Clark asks, as he goes over and begins to inspect Jonathan’s leg.

“Yeah, I’ll be alright, son. The bullet just grazed my leg, but it still hurts like hell.”

“Let’s get you to the hospital,” Clark says, as he helps Jonathan up.

***

Jonathan is lying in a patient bed and Martha, Clark, and Lana stand nearby. Clark has been filling his parents in on the events of the day.

“Two Lexes?” Jonathan asks. “How the hell did that happen?”

“There was an accident at LuthorCorp, and I think that Lex was affected… by Black Kryptonite.”

Martha speaks up, “How did Lex get a hold of Black Kryptonite?”

“Well,” Clark replies, “I don’t think he knows anything about the Black K. I think he accidentally created it when he was experimenting with meteor rocks.” Clark pauses, remembering the Kryptonite ring on Lex’s finger, as an idea formulates in his mind. “That’s how I can put the two Lexes back together.”

Jonathan doesn’t follow. “How?” he asks.

Clark tries to explain. “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…and get them both together…”

Clark superspeeds out of the hospital room.

“Clark!” Martha and Lana call out simultaneously - but he is already gone. Martha and Lana exchange a worried look.

***

[Cardinal]

In this ep of "Lana Get Your Gun," Lana saves her boyfriend from almost certain death. ;)

She doesn't need Isobel's magic to defend her man, just a Winchester rifle.

Now we just need to change the song, "Janey's Got a Gun" by Aerosmith into "Lana's Got a Gun," and send a copy to Lex.

[Nemu]

:D lol

I agree Card...

And this was good!!!! I don't remember all of that episode... but I remember most of it...

Now... Clark is on a mission...

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

lol Card, but yeah. This makes much more sense for Lex to leave this way then him just magically leaving lol. Clark's off to save the day and leaving Martha and Lana behind to be very worried!

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Ahhh...this WAS a nice change to the pivotal scene of "Onyx"--Clark's confrontation with the deliciously despicable Slimy Lex! Way to GO, Lana! :D Talk about girl power!

(Glad you included Slimy Lex's snarky dialogue--it's one of the crucial ingredients in his little recipe of evil, after all. :))

[clana1fan4ever]

lol Card.

But yeah that was nice.GO LANA!!! She got to save her boyfriend for once.:D

PPMS!

[binkys711]

:lol: @ Card's comment

Sorry it took me so long to catch up with this fic. But it was worth the wait! Such a united, cute and sweet clana. Perfect. I love ther interaction.
As for Lana shooting Lex...she should've just aimed for the heart, screw the arm! :p No one messes w/ the clana!

This Smallville universe rulz! PPMS!!!

(P.S: loved Clark flying ;) hehe )

[SVsleuth]

Hi, binks! Glad you're all caught up again! :) Yeah, might have been nice for Lana to kill Lex, but I need him for the resolution of the rest of the plot, so... wounded will have to do. Just having a good Lex left alive wouldn't have worked. Lana knew Clark would never kill unecessarily, so hesitated to do so herself.

I hope I'll have the next update up by the weekend. :)

[SVsleuth]

ONYX - Part 4


Clark superspeeds to the mansion. Using his superhearing, he locates the Lex who is tied up, struggling against the chains, and still in the iron mask. Clark superspeeds into the room and kneels down next to Lex, breaking the iron shackles binding Lex’s hands and feet.

“Lex.”

Lex is still wearing the mask and doesn’t see Clark breaking the shackles. Clark lifts the mask from Lex’s head. Lex leans his head back against the support beam, breathing heavily.

Lex whispers, “Clark.”

Clark replies, “Don’t try to talk.”

“Get out,” Lex warns him, knowing how evil his other half is.

“No, you’re gonna be okay,” Clark says.

The evil Lex enters behind Clark, still wearing the ring. Clark feels the effects of the Kryptonite, and his face contorts with pain.

“Get out,” the first Lex says again, trying to warn Clark.

The evil Lex grabs Clark by the jacket and throws him across the room.
“The hero comes to the rescue. How predictable is that?”

Lex stands up behind his evil counterpart.

“Leave him alone,” he demands.

The evil Lex replies with a smirk, “I’m really starting to hate the sound of my own voice.”

He elbows Lex in the face, sending Lex to the floor. The evil Lex turns back toward Clark.

“I offer you a chance at greatness, and this is what you do with it?”

Clark tries to punch him, but evil Lex grabs Clark’s fist and squeezes it tightly. Clark is too weak to fight.

“I want you to remember this day, Clark. I want you to remember that despite all your amazing powers, there was one man that beat you,” evil Lex declares as he pounds Clark in the face, sending him back to the floor. Then he notices an old sword resting against the wall and picks it up.

“Maybe this was always our destiny. How sad.”

He lifts the sword above his head to strike Clark with it. Before he can, the first Lex comes up behind his counterpart and wraps a chain around his neck, choking him. He drops the sword and gasps for air.

The good Lex declares, “Let’s see what happens to me if you die!”

Evil Lex elbows Lex in the stomach, causing Lex to lose his grip on the chain.

“You can’t kill me!” he shouts, as he punches Lex in the face. “I drive you!” He punches Lex again. “I give your life meaning!” He continues punching him. “I’m your soul, you weak, pathetic little man!!! I’M THE REAL LEX LUTHOR!!! Aaah!”

As evil Lex pulls back his fist to punch Lex yet again, Clark focuses his heat vision on the Kryptonite ring. The heat strikes the green Kryptonite directly, heating it until it turns black. Evil Lex stops punching and screams in response to the intense heat on his finger.
The black Kryptonite explodes and the two Lexes are pulled toward each other. They spin around each other several times in a blinding, flashing light, so bright that Clark has to shield his eyes. Then Lex falls to the floor as one man. Clark goes to him.

“Lex? Lex?”

Lex sits up with a start.

“It’s all right. It’s over now,” Clark says.

***
Clark calls Lana, who informs him that Jonathan is being released from the hospital, and that she will bring his parents home. Clark tells Lana that the two Lexes are reunited, and that he’ll see her at the farm.

Clark superspeeds to the farm and heads up to the loft. Images of the evil Lex standing there earlier in the evening are fresh in his mind. Images of the good Lex taking him to the lab, and genuinely eager to help alleviate world hunger are also on his mind. How can one person have such completely opposite sides inside of him?

With a sigh, Clark walks to the window, and stares out at the stars. Who is really the real Lex? I wish he could be the friend he once was to me. I wish he could just be the caring person who wants to use his money to make things better in this world. But…is that totally evil Lex really the dominant part of him? Is there still hope for Lex - that his good side could win out?

Lana makes her way up the steps into the loft. Clark doesn’t seem to hear her. She stops on the top step, and watches him. She can tell that he is rather depressed, and immediately wants to raise his spirits. She walks over to him and lays a hand on his arm.

“You alright?” she asks softly.

Clark sighs, continuing to stare at the stars. “Lana, do you think there is still any hope left for Lex? I mean, for so long, he was my friend. I’ve somehow held out hope…. But, after seeing the depths of his dark side, it’s hard to believe his good side has a chance.”

Lana turns Clark toward her, and caresses his face. He looks at her with saddened eyes. “Clark, you can’t save everyone. Maybe Lex is just one of those people who is beyond saving.”

“I don’t want to give up on him, Lana. He…he was my friend. I’ve seen the good in him. There’s got to be something I can do…”

“Clark, I think you’ve done as much as any one person could. Lex has to fight it out within himself. Lex has to decide what kind of a person he will become. Your job is to decide what kind of man you will become. How will you use your gifts to do good in this world? You know, we still haven’t sorted out what to do about uniting those stones. Dr. Swann and Jor-El seem to agree that we shouldn’t delay in doing so. We need to focus on the decisions facing us, Clark. Because ultimately, we only have control over ourselves. But the decisions we make can and do make a difference in the lives of other people.”

Clark smiles slightly, and draws Lana into his arms. “When did you become so wise, my love?” He leans in to kiss her gently. “You’re right. Thanks, Lana. You always know just what to say.” He kisses her again, then pulls back, gazing into her eyes, as he moves a stray lock of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. “It’s getting really late. You should get home. Let’s go see Jor-El tomorrow - together. Okay?”

“Okay,” Lana says with a smile. She leans up to kiss him once more. “Ride home with me?”

Clark smiles and nods, then they head down the stairs and to Lana’s SUV.

Clark drives with one hand, as Lana clasps his right hand in her left, all the way to the Talon. She lets go of his hand long enough for him to park the car, and for her to unlock the door of the Talon, then reclaims his hand as they head toward the stairs. Clark hesitates at the bottom of the stairs, but Lana tightens her grip on his hand as she starts up the stairs. Clark allows her to lead him to the top, then turns her toward him, taking both of her hands in his.

“What is it, Lana? Why the vise grip on my hand?” Clark asks as he searches her eyes.

Lana shrugs, and draws him closer, releasing his hands to slide her arms around his waist. She melts into his chest with a sigh. Clark wraps his arms around her, and just holds her close. After a while, Clark asks softly, “Lana, are you okay?”

Lana lifts her head to look into his eyes. “Yeah. I think so. Sometimes my emotions are all over the place. I keep remembering…the pain you were in…when Lex had the Kryptonite. And… it hurts me so much to see you that way…I felt like…like it was happening to me, Clark. At the same time, it makes me so afraid…so afraid that…that someday…I could lose you.” A tear escapes and tracks its way down Lana’s cheek as she lowers her eyes. Clark instinctively wipes it away with his thumb.

“Hey,” Clark says softly, lifting her chin gently to meet her eyes again. “Don’t worry about me. I will always be here for you. I love you, Lana.” He draws her lips to his in a deep kiss.

Lana blinks back a few more tears, and smiles through them at Clark. “Sometimes it’s so hard to let you go, Clark. I need you with me. It just feels like a part of me is missing when we have to be apart.”

Clark nods and smiles. “I feel that way too, Lana. We have to be patient, though. Eventually, we’ll get to a better place in our lives together. Meanwhile, hang in there for me, okay? I love you so much, Lana.” He kisses her again, lightly. “Now, you had better get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow, early. I promise.”

Lana gives him one more hug and another small kiss, before reluctantly unlocking her door and heading inside. She blows him one last kiss before she closes the door.

Clark watches her through the door for several more minutes, before turning and making his way down the stairs. He locks the Talon door, then speeds home. Finding his parents already fast asleep, Clark prepares for bed quickly, & settles into his bed, with thoughts of Lana uppermost in his mind as he drifts off to sleep.

***
Very early the next morning, Clark finds himself again thinking about Lex. He still feels the need for some sort of closure with him. He speeds to the lab where he finds Lex looking around at the rubble. Clark walks up behind him.

“It’s not much to look at, is it?” Clark asks.

“Broken dreams seldom are,” Lex replies as he turns to face Clark. “Clark, I want to say thank you for saving me, but words seem too small. Without you, I would’ve been lost. You’re a true friend.”

“It’s too bad your other half didn’t think so,” Clark says, almost as a challenge.

Lex looks at Clark, attempting to portray sincerity. “I’m sorry for what I… he put you through.

“How much of it do you remember?” Clark asks, truly concerned that Lex may actually remember everything - his powers, his weakness…”

“Nothing, really,” Lex says. “Once we divided we were two different people.”

Clark nods, still unsure of how to read this Lex. Did he really forget? Did the accident create an evil Lex, or are both of those Lexes a real part of who he is? If so, which part will ultimately dominate?

“Well, I’m glad you’re alright,” Clark says, then turns and walks out of the lab, not really obtaining the closure he had hoped for.

***

Clark calls Lana and meets her downstairs at the Talon for breakfast. Clark is quiet as they drink coffee and munch on blueberry muffins. Lana reaches for his hand and gives it a squeeze.

“You’re awfully quiet. What gives?” she asks.

Clark smiles slightly, amazed at how well Lana reads him like a book. “I went to see Lex. I still don’t know what to think. He claims he doesn’t remember anything. But then, something about his manner seems false - I don’t know. I just don’t know who to think he really is anymore.”

“Well, give it time. I’m sure his true nature will be revealed by his actions, as time goes on. Personally, I don’t ever want to have to be alone with him again. To know that any part of him has…desires…for me…well, it just creeps me out. I think I will forever feel awkward around him.”

“That’s understandable,” Clark replies. “We, however, can make it abundantly clear that you are already spoken for.” Clark leans over and gives Lana a kiss. “Enough about Lex. As you reminded me last night, we have other matters to attend to. Are you ready for our visit to Jor-El?”

Lana nods, “Yeah, a bit nervous, but ready, as long as I‘m with you.”

***
Before long, Clark and Lana arrive at the Kawatche caves. Clark takes Lana by the hand and leads her into the inner chamber, with the octagonal table. Lana observes the one stone in the center, and the spaces awaiting the other two elements. She tightens her grip on Clark’s hand nervously, wondering just what all of this will come to, how it will affect the rest of their lives if they unite the stones - or if they don’t.

Clark reaches into his pocket, pulls out the octagonal disc, then inserts it into a slot on the table. Instantly, Clark and Lana are engulfed in a shaft of bluish, pulsating light, and a wind howls through the chamber.

Soon a booming voice can be heard above the wind.

“Kal-El, my son - and Lana is with you? Have you, then, found another stone?”

“We have, father. But…we lost it…or rather, it was stolen from us.”

“Stolen? How could you allow that to happen, Kal-El? Who has the stone?” Jor-El inquires.

“I believe it is Lex Luthor,” Clark replies. “I’m not sure what he wants with it. I’m not really sure who he really is anymore, but…”

“Kal-El!” Jor-El’s voice booms even more loudly. “Your delaying is very dangerous. “Watch closely, Kal-El. This is what the future could hold if Lex Luthor unites the stones.”

A portion of the pulsating light in front of Clark changes color, now becoming a swirl of flashing colors, to Lana’s eyes. Images flash before Clark in rapid succession: The Oval Office, President Lex Luthor, nuclear war, burning cities, fields of corpses, Clark Kent being tortured in a kryptonite-filled room, Lana’s grave…

“No!” Clark yells out, as he attempts to shut his eyes to the images before him. Lana looks on fearfully, seeing Clark in obvious anguish, but unable to see what he can see. Finally, the images fade away. Clark quickly turns to Lana and envelops her in his arms, his tears falling upon her hair. “Oh, God, no,” he breathes as he clings to her. After a long moment, Clark lifts his head and calls to Jor-El. “What can I do to prevent this? How can I stop it? Please, help me! What do I have to do?”

“Kal-El, what you have seen is a possible future if Lex Luthor obtains and unites the stones of power. You must prevent that from happening. You must unite the stones. They were meant for you alone. This is why I have been insisting that you accept your destiny. This is why I branded you with the crest of the House of El, this is why I suppressed your identity as Clark Kent and fully equipped you to take the first stone away from Lex Luthor last summer. Forgive me, Kal-El, if my methods seemed harsh to you; but I believed that it was urgent that Luthor not possess the stones. I had no time to wait for you to understand, and I had not yet grasped just how human you are when it comes to emotions. Only with continued interaction with you have I been able to adapt to this reality, understanding that you needed to see the future for yourself in order to develop the desire to embrace your role in preventing such destruction.”

Jor-El’s voice fades away, along with the shaft of pulsating light. Clark clings to Lana, still shaken by the images he has seen.

“Are you alright?” Lana asks. “You’re shaking.”

Clark nods as he meets her gaze, his jaw set with a determination Lana has never seen before. “We must unite the stones, Lana. Lex cannot be allowed to unite them. It would mean disaster for Earth.”

***

Lex is seated at his desk in the study, deep in thought. Lionel enters.

“Planning your next assault, son?”

“Dad. Your cheek.” Lex acts surprised by the cut Lionel received while fencing with the evil Lex.

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

Lionel goes to the bar and pours a drink. Lex stands up and walks toward him.

“Look, whatever I’ve done in the last few days…” he begins.

Lionel cuts him off, “Please, no need for an apology. Quite the contrary.” Lionel sniffs the glass of brandy, then walks to 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.”

“What are you talking about?” Lex asks, as the two Luthors continue their eternal game of attempting to outmaneuver one another.

“I’m closing down the foundation immediately,” Lionel announces.

“What? You can’t. That charity is your life,” Lex says, as he attempts to read the real significance of Lionel’s apparent change of direction.

Lionel laughs. “Just a foolish dream. I’m awake now.” Lionel looks Lex in the eye. “A man can’t deny his true nature, can he, Lex?” Lex is silent. Lionel continues, “No. We’re Luthors.” Lionel hands the brandy glass to Lex and steps even closer to him. “We’re Luthors.”

After a long stare, Lionel turns and exits the room. Lex stares after him in silence.

END of ONYX

[Cardinal]

I like seeing Lana act as Clark's emotional keel. She keeps him from going too far one way or another.

I'm also glad she knows about Lex and doesn't want to be left alone with him.

Thanks for "Onyx," SV! ;) Now bring on the "Spirit!" :D

[Nemu]

:D

sooo... Now its time for Spirit?

Man I really need to find the order of the episodes..

so if Spirit is next then that means we are in for the 'clana' episodes of s4... hmmm... I wonder what alteration are left to make...

PPMS!!!

[escout]

Steph, that was GREAT!!!! What ever happened to our Lana...the one that SLAPPED Lex, after he stole a kiss????

Nice update thank you!!!:)

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by escout
Steph, that was GREAT!!!! What ever happened to our Lana...the one that SLAPPED Lex, after he stole a kiss????

Nice update thank you!!!:)
Did I leave out the Slap? :eek: Might have to fix that ;)


Edit: Nope, she slapped him... and later shot him... & now wants to have nothing to do with him. What is your question? Maybe I misunderstood you, Joe.

***

Originally posted by Nemu
:Dso if Spirit is next then that means we are in for the 'clana' episodes of s4... hmmm... I wonder what alteration are left to make...PPMS!!!
Well, let's see... Clark DOESN'T take LOIS to the Prom, for starters.... ;)
And Clark and Lana get more than ONE dance together... ;)

[Nemu]

lol well there is still the Dawn part ;)

and about Joe's comment...

maybe it is related to where is our Lana now on the show? the one that Slapped Baldy but is now married to him???

anyway... PPMS!!! (because you are one of the few authors that have stories that keeps me interested enough to spend enough time reading them... I am bored silly and cant seem to concentrate lately...)

[clana1fan4ever]

:)

That was just great!!

Next up Spirit can't wait!!

PPMS!!

[escout]

Originally posted by Nemu
lol well there is still the Dawn part ;)

and about Joe's comment...

maybe it is related to where is our Lana now on the show? the one that Slapped Baldy but is now married to him???

anyway... PPMS!!! (because you are one of the few authors that have stories that keeps me interested enough to spend enough time reading them... I am bored silly and cant seem to concentrate lately...)

Steph, I was thinking about the kiss Lex gave Lana in her apartment at the Talon. She slapped him after the kiss. I can't imagine that Lana as we come up to the point where we are now, ever marrying Lex. I can't imagine her( that Lana) even sleeping with Lex. Let alone comtemplating marrying him. Look at where the writers of the story have led us. What a shame!!!

So I am saying...Where is the Lana of Onyx.

you didn't leave anything out... don't mind the ramblings of a guy, who just wishes the writers of the show could do something right for a change.

Anyway Step...GREAT Update and Lana from Onyx...we need you now!!!!!!


Sorry for any confusion Steph. I have been working so many hours I am almost incoherent.:)

[SVsleuth]

Ah, ok, I get it now, Joe. You just want THIS Lana to still be on the SHOW. ;) Don't we all. At least she still won't allow him to really kiss her. ;)

[escout]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Ah, ok, I get it now, Joe. You just want THIS Lana to still be on the SHOW. ;) Don't we all. At least she still won't allow him to really kiss her. ;)

Exactly!!!!!:)

This Lana would have taken out Lionel, when he told her that he would kill Clark!!!!!!:D

[NYC300Z]

Great job with that episode! Yeah don't we all wish Lana always felt that way about Lex. Can't wait for Spirit!;)

PPMS!

[clana_never_give_up]

I finally finished Onyz, great job.

Spirit should be really good.

PPMS

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Nemu]

you know i am re-reading... again ;)...

i just read their 'saved' dance to Everything and they just walked down to the Talon going on their first 'real date'...

you set yourself for a good challenge for Prom in the upcoming Spirit....

PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Nemu
you know i am re-reading... again ;)...

i just read their 'saved' dance to Everything and they just walked down to the Talon going on their first 'real date'...

you set yourself for a good challenge for Prom in the upcoming Spirit....

PPMS!!!

Uh-oh! So you expect me to top that limo date for the Prom? Yipes! And I have so much more story to tell. Gotta figure out how to squeeze it in. Don't you want to know what's really going on with Dr. Swann? Don't you want to know the full extent of the power of the bracelets? I've gotta figure out how to blend that whole storyline into Clark & Lana going to a Prom. I mean, Jor-El just convinced Clark that it is urgent that he unite the stones NOW. So WHY does he delay to go to a Prom? That's what has me stuck here. :\

Nemu, I'm certain you've read this story more times than I have! I'm sure you've caught all the plot holes & mistakes by now. You win the prize for being the most devoted fan of this story.

BTW, I posted links to all of my fics & all of Cardinal's fics on page 1 of the "completed fanfics" thread at the top of the Clana forum. This might make it easier for people who love to re-read. And did you see the other thread up there at the top, about the fanfic awards they plan to start soon? I guess all your re-reading will help when it comes time for nominations & voting. Didn't you say you just re-read aj's fic too? You must have a LOT of time on your hands. ;) Thanks for the support.

[Nemu]

been out of pretty much everything since march 24... (with my grandpa, easter and being sick last week)

I re-read BBR by Card, Hot Off the Press by AJ... A Glimpse by escout, this one here by you I am up to Spell part 1...

and I just restarted reading your Hidden mega fic...

about your previous comment... of course I want to know all those things... but I am not yet up to Dr. Swann in my re-read ;) and I posted the comment about the prom... because they kinda used the show to be one dance (the saved dance) in a way...

but you already done it.. so I was curious how you would play it ;)

As to the Jor-El bit... you can use the Prom as a breather before he goes to unite the stones... Use Lana to convince him... Jor-El never understood that part... He uses threats to force his will on Clark... If he had worked with Lana in the picture from the start as an ally figure... Clark would have done soo much more sooner...

Anyway... Lana is a tricky one that can make Clark do a lot of thing... convincing him to go to prom shouldn't be too difficult...

I have another 'wish' to ask you... can you please not stop at the end of Commencement and do a proper ending to this story? (I mean if you only redo s4 then you stop before the summer and then college... and I know you can do a lot past that point that goes in a complete different directions than S5 went... without even touching the show from that point... and even before since 'logically' if they unite the stones now there shouldn't be a second meteor shower)

I dunno if I make sense...

anyway.. PPMS!!! (on any of your fics)

[Clark_Kent 8]

now this is a great fic by a Louisianaian of course;)

now if only you could post Spirit on here then everything would be set

oh and by far this is one of the best fics so dont leave us hanging, SVSleuth:)

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Clark_Kent 8
now this is a great fic by a Louisianaian of course;)

now if only you could post Spirit on here then everything would be set

oh and by far this is one of the best fics so dont leave us hanging, SVSleuth:)
Thanks, CK8. I'm sorry I haven't updated this in months. I do hope to eventually finish it. I needed a break for the Season 4 stuff, so have been focusing on a newer fic, Come Back to Me. When that one is over, I will try to get back to this one, for the sake of my faithful readers who have stuck with me for so very long.

So, did the Tigers give you a near heart attack at the end of that game against Auburn? My son & I were yelling out loud & woke up my husband!;) Go TIGERS!

[Nemu]

well... SV i think you should complete CLana Journal first.. then come here... and keep writing Come Back in there when you need to clear some of the s4 stuff... ;)

I hope to read another update from you soon... (where I dont really care... just an update ;))

[Clark_Kent 8]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Thanks, CK8. I'm sorry I haven't updated this in months. I do hope to eventually finish it. I needed a break for the Season 4 stuff, so have been focusing on a newer fic, Come Back to Me. When that one is over, I will try to get back to this one, for the sake of my faithful readers who have stuck with me for so very long.

So, did the Tigers give you a near heart attack at the end of that game against Auburn? My son & I were yelling out loud & woke up my husband!;) Go TIGERS!

Your Welcome. Just call me Brody, thats alright whenever ur ready I'll be here waiting;)

hell yea dem tigers did, i was even at the game so it was really nerve wracking, but i jumped up so high when they won with 1 second leftt!:)

[Nemu]

Hey SV...

Was wondering (since i saw this in the graveyard elsewhere)

If you had anymore ideas to continue this story in the somewhat near future?

This was one of the 2 things I wanted to talk about yesterday ;)

PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Nemu
Hey SV...

Was wondering (since i saw this in the graveyard elsewhere)

If you had anymore ideas to continue this story in the somewhat near future?

This was one of the 2 things I wanted to talk about yesterday ;)

PPMS!!!
Hi, David - Well, I THINK I'm getting close to the end of "Come Back to Me". There's going to be Christmas, the wedding & the honeymoon soon, & I don't intend to drag those out. There's going to be the resolution of the living arrangement problem, & Clark will get on at the DP, with the JLA getting better organized. And maybe one more surprise, or an epilogue. So maybe 4 to 5 chapters left, maybe less. After that I intend to finish up this fic & Clana Journals before starting anything new. My kids go back to school next Thursday. I have some things to work on this week, but still more time than nornal for writing, so I hope I can finish Come Back to Me before the holidays end. Hope that's what you had in mind. And don't worry, when I have an update, the mods can ressurrect my fic from the graveyard. ;) I just have to ask.

-Steph

[Nemu]

Yeah was wondering if you had completely put this project off... for a while...

but sad you are coming to an end on Come Back... lol...

I will wait patiently ;)

[Nemu]

ya know... we are about 6 months later... Come Back To Me did a Hidden Extended on you didn't it? ;)

Well I hope ya will get back to this eventually... as for me... I am restarting to read this from the beginning ;) well maybe from the place where it actually gets better (ie when you go your own way and not the crappy show stuff ;))

that should make it my... i dunno.. 5th reading i guess...

[SVsleuth]

ya know... we are about 6 months later... Come Back To Me did a Hidden Extended on you didn't it? ;)

Well I hope ya will get back to this eventually... as for me... I am restarting to read this from the beginning ;) well maybe from the place where it actually gets better (ie when you go your own way and not the crappy show stuff ;))

that should make it my... i dunno.. 5th reading i guess...

Ha-Ha! Yeah, David, those chapter that I "didn't intend to drag out" got dragged out. So I've still more to go. Hang in there. I will eventually finish both fics, even if you are my only reader, because you deserve it for being so faithful and re-reading more than I do myself.

[Nemu]

lol don't worry... i'll be ready when you are to continue this...

[Nemu]

SV... you know I am re-reading... and found a 'funny' similarity in Facade part 4 and 5...

in part 4 Clark is sitting on Lana's bed and says:


Clark: I don't know if you can even hear me, Lana... but you know how much you mean to me...


And then in Part 5 Jason says:


Jason: I don't know if you can even hear me, Lana... but if you knew how much you meant to me...


almost the same thing word for word except the second part...

[Nemu]

well im at pariah part 9 now... the morning after their singing night...

i checked up to where you were in this... and the next episode to be posted is actually Spirit...

i may have more to say once i am done re-reading...

but that will wait... i just spent a solid 6.5 hrs reading and since the sun is up now... time for me to go to bed...

[SVsleuth]

Aw...thanks, David. I'm glad you enjoy my story so much. I'll have to do a re-read myself, once I finish Come Back to Me. I remember broadly where I wanted to take the fic, but it seems I was having trouble getting there. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure it out. I do know one thing now: The writers on the show certainly didn't give us a spectacular ending that blows my idea, and I think I can make you happier than they seem to be making us, as far as the Clana goes.

Now...get some sleep! ;)

[Nemu]

lol too late been there.. done that... (the sleep I mean ;))

and of course this beats the real s4 from crapville any day...

with all that is going on in there it would make for the rest of the story a hell of a lot more interesting (i mean no way in hell with your storyline that lexana could even be the thought of a thought of a possibility...)

[Nemu]

i just read Onyx part 3... and i Have to agree with the others from Sacred that said that Lana's kisses had an healing effects on Clark... to cure him from Kryptonite exposure ;)

now on to Onyx part 4... almost done re-reading...

----- Added 1 Hours and 12 Minutes later -----

well... me again...

I'm done!!!! so now... i have to lock it close in my mind and patiently wait for more ;)

[lana 9]

i love your season 4 steph i wish the your fic was the real season 4

[SVsleuth]

i love your season 4 steph i wish the your fic was the real season 4

Aw, thanks, lana9. Sorry I never did finish this one. I've tried to work on it every once in a while. Maybe someday I'll finally complete it.

[Nemu]

LOL... I was about to ask you where you were in your "re acquaintance" with this fic lol...

Since you don't have any "active" work on the boards at the moment...

[SVsleuth]

Well, since some interest has been shown in this fic, I'll surprise you here on K-Site with an actual update. Enjoy! :)

From Onyx to Spirit

Clark takes Lana’s hand and begins to lead her out of the cave.

“Ow!” Lana protests, “what’s with the vise-grip, Clark?”

Clark brings them to a halt, loosens his grip on her hand immediately, and brings it to his lips, placing a soft kiss upon her fingers. “I’m sorry, Lana, I never meant to…are you okay?” he asks anxiously as he inspects her hand, even x-raying it to make sure he didn’t break any bones.

“I’m fine, Clark, but you don’t seem to be. What did you see that has you so worked up?” Lana asks as she looks up into his eyes while rubbing his arm in an attempt to calm him.

Clark takes a deep breath and releases it, trying to shake off the effect of the vision he has just witnessed. “I saw the future, Lana - or, at least, one possible future, one that could result if Lex finds and unites the stones. He became President, Lana. There was nuclear war, bodies everywhere, death and destruction. You…” - Clark shudders as he remembers - “you were dead, Lana, and I…was alone, in the midst of all the destruction.”

Clark pulls Lana into his arms and holds her close, taking in her scent, reveling in the feel of her body pressed against his own. Lana wraps her arms around him, rubbing her hands soothingly up and down his back. She can feel him begin to relax, some of the tension being released from his tight muscles. She places a small kiss on the side of his neck.

“Are you okay, Clark?” she asks.

Clark releases another heavy breath, then kisses Lana on the forehead.

“Thanks, Lana. Yeah, I’m okay.” He loosens his hold on her so as to be able to look into her eyes. “I have to prevent it, Lana. We’ve wasted too much time already. I’m gonna go see Dr. Swann, get his stone, and bring it here. He said if I did that, I’d be led to the final stone.”

“Are you sure you’re ready to do it, Clark? Doesn’t having all that power frighten you?” Lana asks.

Clark nods. “Yes. It terrifies me, Lana - but not as much as Lex having it does. I have to do this."

Lana looks up at him nervously. “What will it mean…for us?” she asks hesitantly.

Clark grasps her shoulders gently as he gazes seriously into her eyes. “I don’t know, Lana. Hopefully it will save your life and the lives of countless others on Earth. It’s the only way I know…” Clark says. “Come on, I’ll bring you home, then I’m going straight to New York.”

“Can’t I come with you, Clark?” Lana asks, not wanting to be apart from him.

“I can go faster alone, Lana. Jor-el said there’s no time to waste. You know Lex likely already has one of the stones - the one stolen from your apartment,” Clark reminds her.

He speaks with such a sense of urgency. Lana just nods and allows Clark to take her back to her apartment. Outside her door he leans in and kisses her. “I love you, Lana. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Please don’t worry.” He kisses her once more, then makes his way out of the Talon and goes into superspeed mode, heading for New York.

Arriving at the museum, Clark walks right in, calling out for Dr. Swann. “Dr. Swann? Dr. Swann?” He makes his way into the part of the basement where Dr. Swann spends nearly all of his time. Rounding a corner, he breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Dr. Swann sitting behind his desk, intently studying a book. “Dr.Swann,” Clark says again, and the older man finally looks up.

“Oh, Kal-El, come on in, have a seat.” Clark sits in the chair across from Dr, Swann. “What can I do for you today?”

“I’m ready,” Clark says with assurance. “I want to unite the stones. If you give me yours, I promise to take it directly to the caves and place it in the table with the first one.”

A smile tugs at the corner of Dr. Swann’s mouth, and he nods his approval. “Excellent! I’ll go into my vault and get it for you. You must be careful with it, Kal-El. This is the transference stone - you already know the danger if you allow someone to transfer spirits with you.”

“I understand,” Clark replies, “I’ll be careful.”

“Wait here, Kal-El, while I retrieve it for you,” Dr. Swann says, then he maneuvers his wheelchair out from behind the desk, and activates the controls. Clark watches as his chair glides out of the door.

Clark waits five, ten, fifteen minutes, nervously tapping his foot, wondering what is taking Dr. Swann so long to return. Finally, he hears the motorized chair humming down the hallway and entering the basement room again.

As soon as Dr. Swann gets near, he speaks, “Kal-El, the stone is missing!”

“What?” Clark exclaims in disbelief. “How?”

“There is only one other person who has access to that vault, Kal-El - my assistant, Bridgette Crosby. She does not favor my plan to give the stone to you. She believes… it will change her future in a way she is unwilling to accept.”

Clark looks at Dr. Swann questioningly. “Change her future? What are you talking about, Dr. Swann? I’m just trying to prevent the destruction of Earth.”

Dr. Swann nods. “I know, Kal-El. So am I. But she sees things differently. She believes Luthor is meant to have the stones. Hurry back to Smallville. Search for the stones there, before it is too late.”

Clark gets up, nodding his agreement, shakes Dr. Swann’s hand, then makes his way out of the building and speeds back to Smallville. He goes straight to the Luthor mansion and hides among the bushes outside. He uses his x-ray vision to scan the likely places Lex might have stashed the stone. Too many rooms, and lead blocking my view of several key areas. Clark sighs with frustration and zips back to the farm, wondering how he will ever manage to get the stone from Lex.

~ ~ ~

Clark enters the kitchen at the farm and heads for the refrigerator. Before he gets there, Jonathan’s voice stops him.

“It’s kind of late, Clark. Where have you been until nearly midnight?”

Clark glances at Jonathan, then turns to get the milk from the refrigerator and pours himself a glass as he answers. “I went to see Dr. Swann, and then I was looking for the stones.”

“Clark, do you really think it’s a good idea to get involved in the quest for those stones? You don’t really know what would happen if you united them,” Jonathan says with concern.

Clark turns to face his dad. “Dad, I know you don’t agree with me on this. But it’s something I have to do. Jor-El says…”

“Jor-El? Clark, don’t tell me you’ve been talking to him again. I thought…”

“Dad, if I don’t do this and Lex unites the stones, Earth may end up like Krypton. I can’t let that happen. I’m going to look for those stones, and keep looking all day every day until I find them. I have to,” Clark tells him firmly.

“What about school, Clark? Graduation isn’t so far off. You have to keep up your grades,” Jonathan reminds him.

Clark sighs in frustration. “Dad, you don’t understand…”

“No, Clark, “Jonathan cuts in, “you don’t understand. I expect you to be at school every day, from now until graduation, stones or no stones, and I expect your grades to stay up. Now no matter what else you think you have to do for Jor-El, if you’re a part of this family, I expect you to follow our rules. Skipping school is not an option.”

Clark clenches his jaw in frustration. “Fine,” he answers curtly, then turns and heads out the door, speeding over to the loft. He stands by the railing and slams his fist down upon it, shattering it, sending splinters in all directions.

Lana walks into the barn, just as a shower of splinters comes down from above. She’d been trying to reach Clark all evening, and finally decided to just come to the farm and wait for him to get back from New York. She was dying to know what had happened when he talked to Dr. Swann.

“Clark?” she calls out, letting him know she’s there, then makes her way up the stairs.

She finds Clark standing beside the broken railing.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” she asks him. “Did it go that badly with Dr. Swann?

Clark releases a deep breath, trying to calm himself a bit, then looks up at Lana.

“Hey, Lana. Everything is going wrong. Dr. Swann was going to give me the stone, but when he went to get it, his assistant apparently had stolen it, intending to give it to Lex. So I went to the mansion, and used my x-ray vision to try to find the stone Lex already has. But it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, Lana. There’s lead blocking my view of critical areas, and there are so many rooms in that castle. I’ll never find it. And, to top it all off, when I got home, my dad started lecturing me about staying away from Jor-El, and making sure I don’t skip school. It’s all so damned frustrating. School seems so insignificant compared to finding those stones and stopping Lex from destroying the planet. What good is school, if everything gets wiped out?” Clark runs his hand through his hair in frustration and walks over to the other side of the loft. He stands and stares out of the window.

Lana walks over to him and takes his hand in hers. “Clark, I’m sure everything will work out eventually. You just have to be patient. You’ll find the stones. I know you will.”

“Why do you have so much faith in me, Lana?” Clark asks as he finally turns to look at her.

“I just do,” she says with a shrug. Lana now takes both of his hands in hers and waits for him to look at her. “I believe in you, Clark. You need to have faith in yourself. You can do this. I know you will, because you won’t give up on our future. You’ll make sure we have one.”

Clark cracks a small smile. “Thanks, Lana. I hope you’re right.” He pulls her into a close embrace, then kisses her softly. “Stay with me tonight, Lana. Please,” he pleads as she begins to shake her head negatively. “I just need you near me. This is all such a great weight upon me - and the only thing that lightens it at all is having you here.” He kisses her forehead gently.

Lana looks up into his eyes and cannot deny him. She sees that he is heavily burdened, and really needs her. “Okay, I’ll stay, Clark. But you need to promise to get some sleep.”

“Thanks, Lana. Come on.”

Clark and Lana settle down on the sofa, and soon drift off to sleep in each other’s arms.

~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~

[Nemu]

:D
Well I'll have to re-read the last couple chapters to make sure I remember everything first but then I'll be posting comments on this new update in a few...

Ok... I am mad at Pa Kent this time... GRRRRRR Anyway what can he do if Clark decides saving the world is more important that going to school? Kick him out of the house and of the family? Martha wouldn't let him do that...

Use Kryptonite against him? It would maybe work once... but hell would really break loose after....

Silly woman (BC)... Luthor better suited to receive the stones? Man she is crazy...

Can't wait for more! PPM!

[lana 9]

i love the update can not wait for splrlt the clana dance

[ronmanb77]

long awaited, and I must say well worth the wait!!

[dreammaster]

Awesome chapter almost forgot about this story glad you are back at it hope to see another update soon

[Cardinal]

I can't wait to read the reasoning behind Bridget Crosby thinking that Lex Luthor is destined to have the stones. That should be a real laugh. ;)

And of course, we had an unwelcome interruption from Pa Kent, who as usual, managed to focus on the little picture, when the big one is so much more important. :rolleyes:

[The Black Cat]

Loved it!!!

[SVsleuth]

Spirit - Part 1

Early one morning, Lex is seated at his desk inside the mansion, when one of his security guards bursts into the room.

“Mr. Luthor, come quick! The gardener…he found… a woman…near the lake!” the man tells Lex, as he tries to catch his breath.

Lex gets up immediately and makes his way out toward the lake. As he approaches, he sees a woman stretched out on the ground, with one of his guards leaning over her.

“Status,” Lex says.

The guard replies, “She’s alive, but unconscious.”

Another guard steps up to Lex and hands him a wallet.

“We found this, sir.”

Lex takes the wallet and opens it. He sees the New York driver’s license of Bridgette Crosby. He closes the wallet and instructs, “Call the paramedics. Edwards, follow it up and keep me informed of her status. If she regains consciousness, inform me immediately.”

“Yes, sir,” Edwards replies.

Lex returns to the mansion, taking the wallet with him.

~ ~ ~

Clark has decided to play by his parents’ rules, so as not to cause undue friction in the family. So, every morning, after doing his chores at superspeed, he dashes off to Lex’s mansion to eavesdrop a bit on his way to school. After school, he uses any free time he has to do the same. He really has no other leads at the moment - other than the knowledge that it is likely Bridgette Crosby who has stolen Dr. Swann’s stone, planning to give it to Lex. So scanning the mansion and listening in on Lex are all Clark can do, for now, in the search for the stones.

This morning, Clark arrives to see an ambulance speeding away from the mansion. He activates his hearing, and learns that a woman has been found unconscious on the Luthor property, near the lake. Clark follows the ambulance to the hospital, hoping to find a clue. He is disappointed to find that no identifying information is brought in with the woman, so she is admitted as a Jane Doe.

Noticing the time, Clark lets out a sigh of frustration and zips off to school. He knows his parents are in no mood to deal with reports of him showing up tardy. He hopes he can follow this up more after school.

~ ~ ~

At lunchtime, Lana meets Clark in the cafeteria and they sit down to eat together. Clark is quiet as he eats, seeming to be deep in thought.

“Earth to Clark,” Lana says, waving her hand in front of his face.

“What?” Clark says, finally looking up at Lana. “Oh. Sorry, Lana. I guess I’m just distracted by the whole search for…well, you know.”

“I know it worries you, Clark. But it might take longer than you’d like for us to find them. In the meantime you can’t go around moping all the time. You need to find a way to have some fun. Look, I have an idea.” Lana hands Clark a copy of the latest issue of the Torch, and points out a certain article to him. After a few minutes, Lana has Clark smiling, as the two of them sit conspiring together, huddled over the newspaper.

~ ~ ~

After school, Clark returns to the hospital, hoping to learn more about the woman who was found on Lex’s property that morning. He learns her room number and listens in as a doctor meets with the woman, who is no longer unconscious.

“What’s your name?” the doctor asks her.

“My name?” she asks. “Um…I don’t know…I don’t remember….”

She sighs in frustration.

“It’s okay,” the doctor reassures her. “It’s not uncommon for there to be memory loss after a head injury. Once the swelling goes down, you’ll likely remember everything - but it might take some time. Do you remember anything about what happened to you, who attacked you, or why?”

The woman searches her memory for a few moments. “Nothing coherent. I see darkness…and a flash of a man’s face…he was angry. I think he took my purse. That‘s all.”

“Do you remember why you were on the Luthor property?” the doctor asks.

“Luthor? That name sounds vaguely familiar…but…no…I don’t know who that is.”

“Okay, well, get some rest. I’ll check in on you again tomorrow,” the doctor tells her.

Clark zips away, back to the Luthor mansion. He eavesdrops for a while, but he hears no discussion about the woman or the stones. With a sigh, he heads home.

~ ~ ~

A few days later, some students are in the school hallway, painting a banner to be used at the prom. Chloe and Lana walk down the stairs side by side as Lana reads aloud with amusement from a recent issue of the Torch.

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

“What?” Chloe asks. “Oh, please don’t tell me I lost you to tiara fever, too.”

“No. But balloons and taffeta seem a little harmless compared to your usual targets,” Lana says with a grin.

“Well, this is how I see it,” Chloe explains. “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?”

“So, does that mean I order more pizza for the Brad Pitt marathon?” Lana asks.

They stop walking.

“What? You’re not going? What happened with Clark?” Chloe asks as they stop walking.

Lana lowers her voice as she answers Chloe. “Clark’s kind of preoccupied with the search for some very important artifacts. Prom just seems such a trivial thing to bother him with, when he’s so focused on trying to save the planet.”

“Right,” Chloe answers. “How’s that going, anyway?”

“Dead end. He’s really frustrated with the lack of progress,” Lana informs Chloe.

“Then get him to come to Prom, Lana. Maybe it’ll take his mind off of it for a bit,” Chloe suggests.

Lana shrugs, “I don’t know, Chloe. It just doesn’t seem very important anymore.”

“Come on, Lana, at least you can come, if Clark’s not up for it. Lex even got Lifehouse to play for the seniors. You can help me bring stag back in style.”

Lana laughs.

Just then, they hear an annoying voice coming down the hallway.

“Excuse me. Coming through,” Dawn Stiles says as she struts toward Lana and Chloe in her tight jeans and high heels, carrying a pink purse which matches her pink top. Two other girls are following close behind her.

Chloe leans close to Lana and whispers, “Smells like school spirit.”

Dawn walks right up to Chloe and says, “Chloe, you may think bashing a sacred school tradition in your tabloid rag is cool, but I think it’s disgusting.”

“Lighten up, Dawn,” Chloe retorts, “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 scoffs, “Kill me now! You are such the hypocrat.”

“Hypo—” Chloe cuts herself off, and she and Lana both hold back their laughter, exchanging a look of amusement. “I’m sorry. Whatever it is that you’re saying to me, it’s getting lost in translation.”

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

“Picture? What wall?” Chloe asks.

Dawn looks at the wall behind Chloe and Lana. Chloe and Lana turn around and see a poster featuring pictures of the three girls who are candidates for Prom Queen. One is Dawn Stiles, another is a girl named Paige Dejong, and the third is Chloe Sullivan. Chloe stares at the poster in horror. Lana grins, amused.

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

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

Lana turns to Chloe, teasingly, “So, apparently I’m not the only one who enjoyed your article…” - she curtsies - “your highness.” Lana laughs. I guess Clark ran with my idea, after all. “Good luck,” Lana says as she walks away. Chloe continues to stare at the poster in disbelief.

~ ~ ~

Clark is seated at the desk in the Torch office reading an issue of the Torch. The headline says, “Boycott the Vote!” As Chloe enters, Clark looks up and says teasingly, “Now, should I bow to you when I see you, or... “

“Cute. Very cute,” Chloe retorts. “What about boycotting the vote didn’t anyone understand?”

“Oh, they understand it perfectly,” Clark explains with a smirk. “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. You’re the battle cry.”

“Oh. The great Smallville High Prom coup, huh?”

Clark’s eyes twinkle as he tries to hide his amusement.

“Clark, you didn’t happen to have anything to do with this, did you?” Chloe asks suspiciously.

Clark smiles slyly. “I may have spoken to a few people.”

Chloe throws her pencil at Clark, but he holds up the newspaper, blocking it.

“Now, I know you’re not gonna let me storm this Bastille alone. So are you and Lana at least going to show up for Prom?“

“Of course we’ll be there,” Clark says.

Chloe looks surprised.

“Really? You’re planning to go?” Chloe asks. “Because Lana seems to think you’re too preoccupied with your search to bother about Prom. I’m sure she hasn’t bought a dress. So, if you‘re planning to go, you’d better talk to her soon.”

Clark looks thoughtful. “I guess I have been rather preoccupied with the search and all, and forgot to even discuss Prom with Lana. Thanks, Chloe. I’ll talk to her today.”

~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~

[Nemu]

:D
Well that was funny for the school stuff... and even better to have both Lana and Clark in on the "Prom Coup"...

So... who got the stone this time?

PPMS!!!

[lana 9]

good job and i am happy that you have make the prom coup lana idea

[The Black Cat]

That was good!!! PPMS!!!

[dreammaster]

awesome

[escout]

Steph, that was really nice!!! I really enjoyed the way you did it! You definitely have to continue. I will be watching for more.:):):rotfl: