Hope or Fear: A Tale of Love Against the Odds

[superman_lives_on]

Several of you guys have given me a good deal of encouragement lately to begin my own story. So I decided to go ahead and do one—though it may be a while before I actually start posting it. Rest assured that I will do so—I think we could all use plenty of Clana, especially after the uber-crappy and infuriating stunts that “Reckoning” pulled.

I’ve actually had several ideas for a Smallville/Clana story to write. This is the latest idea. This may be the first story I start posting on here (not counting my contributions to “When All We Had Left Was Love”), but I have no intention of it being the last. So look out for more stories after this one!

Below are the story’s vital statistics, just so you know a little bit of what to expect.

Title: “Hope or Fear: A Tale of Love Against the Odds”

Author: superman_lives_on

Genre: Romance (Clark & Lana), Mystery, Action/Adventure

Rating: PG-13 (possibly lower, depending on how things turn out)

Spoilers: This story begins near the end of the Season Three finale, “Covenant”. Everything proceeds as in the show—up to a certain point, that is. Then does it truly begin, when a harsh destiny is challenged…a seemingly doomed love gets a second chance…and two futures begin to compete…

CHAPTER ONE: Defiance of a Covenant (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1850027#post1850027)

CHAPTER TWO: Love's Light Wings (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1864493#post1864493)

CHAPTER THREE: The Truth Will Set You Free (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1864887#post1864887)

CHAPTER FOUR: The Heart is Often Smarter Than the Head (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1895118#post1895118)

CHAPTER FIVE: Recovering from Tragedy (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1966865#post1966865)

CHAPTER SIX: Nightmare…or Vision? (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1986795#post1986795)

CHAPTER SEVEN: A Friend in Need (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2005336#post2005336)

CHAPTER EIGHT: The Death of Hope (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2055335#post2055335)

CHAPTER NINE: The Angel's Return (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2065886#post2065886)

CHAPTER TEN: Dreams of Darkness (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2105480#post2105480)

CHAPTER ELEVEN: The Mystery Deepens (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2214767#post2214767)

CHAPTER TWELVE: What Once Was Lost (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2250822#post2250822)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Remembrance (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2255810#post2255810)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: A Close Shave (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2293660#post2293660)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: An Ignominious Death (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2351656#post2351656)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Passing Into the Night (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2371316#post2371316)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: An Unexpected Arrival (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2402357#post2402357)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: The Battle for the Future (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2426729#post2426729)

CHAPTER NINETEEN: A Mother's Love (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2436586#post2436586)

CHAPTER TWENTY: Promise of Forever (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2459314#post2459314)

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Sounds interesting u should continue. I need all the Clana I can get ever since I watched reckoning

[maru11]

yeah continue

[smaville67]

I sure can use a good Clana fix.

I'm at a low with last nights episode.:(

Your spoiler has caught my attention I hope you post soon.:D

[linn]

yea...sounds really intresting...PPMS!!:D:D

[Clanafan1]

definetely i need some cheering up with a good clana story

[RedHawk]

Originally posted by Clanafan1
definetely i need some cheering up with a good clana story

I agree! Happy Clana!:D

[sandy]

I can already tell that this fic willl be one of the Clana classics...so bring us the 1st chapter superman!:D

[super12]

same here i think this story will be great. so bring us the story.

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by sandy
I can already tell that this fic willl be one of the Clana classics...so bring us the 1st chapter superman!:D

Wow... Talk about advance praise. I'm flattered, Sandy.

Okay, I'm working on Chapter One even as we speak. Stick around to see the story begin!

[Iowanmom]

Well, superman_lives_on, I am proud of you. I can't wait for you to begin.

[SVsleuth]

Alright, supes! Can't wait! :)

[C.A.chick]

Alrighty! Can't wait! hurry hurry hurry!

[goldylocks_k]

Wow this sounds really good. I can tell because just the summary of it was really interesting. Please start soon! I need all the happy Clana I can get!! (STUPID RECKONING!!)

[Clanafan1]

PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!

[cufcchic]

awesome idea! I cant wait for the start! PPMS!

[eriii1]

PPMS! "Reckoning was one of the worst episodes ever!!

[SVsleuth]

When will it start, supes?

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
When will it start, supes?

Hey, give me a little time, okay, guys? I know you're impatient for it to start. Trust me, I am too. :D

Rest assured that it will start ASAP. If you guys like, I can give you a little teaser--just a taste of the beginning. How does that sound?

[NYC300Z]

sure sure hurry and post it!

[superman_lives_on]

Okay, then. Here I have a little excerpt from Chapter One...

* * * * *

Clark Kent had never been certain of very many things in his life. Not his safety from prying eyes, not the likelihood of Smallville’s dreaded mutants ever vanishing for good…and certainly not his future—or, as Jor-El, the man he hated nearly as much as he hated Lionel Luthor, put it, his destiny.

Now, though, he was certain of one hopeless, crushing fact—he would never see Lana Lang again.

* * * * *

There. Did that sufficiently whet your appetites for the main course? I hope so. :D

[super12]

hmmm. what's going on. i'm very interested know so post the first chapter. ppms

[NYC300Z]

yeah what's going on?

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Ahhh!!!! You're torturing us, Supes!! Please write it SOON! ;)

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on There. Did that sufficiently whet your appetites for the main course? I hope so. :D

I'm ready for the next course!:D

[sandy]

not a very satisfying appetizer, but I'll take it!:D Bring on the 1st course!:p

[binkys711]

Awesome Supes! you started it! HOORAY! great start we need more though! PPMS!!!:D

[RedHawk]

I am hooked. PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by binkys711
Awesome Supes! you started it! HOORAY! great start we need more though! PPMS!!!:D

That wasn't the start, that was just a teaser.

[linn]

so when are you gonna post the chapter...:)PPMS

[Clark&lana4eva]

what a teaser it was im bouncing up and down with anticipation

[SmallvilleMan]

Obviously supes has been watching me too long, because he's going with the give them a little and a little, making them want more.

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Obviously supes has been watching me too long, because he's going with the give them a little and a little, making them want more.

Nah, it's just kind of instinct. :)

And btw... It's great to see you again, SVM.

[NYC300Z]

wow three pages and the first chapter isn't even posted yet!

[clana4love]

Update as soon as you can, Supes. I'm looking forward to the start of this story. Please message me when it starts! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Good news--the first chapter may be coming soon!

[superman_lives_on]

HOPE OR FEAR
A Tale of Love Against the Odds

By Superman Lives On



CHAPTER ONE
Defiance of a Covenant

Clark Kent had never been certain of very many things in his life. Not his safety from prying eyes, not the likelihood of Smallville’s dreaded mutants ever vanishing for good…and certainly not his future—or, as Jor-El, the man he hated nearly as much as he hated Lionel Luthor, put it, his destiny.

Now, though, he was certain of one hopeless, crushing fact—he would never see Lana Lang again.

He stood there in the Metropolis Airport, separated from the woman he had loved ever since he had first seen her at the age of five—physically separated from her by a crowd, but emotionally separated by his own fear and unwilling dishonesty.

Lex Luthor, the man who had claimed to be his friend, but who had been using that relationship for the past three years to investigate him, was hugging Lana good-bye. From that and her expression, Clark could tell—she wasn’t at all unhappy with this. And worse yet—could her friendship with Lex be something more—the intangible something Clark had so desperately dreamed of their relationship becoming?

Clark’s heart sank into a pit of despair—one that he was sure would be bottomless, one from which there could be no escape. He let the single white rose he had been carrying drop to the ground—and with it went the last of his hope.

Seconds later, just after Lana had caught a glimpse of him, he had vanished in a blur of light.

* * * * *

“Lex, Clark still isn't here, and the judge says that if he doesn't show up within the next five minutes, he's setting bail for your dad.”

“Did you try calling him?”

Chloe Sullivan was quick to confirm it. “Yes, I called him at home and on his cell phone. There was no answer. Something big must've happened because he flaked on Lana too.” At that, Lex looked away, thinking back to the place he had seen Clark last. Chloe’s astute reporter eyes did not fail to notice his demeanor. “Lex, what's going on?”

“Nothing. I'm just hoping Clark didn't change his mind.”

Chloe was completely confused at that remark. “You're his best friend. Why would he do that?”

Lex remained silent, sadly recalling where he had last spoken with Clark—in the secret room containing the research on him, research that Lex had claimed he had stopped a long time ago. If ever Clark were to change his mind about this, Lex was sure that could be a damn good reason. What have I done?

At this point, Chloe, looking past him, gave a sigh of relief. “There he is, just in time to save the day.”

Lex turned to see Clark walking towards them. Unlike either Lex or Chloe, he was dressed informally—for, though neither knew it, he had come straight from the airport, from the place where the final blow to his heart had been struck.

Lex tried to speak up. “Clark, hey...”

Neither Clark’s pace nor his direction changed. He rudely brushed right past Chloe and Lex without even looking at them, his handsome face stony, his blue eyes cold; he almost looked dead. Chloe glanced at Lex, utterly confused and a little upset, then followed Clark.

Lex stood there for a long moment, utterly unhappy. What have I done to you, Clark?

* * * * *

Much later, the hearing had come to a close. Lionel Luthor walked silently out of the courtroom, surrounded by guards. A swarming mass of reporters, hovering outside like vultures sizing up a carcass, started snapping pictures to the accompaniment of blinding flashes—not to mention thrusting out microphones, shouting their questions…as they always did. Lionel would have pitied the insensitive fools—had they deserved it.

“Mr. Luthor!” cried one reporter. “How do you feel about facing prison now that you've been denied bail?”

Lionel never missed a beat with his walk as he spoke, deciding to allow the reporter the luxury of an answer. His raspy voice was calm, cool, and carried an air of understated arrogance. “You know,” said the former owner of LuthorCorp, “it's nothing new to be in prison and to be an innocent man. In the end, I have no doubt that justice will prevail.” And freedom will again be mine.

“Are you filing an appeal, sir?” blabbed another reporter.

Lionel walked on and out of the courthouse, the flock of vultures close on his heels. Close behind the crowd walked Clark Kent, his steps slow and measured.

Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder, causing him to pause in his walk.

“Clark,” said Lex’s familiar voice, “thanks for showing up. It means a lot to me.”

“I didn't come here for you, Lex,” Clark retorted without turning around. “I came here because it's the right thing to do.”

Then he did turn around, staring straight into Lex’s eyes. His next words were firm and cold: “This friendship's over.”

Lex’s face wrinkled with sorrow as Clark, his own face stony, turned away and left, walking out of his life. Lex bowed his head, allowing a tear to form in one eye.

And again, he wondered, What have I done to you, Clark?

* * * * *

Clark leaned against the railing in his loft—his “Fortress of Solitude,” his dad called it. He stared quietly at the ground, the ice gone from his blue eyes. The sadness was evident in his voice as he spoke. “Everything you said has come true.” And indeed it had—Lana had left him, and Lex had betrayed him. Who knew what other cruelties the human race would bestow upon him?

“I take no pleasure in your anguish, Kal-El,” replied his lone companion. Kara, the only other living Kryptonian, stood behind him, her golden hair hanging down a few inches below her shoulders. “I know that you have great feelings for these people, and they will miss you when you’re gone.”

Despite her words, Clark felt nigh-inconsolable. His mind went over everything that had happened since his arrival—since the rain of fire that had caused so much destruction, especially the deaths of Lewis and Laura Lang—the parents of the young woman he loved. “Ever since the meteor shower, I’ve brought them nothing but pain,” he murmured. Since when did he not deserve some pain back?

Kara’s hand reached out, gently touching the back of his head; soon, she was running her fingers down his back. “Come with me, Kal-El,” she said softly, “and she will ease your suffering.”

At this, Clark looked up and around, gazing into her eyes. “She?” he asked.

She nodded. “Your birth mother.”

His eyes widened slightly as something surged in his heart…a feeling that had departed along with Lana at the airport…

Hope.

“Lara?” he whispered.

“She’s missed you so much,” said Kara softly.

“But how could she?” he asked. “She died.” But then, he thought, hadn’t his birth father, Jor-El, also died?

Kara laid her fingertips on his face soothingly. “Her love lives on,” she said, “and will embrace you all the days of your life.”

With that, she gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek—not unlike the ones Lana had given him an eternity before. He closed his eyes, allowing her to pull his face down and kiss his forehead.

Then his eyes, their irises as brilliant and blue as a clear noon sky, opened again. His face was steady and resolved. He had nothing left here.

“I’m ready,” he said.

Kara replied without words, pressing her lips firmly against his.

* * * * *

Later, the two Kryptonians—the last of their race—stood in the Kawatche caves, their hands joined. Ahead of them lay a fissure in the stone wall—a passage to the place where Kal-El had been awaited for a year.

The two raised their linked hands in the air. As if in response, a great golden light shone out of the split as it began to open, a strong wind billowing through the caves.

Clark looked over to Kara, still feeling nervous and slightly uncertain. As if she had felt his worry, she opened her eyes and looked at him, smiling confidently…reassuringly. Sucking in his uncertainty, Clark turned back to the growing light, taking a deep breath.

It was time, he decided. Whatever was going to happen, he was ready for it.

“Clark! Wait!”

Instinctively, Clark released Kara’s hand as he whirled around. Jonathan Kent, the only true father he had ever known, was standing behind them, yelling to make himself heard.

“Her name is not Kara,” he called. “Her name is Lindsay, and she’s not from Krypton.”

Not from— “Dad, what are you talking about?” Clark called back.

Suddenly, he felt Kara’s hand grabbing his arm. “Ignore him, Kal-El!” she exclaimed.

But Clark did not ignore Jonathan. He watched as his dad held up an envelope. “Chloe matched her fingerprints to a young girl who was arrested for shoplifting sixteen years ago,” he explained. He pulled a paper out of the envelope and gave it to Clark—it was a newspaper article.

Clark scanned the headline: Woman Killed in Smallville…Daughter Missing… His eyes widened as he saw the young woman in the picture. It was her!

Jonathan now spoke directly to her. “Your name is Lindsay Harrison.”

“My name is Kara!” she yelled defiantly.

“You were driving with your mother on the day of the meteor shower,” Jonathan continued relentlessly. “Your car got a direct hit on Route 8. That’s right here, near the caves.”

She made no response this time, save for a volcanic glare.

“Clark,” Jonathan said, “Lindsay’s body was never found.”

Clark looked up from the picture to Kara—to Lindsay. “You haven’t aged a day!” he exclaimed.

“Because I’ve been waiting for you!” she declared, turning to the fissure. “In there!”

“No, Lindsay!” Jonathan cried. “Jor-El used you! He stole away your life, he stripped you of your humanity—all so he could lure Clark to him! You two have to come with me right now!”

No sooner had he said that, however, than an all-too-familiar stentorian voice boomed out of the glowing fissure: “Go with Kara, Kal-El.”

Clark spun towards the fissure, his face tightening with fury. “I’m not going anywhere!” he yelled. “I’ll never be who you want me to be!”

As if in angry response, white light flashed repeatedly, obscuring everything from sight—and when it had cleared, Lindsay was gone.

“What did you do to her?!” Clark exclaimed.

Jor-El’s response couldn’t have been colder: “She served her purpose…as has Jonathan Kent.”

With that, a great golden line of energy sprung out of the fissure, wrapping itself around Jonathan’s neck like a whip—or a noose.

“DAD!” Clark screamed as Jonathan collapsed to his knees, tugging futilely at the rope of fire. Desperate, he spun back towards the wall, shouting, “LEAVE MY FATHER ALONE!”

“Come forward, or he will die,” Jor-El declared.

Clark looked at Jonathan, who was still struggling—uselessly, it seemed. He then looked towards the golden light. His very heart and soul felt torn—trapped.

Jor-El spoke more insistently: “Come to me, Kal-El.”

How could he possibly decide? He was trapped between two fathers—between the man who had raised him to a young adult, who had told Clark that he had to choose his own destiny, and the man who had sired him, who had declared that his destiny was already mapped out—that he had no choice.

“Clark!” Jonathan managed to cry out. “I’ve lived a full life, son! Jor-El can do whatever he wants to do to me—as long as you’re free!”

Free? No…that could never be the case. “I’ll never be free!” Clark nearly sobbed. He really didn’t have a choice.

“Clark! NO!”

But Clark’s mind was made up—he was doing this for the sake of his true father, and for everyone else whose lives had been ruined by his presence. I love you, Dad, he thought sadly, feeling on the verge of tears, as he turned back to the golden light, ready to accept his fate.

It was then that Jonathan, his mind racing furiously, released one hand’s grip on the rope of fire, reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out his ace in the hole.

Instantly, Clark felt a weakening, sickening sensation overcome his body. Nearly doubling over in pain, feeling as though his blood was on fire, he twisted away from the wall—

—and there, clutched tightly in Jonathan’s hand, glowing eerily and lethally, was a large chunk of Green Kryptonite.

Jonathan didn’t really want to cause his son any pain, though—he had every intention of saving him. Summoning up his strength, he drove the glowing green rock into the energy rope. Instantly, the line blazed white, trembling as green sparks jumped out of the Kryptonite—

—and then, it exploded in a rush of heatless golden-white flames, Jor-El’s hold broken.

Clutching at his neck with his other hand, Jonathan forced himself to his feet, the rage in his blue eyes burning as brightly as the green rock. He drew back his arm and hurled the Kryptonite straight into the fissure, Clark watching as it vanished into the depths.

The next instant, great green-white bolts of energy burst out of the split, jumping along the cave wall. An explosive sound like thunder repeatedly boomed through the air as the wind became a gale, pushing Clark and Jonathan away. There was a massive crackle of electricity, a powerful boom that nearly knocked father and son over, accompanied by a great flash of white light—then a whoosh as air blew back into the fissure, the now-silvery light fading.

The two Kents gazed on as Jor-El’s voice spoke again, not yet diminished: “This is not the end, Kal-El. You have not heard the last of me.”

“As far as I’m concerned, Jor-El, you have no claim to him!” Jonathan declared defiantly. “My son can choose his own future, and you do not have to be a part of it! Your damn covenant will never be fulfilled!”

Clark’s heart simultaneously thrilled and shuddered at the determination in his father’s voice. Jor-El made no response as the last of the light vanished in an instant, the wind dying away as quickly as it had blown up, the fissure sealing.

Everything was still—and quiet.

[SVsleuth]

Oh, an update! off to read.... posted at 3 a.m.?? :eek: - what dedication!

Wow! Supes! You are an amazing writer! You should have been writing a long time ago. I know it takes a lot of time to re-work an episode as completely as you have done. Your descriptions are so vivid, your words painting a clear picture in my mind. I can't wait for more. This promises to be one of the best fics on the boards.

So Lana is still headed for Paris (I think), Lex is regretting the loss of his friendship with Clark, Jor-El is rebuffed, Jonathan is NOT in a coma, & Clark is NOT "re-born" for Lois to find him in a field. So does this mean Lois won't come at all? Maybe Lana won't get on the plane after all.... Can't wait for more. Thanks for joining the ranks of the writers, Supes.

PPMS!

[sandy]

ah, I knew i was right about this story being one of the Clana classics! awesome job, Supes, and PPMS!:D

[akuma]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!:D:D Cant wait to see what ur doin with the story now:p

[RedHawk]

Loved it! Can't wait to see what happens next.

[superman_lives_on]

Wow--thanks for all the praise, you guys! I'm still working on the second chapter, so hang in there! I'm hoping for more feedback, too.


Originally posted by SVsleuth
Oh, an update! off to read.... posted at 3 a.m.?? :eek: - what dedication!

Wow! Supes! You are an amazing writer! You should have been writing a long time ago. I know it takes a lot of time to re-work an episode as completely as you have done. Your descriptions are so vivid, your words painting a clear picture in my mind. I can't wait for more. This promises to be one of the best fics on the boards.

So Lana is still headed for Paris (I think), Lex is regretting the loss of his friendship with Clark, Jor-El is rebuffed, Jonathan is NOT in a coma, & Clark is NOT "re-born" for Lois to find him in a field. So does this mean Lois won't come at all? Maybe Lana won't get on the plane after all.... Can't wait for more. Thanks for joining the ranks of the writers, Supes.

PPMS!

Gee...from the mouth of a talented writer herself. Thanks, SV! It was your fics, as well as ajfinn's and Cardinal's, that inspired me, you know.

I'd like to ask--did you guys have any sort of favorite part of this chapter?

[SVsleuth]

Here's favorite line of dialogue:

“As far as I’m concerned, Jor-El, you have no claim to him!” Jonathan declared defiantly. “My son can choose his own future, and you do not have to be a part of it! Your damn covenant will never be fulfilled!”

What I like is all of the descriptions between the dialogue, of what everyone is doing & thinking. That's what made this so good, in spite of most of it being directly from the episode.

Of course, the part at the end where you begin to change the story, & Jonathan pulls out the Kryptonite is awesome.

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Woah that was awsome!!!! Loved how Jonathan saved Clark, for the next course I would like to have an update with a dash of Clana. PPMS!!!

[linn]

what akuma said...ppms!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
What I like is all of the descriptions between the dialogue, of what everyone is doing & thinking. That's what made this so good, in spite of most of it being directly from the episode.

Of course, the part at the end where you begin to change the story, & Jonathan pulls out the Kryptonite is awesome.

Glad to know it.

I noticed your "favorite line of dialogue". Not to sound overbearingly nosy or anything, but what exactly appealed to you? I'm just trying to see if there are any ways to improve the story--certain aspects that could be emphasized. Feedback is my friend. :D

[NYC300Z]

what a chapter!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Glad to know it.

I noticed your "favorite line of dialogue". Not to sound overbearingly nosy or anything, but what exactly appealed to you? I'm just trying to see if there are any ways to improve the story--certain aspects that could be emphasized. Feedback is my friend. :D
Well, it's just really cool to have somebody tell Jor-El off for a change. ;)

[super12]

that was intense.
PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by *~KrYpToN619~*
Woah that was awsome!!!! Loved how Jonathan saved Clark, for the next course I would like to have an update with a dash of Clana. PPMS!!!

We'll see, won't we? :D

[C.A.chick]

Can't wait for more supes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Okay, Chapter Two will be finished soon, but I need some more posts of appreciation before I put it up. Oh, and feel free to speculate as to what will happen in this chapter!

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

POST OF APPRECIATION!!!! I APPRECIATE NOW POST!

[ericatipton]

This story is full of excitment. POST more soon.

[linn]

yeah i know.......and please post the update...

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER TWO
Love’s Light Wings

Clark hadn’t been sure if he would ever breathe normally again—another thing to add to his list of uncertainties…until now.

Feeling cleansed by Jor-El’s at least temporary defeat—his first true failure to bend Clark to his will—the young man turned to Jonathan, encasing him in a tight hug of gratitude.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Clark sobbed, allowing his tears of remorse and relief to flow freely. “I’m sorry—”

“No, don’t be, son,” Jonathan reassured him. “You were going to do what you thought was best—and I certainly never taught you to do any less.”

Clark smiled a little. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Clark,” his father—his real father—said softly.

The two men remained in their embrace for a while longer, all other worries forgotten. Then they separated, smiling, and, gathering up Chloe’s evidence, made their way out of the caves.

* * * * *

Martha Kent stood just outside the house, watching anxiously for any sign of her returning family. It was getting closer and closer to twilight—but then, Smallville had always been something of a Twilight Zone.

She suddenly let out a gasp of relief as the truck came up the path towards the house. She knew even before it got close enough that it carried two occupants—whereas previously it had only carried one.

As the truck stopped, Clark eagerly got out of his seat, glad to be home. “Mom!” he called joyfully as she came running over. He scooped her up into a warm hug, soon joined by Jonathan, whose victory Martha promptly rewarded with a joyful kiss.

“Oh, thank God you’re both all right!” she exclaimed as they separated somewhat from the hug.

“Thank God for Dad and Chloe,” Clark said, wearing the familiar pearly-white Kent smile. “If it hadn’t been for them, we never would have known the truth about Kara—and Jor-El would have taken me prisoner.”

“Well,” sighed Jonathan, sounding amused, “who would have thought we’d owe your freedom to a piece of Kryptonite?”

As Clark chuckled at the comment, Martha turned to her husband, curious. “What exactly happened, Jonathan?”

Clark and Jonathan explained the details of the showdown in the caves. She shuddered with relief when they finished. “I’m glad that monster is gone for now,” she said. But then, her blue eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, Lindsay…”

“I doubt there was any of Lindsay left in that mind,” Jonathan said. “There was only Kara—the false personality that Jor-El created to lure our son to him. Lindsay died years ago, when that meteor hit her mom’s car.”

“And who knows what Jor-El would have done to me if I’d been sucked in?” Clark pointed out. “For all I know, he’d do the same thing—just induce a false personality of Kal-El, of the ideal obedient Kryptonian to do his bidding.”

“Thank God he failed,” said Martha. “I wish he’d never come into our lives, but at least he can’t touch us now.”

“For now, don’t forget,” said Jonathan. “I wouldn’t dismiss his last warning easily—he might just find a way to come back and raise more hell.”

“He might,” Clark admitted. “But for now, I’d like us to be able to get back to our normal lives—well, normal for us, anyway.”

Agreeing enthusiastically, Martha headed into the house to prepare some lemonade for a makeshift celebration. Jonathan remained outside, noticing how Clark was now staring off into the sky. “Something on your mind, son?” he asked.

“How’d you guess?” Clark sighed. “There’s so much to think of…”

“Namely…” His dad paused, but not for long. Few things could occupy his son’s mind so fully—and one was right at the top of the list. “Lana, huh?”

Clark nodded. “I didn’t make it to the airport in time—and when I saw Lex hugging her good-bye, I was so scared that…well, I thought she was happy, and that I had no right to interfere.” His brilliant blue eyes narrowed as a new feeling surged forth. “But now, after what happened with Jor-El…I think I made a big mistake with that.”

Jonathan guessed what he was getting at. “You’re not thinking of going after her, are you?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Clark asked.

“But what would you tell her, son?”

“The truth—that I love her more than anything, and that I want her to come home with me.”

“And nothing else?”

Normally, Clark might have fallen silent at that…but not any more. “No. I’d tell her…everything else. Everything she needs to hear.”

Jonathan sighed. “Clark, are you sure about this? You know what your secret’s done to Pete—”

“I do know, Dad,” Clark said firmly. “That was why I didn’t have the guts to tell her earlier—when I had the perfect opportunity. But I’ve had enough of that. I’m sick of my secrets and lies driving the people I love away. Life’s too short and too precious for that—and I can’t imagine a life without her. The only question is whether she’ll accept me or not…and that’s her decision to make, not mine.”

Remarkably, Jonathan didn’t look as though he was going to press the argument. It was as plain as day to him that his son’s mind was made up on this issue—that he had a newfound feeling of confidence after the showdown with Jor-El. And to be honest, some part of the farmer felt that Lana deserved to know the truth—that she ought to decide whether or not to stay with Clark when all the facts were in place. He’s certainly never felt any happier with any other girl…

“Well…uh…how do you plan to get to Paris, anyway?” he asked. “Thinking of running there? I’m not sure if you’re fast enough to make it over the Atlantic Ocean without sinking.”

“I dunno,” Clark admitted. “But I am going over there, whatever it takes.”

At this point, Martha came out with several lemonades. “What’s going on, you two?” she asked as she handed them their cups.

“Well, sweetheart…” Jonathan gestured to Clark, who was gratefully drinking the lemonade. “Our son’s decided to go to Paris and find Lana.”

Martha blinked. “Clark, are you serious about this?”

Clark finished his drink in one gulp. “Absolutely, Mom,” he said, determined. “And I’m going to share my secret with her, too. She deserved to know a long time ago.”

“Like when?” Martha asked, receiving the empty cup.

“After I rescued her from the tornado,” Clark said. “I should have opened up to her then—and I know you guys wouldn’t have approved. But if I can’t trust Lana, who can I trust?”

Martha looked at Jonathan, whose look clearly told her not to press the issue. She wasn’t going to, though. “Very well, Clark,” she said. “But how are you going to get there in time?”

Clark shrugged. “I’m working on that.” He looked up to the sky, allowing his mind to wander where his heart might take him. Memories drifted through, showing him the light and dark times he’d had with and around Lana Lang…the scene at the airport…his last conversation with her before she’d driven off…all the times she’d begged him for the truth, and he’d been too afraid to tell her…the time not long after he’d returned from Metropolis, when he had broken off their relationship…their first real kiss in the loft…all the times they’d laughed together, and the times they’d cried together…their first real talk in the graveyard…the first time he’d seen her, at the tender age of five, and had fallen irrevocably, hopelessly in love…

Ah, love…it was such a strange thing…painful when denied, joyful when fulfilled, and always beautiful, no matter how heartbreaking it might be…fragile sometimes, but potentially powerful—far more powerful than Kryptonite or meteor freaks or Jor-El or bald, filthy rich traitors…

Oh, Lana…I miss you so much already…and I love you more than you could ever imagine. I wish I’d stopped you earlier…I wish you were here with me…I need you…I love you so much…

“Uh, Clark?”

At the sound of his dad’s voice, Clark jolted out of his stupor—to find himself a foot above the ground.

THUD! He landed back on terra firma before he’d fully realized what had happened. He scrambled back to his feet, more than a little confused. “What happened?”

“You were floating, son,” Jonathan informed him. “About a foot in the air.”

“More floating? Almost flying? What is it with this thing? Why do I keep on—”

He stopped in mid-ramble as it dawned on him. A smile as bright as the sun lit up his face. “Lana…”

“Can’t stop thinking of her for a minute, can you?” asked Martha, grinning.

“That’s just it, Mom!” Clark exclaimed excitedly. “When I had dreams of floating and flying—and they turned out not to be dreams so much—more often than not, Lana was in them. When I was floating just now, I was thinking of her—of how much I love her. And when I saved her from that tornado, all I could think of was getting to her and shielding her…and it felt like I was flying! I think that’s it!”

He quickly concentrated on his feelings for Lana again. He closed his eyes, remembering everything—and when he opened them, he was now two feet off the ground.

Jonathan and Martha’s eyes remained wide as Clark drifted back down. “Well, son,” Jonathan finally laughed, “looks like you’ve unlocked the key to flight.”

Clark grinned—then, in a blur of super-speed and a rush of wind, he vanished into the house. Less than a minute later, he returned, now wearing a black button-up shirt and black pants. “Need a night uniform,” he said, answering the unasked question. “Looks like this is it.”

“You feel up to this, Clark?” Martha asked, placing her hand on his shoulder. “I can’t help but feel nervous.”

“I’ll be fine, Mom,” Clark promised her. “And if all goes well, I won’t be returning alone. I’ll see you in a day or so, at most.” He gave each of his parents a quick hug, then turned to look up at the sky. Summoning up all of his feelings for and memories of Lana—concentrating on the image of her smiling, beautiful face, and her soft, sweet voice saying the words, “I love you”—he clenched his fists and soared into the air without even having to jump.

The Kents watched him shoot off into the sky, faster than a speeding bullet, more elegantly than any rocket. Jonathan sighed, smiling. Go get her, son.

* * * * *

The wind whipped around Clark’s face and through his black hair as he flew higher and higher, soon leveling out inside a bank of puffy white clouds. He headed due east, the countryside panning along below him.

It was incredible, he thought—incredible how easily his control came and grew. Once he had figured out what triggered the floating, the knowledge of how to truly control it—to fly like a bird, or a plane—came to him rapidly; it was as if a dam had burst, flooding his mind with information.

And the flying itself was beyond amazing. It was an exhilarating feeling, shooting through the clouds and air with nothing beneath him for countless yards—nothing to support him save his own determination.

Not bad for a guy who was afraid of heights. But then, he was willing to reach the farthest star for Lana…

He smiled, the wind still whipping through his hair, as he thought over the feelings that had started the floating. Never had that timeless phrase, “On love’s light wings did I o’er-perch these walls,” seemed more appropriate.

His blue eyes shimmered as he thought of Lana…her soft skin, her long raven tresses, her mesmerizing irises of hazel, her angelic voice, her tenderness and caring…everything that attracted him to her, even without the intangible feelings of love that had started from the moment he saw her, all those years ago.

When he had made the decision to go with Kara and face what Jor-El had in store for him, he had thought he’d never see Lana again—that he had lost her forever. He had been horribly distraught, thinking only of how a cruel fate had separated them.

But after his dad had saved him from Jor-El’s trap, risking his own neck—literally—to preserve his son’s freedom, Clark had begun to seriously look over his decision—over his thoughts and fears, and his seemingly dead hope. Maybe if he hadn’t chickened out after Pete had told him what had happened with that FBI agent…maybe if he had told her the truth in his loft anyway, instead of forcing himself to let her go on to Paris, he could have solved this sooner.

Still, that was water under the bridge. He had thought over his actions as he sat in the passenger seat of the truck, no words being exchanged with Jonathan—for what more was there to say, anyway?

And it was at the farm, when his mom had gone inside for lemonade, that Clark had looked to the sky, finally making his decision. He had made a mistake, just letting her go. He should have told her everything that night. Life was too short and too valuable for such loneliness and unhappiness as Lana’s departure would only leave him with—and he had sworn to himself that he would not let Jor-El nor his own secrets and lies dictate the course of his life. It was time for a change. If she still wished to leave him, it ought to be because of the truth, not because of lies.

Before long, as he flew through the clouds, he could detect a plane not far away. Keeping out of sight (and hopefully out of radar range), he scanned it with his x-ray vision. The blue-tinted image telescoped as he searched the passenger seats—

And sure enough, there she was, sitting in her seat in the first class section.

His vision shifted somewhat, the blue tint fading along with the skeletons and such, so that he could finally see Lana as she truly appeared. Even at this distance, he could clearly see what she was doing—his vision was that super.

She did not look happy, not by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, she looked resigned…and saddened…and lonely.

His heart panged guiltily. It looked as though he had indeed misinterpreted the scene at Metropolis Airport, allowing his own fear to blind him. She was still missing him…still thinking of him, of the life she had left behind. He knew Lana. He could often tell what she was feeling. And right now, her countenance couldn’t have been more easily interpreted if it were a flashing neon sign.

Clark allowed his x-ray vision to flash off as he kept hidden inside the clouds, covertly following the plane at a distance. Maybe she wouldn’t have to leave him behind.

He only hoped that she wouldn’t blame him for his secrecy, his dishonesty, or the deaths of her parents.

* * * * *

Several hours later, Lana Lang walked through the crowds at the airport, feeling the weight of every step she took. In spite of it all—in spite of her supposed determination—she was beginning to wonder if she’d done the right thing by leaving Smallville.

But what else could she have done, though? Despite her claims to everyone—to herself—that she was leaving to see what else what was out there, to find her place in the world, she knew there was one real reason for her departure…Clark Kent.

She sighed sadly as she leaned against a wall, taking a break from her attempt to get through the sea of people. Why hadn’t he told her the truth that night she had gone to his loft? She knew implicitly that he hadn’t just asked her up there to say good-bye. There had been something on his mind, something he had desperately wanted to tell her—and then he had said that he hoped she would find what she was looking for in Paris.

Damn it all, Clark, why couldn’t you open up to me, just once? She had even provided another opportunity for him to do so, and that had gone straight down the drain as well.

She pulled out the white rose she had found on the pavement at the airport, gazing at it sadly. From the moment she saw it, she knew that she hadn’t imagined seeing Clark standing there. Why had he left? Was he really so afraid that she and Lex might be more than friends? Clark was the only man she had ever cared for this way!

Lana held back a tear. It was a moot point by now. Short of a miraculous, fairy-tale-esque arrival in Paris to ask her to come home, she didn’t see any way of getting back to Clark now. It was time to do what she’d set out to do—to go to the Paris School of the Arts and start finding her true place in the world. She had to let go of the past…didn’t she?

Lana blinked away the tear, straightening up. For a moment, she had imagined a voice calling her name, as if her past itself was calling her back. But no more—

“Lana!”

She froze on the spot, her hazel eyes widening. She hadn’t imagined it! A strong, clear, resonant voice had called her name over the hustle and bustle of the crowd—

A voice she knew all too well.

But it couldn’t be—could it? No, it couldn’t—it didn’t make any sense—

“Lana, over here!”

She sucked in her breath, bravely turning towards the voice, ready to see for herself—

And there, standing amongst the crowd, clad in black clothing, his luscious black hair even more unkempt than before, his beautiful blue eyes gazing straight into her hazel orbs, was the man she loved—Clark Kent himself.

[Iowanmom]

Okay, Superman_lives_on. I started reading this thinking this was just a rewrite of the episode Covenant. I was very disappointed. I did not understand, but being a detailed reader, I started to see the differences, namely the Lex thoughts.

It was nice to go back a bit and experience a not so DARK Lex in this fic. He has grown soooo shady in the last two years, especially now. It is refreshing to literally 'feel' the remorse and sadness he has for the things he's done to Clark. Very nice.

As the story continued, I slowly allowed myself to really absorb the detail you added to the Covenant scenes. True we saw all of this on TV, but it was nice to literally read the emotion and feelings of Clark and how Kara and Jor-El's manipulations were affecting Clark mentally and emotionally. Very nice work, here.

Then you bring in the big guns. You change the scene. Wonderful job. Jonathan saves his son, giving Clark hope for a future unlike Jor-El's planned destiny. Wow. I loved it.

Your descriptive ability a treat for the eyes. You literally suck us into the words and emotions you've typed. This is your first fic?? Well, I definitely know you won't be stopping with this one. Your fan base is going to grow and demand so many great things from you. I am highly impressed, not that my opinion matters at all, but believe me when I say, you have a wonderful talent. I hope your confidence grows along with your fans and you continue to grace us with many more stories to come.

Bring on the next update!! I can't wait for more. Fantasic job.

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Iowanmom
Okay, Superman_lives_on. I started reading this thinking this was just a rewrite of the episode Covenant. I was very disappointed. I did not understand, but being a detailed reader, I started to see the differences, namely the Lex thoughts.

It was nice to go back a bit and experience a not so DARK Lex in this fic. He has grown soooo shady in the last two years, especially now. It is refreshing to literally 'feel' the remorse and sadness he has for the things he's done to Clark. Very nice.

As the story continued, I slowly allowed myself to really absorb the detail you added to the Covenant scenes. True we saw all of this on TV, but it was nice to literally read the emotion and feelings of Clark and how Kara and Jor-El's manipulations were affecting Clark mentally and emotionally. Very nice work, here.

Then you bring in the big guns. You change the scene. Wonderful job. Jonathan saves his son, giving Clark hope for a future unlike Jor-El's planned destiny. Wow. I loved it.

Your descriptive ability a treat for the eyes. You literally suck us into the words and emotions you've typed. This is your first fic?? Well, I definitely know you won't be stopping with this one. Your fan base is going to grow and demand so many great things from you. I am highly impressed, not that my opinion matters at all, but believe me when I say, you have a wonderful talent. I hope your confidence grows along with your fans and you continue to grace us with many more stories to come.

Bring on the next update!! I can't wait for more. Fantasic job.

Oh, your opinion matters a great deal to me, Io. Thanks for all the praise.

So what did you think of Chapter Two? :D

[basketballstar23]

yes!!!! *chants* CLANA!CLANA!CLANA! come on, join me! CLANA! CLANA!!

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Oh, your opinion matters a great deal to me, Io. Thanks for all the praise.

So what did you think of Chapter Two? :D
Hell, you just posted and I'm busy reading. :lol: Give me some time, **chuckling excitedly** I'll let ya know, I promise. I promise. I am so excited. :D

[SVsleuth]

Alright, supes! This update was fantastic! :) So cool that thoughts of Lana trigger flight. So cool that Clark decides to go after her and tell her. Lana must think she is imagining things. Can't wait for more! PPMS!

[super12]

whole CRAP this is how it should have been. this is freakin awesome.
PPMS!

[Iowanmom]

Okay, **grinning ear to ear** I can't finish this read without telling you what I feel. ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL!! Okay, I'll calm down a little bit. :lol: Wow, that's all I can say. I've only read up to where Clark 'takes off' into the air to find his love. I'm just giddy with excitement and full of happiness. Wow and this is over a Clana fic.

The Kent scenes you describe seem right out of the show. Fantastic. The soft words and gentle support they offer each other is wonderful. I absolutely love that you have JK calling Clark 'son'. It shows such meaning while all the time describing JK's soulful desire to show Clark what he truly means to him and Martha. Truly he is their son. 100%. No blood unites them, but no amout of cosmic space can separate the love they feel for Clark, either. Great work, here.

As you bring us into Clark's thoughts and enrapture us in his ideals of Love and what it means to him, I am swept away by the beauty of your words. When you write:

"Clark shrugged. “I’m working on that.” He looked up to the sky, allowing his mind to wander where his heart might take him. Memories drifted through, showing him the light and dark times he’d had with and around Lana Lang…the scene at the airport…his last conversation with her before she’d driven off…all the times she’d begged him for the truth, and he’d been too afraid to tell her…the time not long after he’d returned from Metropolis, when he had broken off their relationship…their first real kiss in the loft…all the times they’d laughed together, and the times they’d cried together…their first real talk in the graveyard…the first time he’d seen her, at the tender age of five, and had fallen irrevocably, hopelessly in love…

Ah, love…it was such a strange thing…painful when denied, joyful when fulfilled, and always beautiful, no matter how heartbreaking it might be…fragile sometimes, but potentially powerful—far more powerful than Kryptonite or meteor freaks or Jor-El or bald, filthy rich traitors…"

My heart literally filled with passion. Such beautiful words. This reminded me of a conversation we had a while back in Cardinal's fic, "At Last.":
quote:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by C.A.chick
Iowanmom, I'm glad that you can appreciate this beautiful writing even though you've only just become used to reading this ship.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And I said this in return?
quote:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Iowanmom
Hey, C.A.chick,
I don't really see the 'ship' perse, I see the love, soulful desires of the heart, the loving tenderness of the spirt, the deep searching eyes longing and pining for it's soulmate. That is what I see.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You said to me superman_lives_on:
quote:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Then that's what I hope to bring when I begin my story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The point of me bringing all of this up is, I can't help but 'see' exactly what I told C.A.chick so many days ago. The love, soulful desires of the heart, the loving tenderness of the spirt, the deep searching eyes longing and pining for it's soulmate. I see it, Supes (if I can call you that), I see it. I do more than see it, I 'feel' it. And it is wonderful. Gosh and I haven't even read the rest of the update. Wow.

I know I'm not doing your writing justice, but I want you to know, like I do most writers that have this ablility, that your words literally 'move' me. I enmesh myself in the story and experience what ever you can offer. I sincerely love this fic. I am a fan.

**goes off to read more**
sorry my reply is so long. Gosh I went off on a tangent. :lol: Sometimes I just can't help these long replies.

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

A-W-S-O-M-E!!!! Superman lives on that was great can't wait for the next post! PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Iowanmom
sorry my reply is so long. Gosh I went off on a tangent. :lol: Sometimes I just can't help these long replies.

No need to be sorry, Io. You couldn't stop grinning when you read my story, you say? Well, I can't stop grinning when I read all this praise. These long replies of yours help me to get a handle on everything that works and works well--and anything that doesn't. Thank you--thank you very much. I'm thrilled that you're enjoying this.

[Iowanmom]

I am not a critic, really. I can't tell someone what is wrong with their fic, other than questions I might have and a need to understand something, I didn't write it. I can only tell how the writer has moved me. Coming here to the Clana side, JulesMariah and Ferd opened up my eyes to intriguing Clana emotions.

Clana does not have to be 'cringing' for me. I do not like the Clana on the show. I am not even a TW or KK fan, really. I am an AM fan. 100%. And a Chloe/Clark fan. But through JulesMariah's fic, The Letter and Ferd's fic The Fairytale, I found that Clana, tho beautiful to look at on screen, through fan fiction, it can be soulful, loving, selfless, likable and powerful even to me. Cardinal's fic Bless The Broken Road and SVsleuth's Hidden furthered my newly found interest, pulling me in deeper toward a better appreciation for the couple. Now, that's saying something! :) You do indeed have some awesome writers over here. :D

Having me as a reader, I reply differently than some. I tend to pick apart the fic and speak to the character's you've blessed us with, literally. I have a 'need' to experience what I read on a physical level and this fic does this for me.

When you wrote:

He stopped in mid-ramble as it dawned on him. A smile as bright as the sun lit up his face. “Lana…”

I closed my eyes and envisioned the smile on his face and the soft timber of Clark's voice as he whisperd Lana's name. This is a wonderful example of what 'moves' me in the physical sense.

When you wrote:

"Summoning up all of his feelings for and memories of Lana—concentrating on the image of her smiling, beautiful face, and her soft, sweet voice saying the words, “I love you”—he clenched his fists and soared into the air"

My heart again filled with emotion completely consuming my thoughts and feelings. Such wonderful detail.

All of this and I haven't even gotten half way through. Wow are you and your readers going to be sick of me. :lol: Oh well. As you bring us into his flight and thoughts, your reference to flying like a bird or plane had me smile. But the idea that "a dam had burst, flooding his mind with information." Had me instantly think, 'fear holds us back from so much'. This too is true of our Clark. His fear has held him back from so much in his life, never truly experiencing what being 'alive' can really mean.

His love and a second chance at happiness, thankfully due to his dad, allows him to truly see what hope and being free can mean for him and his future with Lana.

"Not bad for a guy who was afraid of heights. But then, he was willing to reach the farthest star for Lana…"

Yes, to soar and finally be free to seek out Lana... is a wish, a prayer, a longago lost hope; a dream finally revived and sought after, a desire realized and soon to be embraced. Now, if he can only take her in his arms and whisk them away from everything around them, he can begin the healing of their souls and saddened hearts.

Truly a great update. I know I could write more, but... well, I gotta go to bed. Post more when you can and not a moment sooner. This has been a wonderful experience. Great job.

Oh and just a little heads up.... I ABSOLUTELY love it when a writer responds to his feedback. It shows you haven't forgotten us little people. :lol: It tells me my attempt to express what your writing does to me wasn't for nothing. It shows you care. Thank you for that. Really! :D

[ericatipton]

can't wait for more

[superman_lives_on]

Well, I'll be a Kryptonian's uncle! Looks like the dumb boards deleted a bunch of posts!

[Nemu]

that they did... almost a whole 24 hours worth of them...

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Yeah I was like wth y are all the posts gone. I thought I was going crazy.

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER THREE
The Truth Will Set You Free

Time seemed to have stopped along with Lana’s heart. She couldn’t move, could hardly breathe…all she could really do was stare—stare at the entirely unexpected sight of Clark standing in the middle of the airport in Paris.

Thoughts raced through her head, piling atop each other: What’s he doing here?! How did he get here?! What’s with the black clothing? And why does his hair look so…windswept?

Then her heart thubbed against her chest, just once. The stream of thoughts stopped abruptly as other things took over…

Emotions. Everything she had ever felt for Clark…everything she did feel for Clark…frustration, sadness, resentment, tenderness, wonder…

But above them all was the one emotion that she could never have dispensed with, even if she had tried…

And it was that very emotion that made her heart beat again, that prompted her eyes to moisten, that formed her lips into specific positions as air billowed through her vocal cords, allowing her to whisper a single word: “Clark?”

By now, Clark was well aware that she had seen him. A warm, comforting smile slowly creased his handsome face as he gazed into the hazel eyes of the woman he loved. The pain from the last moment he had seen her in Metropolis was forgotten; all he could think of now was the fact that he’d made it—that he’d come after her.

“Lana, it’s me!” he called, hoping to spur her into movement.

It worked. Lana shifted from her position, her legs carrying her almost of their own accord. Words tumbled from her lips as if they were anxious to get out: “Clark! Oh my God, Clark!”

And soon, she had reached him, nearly running the last foot or so. She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, even as he wrapped his strong arms around her, holding her close, rocking her gently.

“It’s me, Lana,” he said again, quietly this time. “I’m here. I’ve come for you—this time.”

They stayed like that for a few moments longer, gently swaying in the middle of the airport. People were starting to notice, stopping to look, but neither of them cared.

Finally, Lana pulled her face out of his chest, his black shirt now slightly moist with her tears. She stared into his blue eyes, her breathing becoming a little more normal. “Oh, Clark…how? Why?”

“I couldn’t let you go—not again,” he said.

Hearing those words reminded Lana of what had happened some hours earlier. She pulled away from him just enough to bring out the white rose. “I found this on the pavement at Metropolis Airport,” she said, managing to speak evenly. “I know you came, Clark. Why didn’t you stay long enough for me to talk to you? Was it because of…”

“Lex?” he finished for her. “Yes, it was. I saw him hugging you good-bye, and I lost my nerve—and my hope. I thought maybe you and him…well…”

“Not a chance,” Lana said firmly, guessing what he was getting at. “There’s only one person I ever cared for that way, Clark—only one person I do care for that way. It’s you, only you.”

Clark’s eyes glistened; he felt both glad and relieved…and something else as well, which he communicated in his next words: “I love you, Lana.”

She smiled softly, her own eyes glistening. “I love you too, Clark.” And she leaned up to kiss him on the lips.

The onlookers grinned; several of them wondered whether or not to applaud, ultimately deciding against it. For a long moment, the two young lovers remained in a tight embrace, their lips firmly locked.

Finally, they parted, their hearts beginning to beat as one. Clark spoke first. “Please don’t stay here in Paris, Lana,” he said earnestly. “Please come home with me.”

“Don’t worry,” Lana whispered. “I’m not going to stay here. I really left because I wanted to get away from the whole avoidance dance with you. Now I don’t have to.”

Clark felt relieved. “I’m sorry I put you through so much pain, Lana. You know, you were right when you said that I hadn’t just asked you to dinner at the loft to say good-bye. There was something I wanted to tell you…a lot of things, actually. But something happened after I saved you from Emily, and I became afraid that I’d only put you in more danger. So I thought maybe it’d be better if you went on to Paris, where you could be safe.”

“Clark, I would never want to be safe and alone,” Lana said earnestly. “I’d rather be with you. But I just couldn’t stand your unwillingness to open up to me—”

“That’s not going to happen again, Lana, not if I can help it,” he assured her. “If you were ever to leave me for good, it should be because of the truth, not lies.” He took a deep breath, then continued. “Can we go somewhere for the night—maybe a hotel? We have a lot to talk about, and I can’t let it be heard by anyone else.”

Lana smiled and nodded. “Of course we can. I’m looking forward to this…but I’m also kind of nervous.”

“Well, I’m not far removed from terrified,” he admitted. “What I have to say could very well change the way you feel about me.”

“Don’t say that, Clark,” Lana said firmly. “Nothing could make me stop loving you.”

“I hope you’re right,” he replied, “because I don’t want a life without you, Lana. That’s not a life at all.”

Lana kissed him once more, hoping to reassure him that nothing could change her true feelings for him. Much to their embarrassment, the crowd decided they couldn’t hold it in any longer, bursting into applause.

Clark and Lana’s faces were redder than tomatoes until they got out of the airport.

* * * * *

Some time later, Lana flopped onto a comfy bed inside an elegant-but-not-too-expensive hotel room they had booked for the night. “All right, here we are,” she said. “So what do you want to tell me?”

Clark sat in a cozy chair next to the bed, pondering the answer to that question. “You know, Lana, I’m not really sure where to start,” he admitted. “Everything I’ve kept from you goes all the way back to the beginning, but I think I may need to save that part for last.”

“Hmm…” Lana considered this quandary, then said, “Well, maybe I should start you off by asking you something. What happened to stop you from telling me what you wanted to that night in the loft?”

“Pete,” he said.

She blinked. “Pete? What does he have to do with this?”

“It’s why he’s moving away to live with his mom,” Clark said. “You see…he knows my secrets. He has ever since the beginning of sophomore year. I didn’t want to tell him—I had to tell him, or he might have exposed my most crucial secret to the world. It nearly meant the end of our friendship, too. So you can imagine how hesitant I’ve been to tell you—the only person I ever really wanted to tell my secrets.”

Lana managed not to feel angry—or even resentful—that Pete had found out the secret before she had. “I still don’t understand—why is he moving away?”

“He’s afraid he might expose me,” Clark explained. “When he came to say good-bye, he said that an FBI agent had beaten him up for information about me. He said he could never live with himself if he betrayed me.”

“Oh, my God,” Lana breathed, bringing a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. “So that was why you were so afraid to tell me.”

“Exactly. It had nothing to do with trust, Lana, just so you know—I trust you with my life. It had everything to do with protecting you from those who might want to find out about me and have no scruples about how they do it. And…”

He paused, looking away. “There was also my fear that you wouldn’t be able to accept me. I’m still afraid that knowing who I really am might drive you away. I know,” he forestalled, holding a hand up as she began to protest, “you said that wouldn’t happen. It’s still a leap of faith for me, though—but I can’t stand keeping you in the dark any longer.”

Lana closed her mouth, then opened it again after a few moments. “So…what’s your secret?”

Clark sighed softly, hoping against hope she was right about her feelings not changing. And then, he began.

“Lana, I know that in the past, you’ve had cause to believe that I may have been affected by the meteor rocks—and developed special abilities, like so many other people. Well, that’s only half true. I do have some special abilities, but not a single one was caused by the meteor rocks.

“In fact,” he said, noticing the look of wonder on her face, “the meteor rocks are my greatest weakness. The green ones are the worst, physically speaking. They take away my powers and make me feel sick and weak. I’m sure if I stayed around a large enough quantity long enough, I would die.”

Lana’s eyes widened, her hand going to the base of her neck. “My necklace…”

“Yep,” he said. “That’s why I almost always acted like a klutz around you.”

“Oh, Clark, I’m so sorry,” she said. “If only I’d known…I would have thrown that necklace into Crater Lake to get it away from you.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Lana. You didn’t know, and neither did I for a long time. Now, the red meteor rocks have a very different effect on me. They take away my inhibitions and make me act purely on impulse. I never stop to think about how I could hurt others.”

A look of understanding dawned across Lana’s beautiful face. “Metropolis?” she breathed.

“Yes, and the whole thing with Jessie—they used red meteor rocks in our class rings, you know. Then there was the time when you caught me kissing Chloe in the Talon. She and Pete were affected by the cave worms then, and Pete slipped a rock into my shirt.”

“Good grief,” she groaned. “And I never knew the truth—”

“Only because I wouldn’t tell you. My parents grilled it into my head at an early age that I couldn’t tell a soul my secrets. Besides, I was still afraid you might not accept me.”

“Well, I’m doing well so far, if I say so myself,” Lana pointed out. She paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “So…tell me about these abilities of yours.”

Clark smiled too. This part he could do, no problem. “Well, let’s see…maybe I ought to demonstrate them for you,” he said thoughtfully. “The first one would be my strength—that’s the first ability I got. It happened a few days after my adoption—I was hiding under the bed, and my dad was trying to get me out from under it—and then, out of the blue, I lifted the whole thing over my head.”

Lana’s eyes widened, an equally wide grin appearing on her face. “Wow, that is strong!”

“And I only get stronger as I grow older,” he added. “I can easily throw a tractor across town—if I want to, that is. Usually I just bench-press them.”

Lana laughed at that remark, then shrieked as he came over and lifted her up, balancing her on one hand. “CLAAAARK!”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly, lowering her back onto the bed. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Could have fooled me!” she gasped, her heart pounding.

Clark winced. “I really am sorry, Lana—”

“It’s all right, no harm done,” she said, clutching at her chest, willing her heart to slow down. When it did, she spoke again. “So what else?”

“Let’s see…okay, look straight at me. Don’t move your eyes at all.”

She did as instructed—and suddenly, he had vanished into thin air.

“Clark?!” she exclaimed, looking around—

Thump, thump, came a knock at the door. She went to open it, and there stood Clark, holding a red rose in one hand.

“What was that?” she asked, accepting the flower.

“That was the second ability I got—my speed,” he said. “I was about six, and I was playing ball with my dad when I suddenly started running faster than ever before. I ended up in the middle of Palmer Woods, completely lost! My parents were worried sick—I dunno what they told Sheriff Ethan.”

Lana shivered, imagining a six-year-old Clark crying in the middle of Palmer Woods. “That must have been scary,” she said, hugging him in sympathy.

“It was,” he admitted. “Took me a week to get control over it. Now I can outrun a speeding bullet.”

“I’m impressed,” Lana said honestly as she plopped back onto the bed. “But could you catch one?”

“Easily,” he said as he sat back down. “That’s my third ability—invulnerability. Unless there’s green meteor rock around, I’m impervious to harm. I first knew about it for certain when Lex hit me with his Porsche at 60 miles per hour.”

“Lex?” Lana exclaimed. “Does he know your secrets?”

“No! At least, I’ve never told him anything. But…” Clark’s face darkened, becoming downright stormy.

Lana couldn’t help but notice—and shiver. “What is it?”

“Lana, for a while now, Lex has been investigating me. He’s wondered if I may have any special abilities. He never really bought my excuse that I saw his car go off the bridge and jumped in after him. Only today, I found a secret room in his mansion—Lionel gave me a key to it. There was a bunch of information in there that he’d collected, even though he’d claimed to have stopped a while ago. We had a big blow-up, and I ended up breaking off our friendship later. I honestly don’t believe Lex can be trusted.”

Lana winced. “And all this time, he’s been like a brother to me…he’s always been so good to me.”

“For all I know, he may have been using you to try to find out my secrets,” Clark said bitterly. “I had hoped that he was nothing like his father…but I was wrong.”

Lana shuddered at this disturbing news, then decided to move Clark out of his dark mood. “Back on track, Clark. Are there any other abilities you’ve used?”

“Several,” he said, lightening up a little. “The fourth ability I got was x-ray vision—I can see through solid objects and make out skeletons.”

Lana’s eyes widened at the thought. “Um, Clark…you don’t ever use it to…” She trailed off, unconsciously crossing her arms over her chest.

“Wha…no! No, I would never do tha—oh, no,” he groaned, remembering. “Actually, I did do that—twice. But neither time was of my own free will.”

That didn’t help; Lana was now starting to turn red. “Uh…what exactly happened?” she asked timidly.

“The first time was when I was first getting it, and couldn’t control it yet—when Tina Greer had robbed the bank, impersonating Lex to do so. I saw all of Pete’s muscles when we were on the ropes, and I was so surprised that I fell off. When I looked up, I was staring right into the girls’ locker room—and you were coming up the aisle, wearing nothing but a white towel. I couldn’t help but watch as you turned around and dropped it—and I’m really sorry to embarrass you, but I couldn’t stop grinning until I got home.”

“Oh, my God,” Lana groaned expansively, her face red as a beet.

Clark looked away. “I’m sorry, Lana. I’ll have you know, though, that you’re incredibly beautiful even with clothes on, so I never really feel the need to peek. Anyway, the second time was when I was first under the influence of red meteor rock. Pete knew about my secret by then, and much to his annoyance, I was ‘checking out’ Chloe—and you for good measure.”

“I definitely didn’t need to know that,” Lana winced.

Clark then smiled sheepishly, feeling embarrassed himself. “Believe it or not, I consider ability number five even more embarrassing, given what started it. Watch this.”

He turned to the small fireplace in their room, squinting. Lana watched—then, her eyes widened as the logs burst into flames. Soon, Clark had a roaring fire going—all without having to stoke anything.

“That’s heat vision for you,” he said, turning back to her. “I first got it when we were watching that film with the crappy narration in Ms. Atkins’ class. Basically, it’s triggered by hormones—which is why the Talon nearly burned down when we were alone that day. I couldn’t help but think about being with you—in bed, that is.”

Lana wasn’t the only one blushing this time; Clark’s face was as red as a ripe tomato. After a few minutes, they both relaxed enough to speak. Clark beat her to it. “There’s two more abilities, and then there’s the toughest part of my secret.”

“Well,” said Lana, curious, “what are they?”

“Okay, now I want you to whisper something—anything—under your breath.”

Already starting to catch on, Lana turned away and whispered so quietly she couldn’t really hear it, “This is so amazing—the man I love is a super-powered, super-hot superhero!”

Clark liked what he heard. “Super-powered, super-hot, and superhero, huh?” he asked, grinning. “I could get used to this.”

“Let me guess,” Lana said, turning back to him with her own grin, “this is ability number six: super-hearing.”

“Exactly,” he said. “I first got it when I went temporarily blind. It was a real agony, hearing all those things and not seeing anything—at least, until I could control it.”

Lana reached out and stroked his cheek sympathetically. “I’m glad that’s not the case any more,” she said. “So what’s the last ability?”

“Well…” He paused, smiling. “Aren’t you still wondering how I followed you here to Paris—and how I saved you from the tornado?”

Lana blinked—then, her eyes widened. “You…you can—fly?!”

He nodded, his grin threatening to split open his face. “I didn’t really know how until this very evening. I was standing out in the yard, thinking…about you.” A dreamy look came over his face as he continued, “You know how my heat vision was triggered by hormonal thoughts? Well, I started floating while I was thinking of you…of how you make me feel. I soared through the air on wings of love, Lana—my love for you.”

Lana’s hazel eyes shimmered. “That is so…sweet,” she whispered. Allowing herself to think of just how much she loved this man, she leaned in and kissed him softly and tenderly on the lips.

When they finally—reluctantly—parted, Clark’s expression couldn’t have been dreamier if he had tried to make it so. “Lana, I may not know what my future holds in store…but I’d be more than glad to soar along to face it—with you by my side.”

“I’ve always dreamed of that,” Lana admitted. She smiled, then noticed the dreamy look fading off Clark’s face, to be replaced by a look of anxiety—and sorrow. “What is it? What’s the matter?”

“Lana, you’ve heard all my abilities—and my weakness,” he said, gulping. “Now the only thing left is my origin—where I really came from, why I have these powers, and why my life hasn’t really been what I dared to hope it could be. And this is the part that I’m afraid will scare you off—forever.”

Lana’s heart went out to him that moment—he looked so sad and lonely. “Clark,” she said gently, touching his cheek as she noticed the unshed tears in his blue eyes, “that’s not going to happen. I love you, more than anything. All of this—learning about your abilities—only makes you even more special in my eyes.”

Clark blinked back his tears. “But Lana, this is so hard to talk about—all the rest was easy.” He paused, took a deep breath, then decided to get it over with. “Lana…I’m not exactly from around here.”

She blinked. “What do you mean? I figured you weren’t from Smallville, since your parents adopted you—”

“No, I’m not from anywhere around Smallville,” Clark said. “And my parents didn’t adopt me from any orphanage. They found me in a field—after the meteor shower.”

Lana still didn’t understand, and she made that clear. Sighing, Clark looked into her eyes, fearing this might be the last chance he had to do so. The words began to tumble out—the last words he might ever say to her. “I wasn’t born anywhere near Smallville, Lana…in fact, I wasn’t born anywhere near this galaxy. I’m an alien. I’m from a planet called Krypton, which exploded years ago. I came here in the meteor shower—it was just a cover for my arrival.”

He looked down, not wanting to see her reaction. “So it’s my fault that the meteors came—it’s my fault that all those people got infected—and it’s my fault that your parents are dead. I’m the real freak in all of this—it’s all my fault, and I don’t think…I could ever…forgive myself.” He choked, then began to sob, burying his face in his hands, allowing his anguish to flow unchecked…waiting for Lana to mete out the punishment he probably deserved.

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

U ARE EVIL! I want to see what her reaction is or read it! That was excellent. PPMS!

[Nemu]

yeah you have to post the rest of that part asap!!!!!

PPMS :D

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by *~KrYpToN619~*
U ARE EVIL!

Jeez, I'm sorry! I just thought that'd be a natural place to leave off.

Glad you thought it was excellent, though.

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by *~KrYpToN619~*
U ARE EVIL! I want to see what her reaction is or read it! That was excellent. PPMS!

DITTO!!!

Don't be so MEAN!!! Her reacton is what we NEED!

You did a great job with this. Loved the airport scene, & the telling of his abilities. Love that Lana is being so accepting - so far. Now, PLEASE, tell us her reaction! PPMS!!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Don't be so MEAN!!! Her reacton is what we NEED!

You did a great job with this. Loved the airport scene, & the telling of his abilities. Love that Lana is being so accepting - so far. Now, PLEASE, tell us her reaction! PPMS!!

Jeez, are you guys asking me for another teaser?!

[SVsleuth]

No, a full update! :p - Just kidding - we can wait if we have to.

[akuma]

OH MAN! that was awesome and u go and do a cliffie!! DAMN! ARGH! anyway great writing and cant wait for more!

[clana4love]

PPMS! :D

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
No, a full update! :p - Just kidding - we can wait if we have to.

Well, I can probably do a teaser at this point--full chapter isn't ready yet.

[super12]

great post that was awesome. ppms

[superman_lives_on]

C'mon, Iowanmom, where are you? Waiting for your feedback! :D

[linn]

this is so great...ppms!!!!

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
C'mon, Iowanmom, where are you? Waiting for your feedback! :D
**grinning from ear to ear**
**laughing and giggling**
Just so you know, superman_lives_on, I have read this huge update. I was momentarily swept away by Card's fic and I spent time on my own fic after, nearly a 3 month dry spell. **YAY!!!** I have to go back to work, but I will definintely respond. Beautiful writing. Just beautiful.
**still grinning**
Ohhh, and I concur with SVsleuth. Evil, Evil, Evil!!! We need Lana's reaction!!! :lol: Seriously, take your time. We want only the best from you!
Tina

[Dr. Jeckyll]

I'm starting to read this fic just now. I'll comment when I'm done. From what I can see you've got so much praise from many great writers, so it has to be good. I think it'll be a real treat. *Off to read*

I just caught up on the whole thing now. I have only one thing to say: WOW! This is an amazing fic Supes. It's right up there with all the other 'Clana-classics', as Sandy said. I loved the reveal scene, and how Clark flew to Paris to get her. Your writing is really beautiful. Please post more SOON!

[Iowanmom]

It seems Supes, that I missed quite a bit of your second update. I am sorry. No wonder why you asked me if I'd finished it. Forgive my tardiness, you know why, but I still feel the need to apologize. The second update was wonderful. The part I missed, rather didn't comment on was the flying and the airport scene.

Here goes!!!

" shooting through the clouds and air with nothing beneath him for countless yards—nothing to support him save his own determination."

**breathy sigh** Ahhh, to be whisked away among the clouds, flying beneathe the heavens with the vision of Lana burned into his mind, Clark takes to the skies with only his love, his heart and his soulful desires to guide him.

"He smiled, the wind still whipping through his hair, as he thought over the feelings that had started the floating. Never had that timeless phrase, “On love’s light wings did I o’er-perch these walls,” seemed more appropriate."

My God, what beautiful words. To be lifted and soar with the wind, Clark flies to claim that which calls to him. What beautiful imagry of the soul. Simply breathtaking. **heaves sigh**

Many times I feel myself being sucked in by your words. Experiencing the beauty that makes Clana pulse with every beat of their hearts. Beautiful. You must be a romantic, Supes. You must be.

Finally set 'free' by the love and strength of his father, Clark sees the errors of his ways, yet knows this 'second' chance is only due to his father's heroics. Needing to be one with the person he has longed for, for so long, Clark fills his body with every thought, every feeling, every ounce of passion he has for Lana and seeks her whispering soul.

Determined to right the wrongs upon her heart and allow her to decide if she will have him, succumbing to her will and the love he sees reflected within her soulful eyes. Trusting her with the fate of their hearts and the love of their spirits.

Saddened and hurt by the lack of trust in Clark's eyes and actions the night before, Lana tries to accept her fate without Clark, despite the pain it causes her. She takes herself half way around the world to start anew, only to realize she can't get away from the one she loves, the one her heart beats so soundly for.

Ready to let go of the past and the love of her life, she steps forward, ready to embrace where ever her travels and will guide her. As if out of a dream, a name as faint and soft as the white petals of the rose cadled in her hands, Lana hears a voice. A voice so sweet and precious, her heart stills beneath the emotions rushing through her. There before her eyes is the only one she longs for.

Supes. I loved this update. I hope my response for this section is okay. I allowed my spirit to speak to me, so sorry if it's weird. The level of passion you have in this fic is amazing. It spills in plumes from the pages. Beautiful work, hon. Just beautiful. I'll keep reading and responding. I can't wait. Your updates are so large ;) It's a bit daunting, but I'll try to keep up with my replies. This fic is such a joy to read. A true treasure to all that grace the pages.

[superman_lives_on]

I dunno what to say, Io, except...

*adopts Elvis pose*

Thank you, thank you very much.

:D

[Julesmariah]

whow

keep writing!

I will be around...

Julesmariah

[annaliese]

POST MORE!

[SVsleuth]

Hey! Good to see you over on the Clana boards, Julesmariah! Come more often - you'll enjoy it. :)

[LLane_Adict_47]

This fic if amazing! I'm luving it luving it luving it!!! :D PPMASAP!!!

:p~Kimmi~:p

[superman_lives_on]

Chapter Four coming up--hopefully soon! Hang in there!

[NYC300Z]

I'm trying but ur not making it easy! :lol:

PPMS!

[ajfinn]

WOW :eek: Supes!!! Brilliant writing.

*AJ has screaming tantrum because Supes is so young and can write so freakin' well! Urg! Kidding* :D

I really love the emotion and imagry of your writing, and can feel your compassion for these characters so strongly. And hello, bit of a cliffy there, at the end of chapter 3! Write, dang you! Write!!

[LLane_Adict_47]

Yay! soon! i can't wiat :D


:p~Kimmi~:p

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by ajfinn
WOW :eek: Supes!!! Brilliant writing.

*AJ has screaming tantrum because Supes is so young and can write so freakin' well! Urg! Kidding* :D

I really love the emotion and imagry of your writing, and can feel your compassion for these characters so strongly. And hello, bit of a cliffy there, at the end of chapter 3! Write, dang you! Write!!

I will write, as long as the computer cooperates.

And thanks for the praise. :D

[sandy]

How in the freakin world did I miss this amazing update:eek: ? And yes, why must you leave it there? PPMS!

[nellie2]

yeah what sandy said, how the heck did i miss this? this story is AWESOME!!!!! wow i am truly amazed at your writing. darn cliffies! PPMASAP!!!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Chapter Four coming up--hopefully soon! Hang in there!

How do you define "soon"? It's been three days since you posted that. Is it coming today, maybe??? PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
How do you define "soon"? It's been three days since you posted that. Is it coming today, maybe??? PPMS!

Unfortunately, I've run into some computer trouble. It may be a while, but it'll come. I'm really sorry to burst your bubbles, guys. :(

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Unfortunately, I've run into some computer trouble. It may be a while, but it'll come. I'm really sorry to burst your bubbles, guys. :(
Awww, I understand too well, Supes. :\ It's okay, we'll be waiting. Besides, I'll get a chance to catch up!!! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Iowanmom
Awww, I understand too well, Supes. :\ It's okay, we'll be waiting. Besides, I'll get a chance to catch up!!! :)

Great to have you back! :D

[iloveit]

I just found this and it is so good! It is really well written and I loved Clarks Secret Speech, most people just skip over that! Now I can't wait to see Lana's reaction! ppms!:D
(im trying out this new thing called 'writing correctly', with punctuation and capitals and everything;))

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by iloveit
I just found this and it is so good! It is really well written and I loved Clarks Secret Speech, most people just skip over that! Now I can't wait to see Lana's reaction! ppms!:D

Thanks for the kind words! Heh, your screenname seems appropriate here. :D


(im trying out this new thing called 'writing correctly', with punctuation and capitals and everything;))

Yeah, I've heard that's the new style these days! :D :D :lol:

[SmallvilleMan]

hey enough talk, more writing.

[Iowanmom]

Hey Supes, I love the feedback you grant your readers. It is soooo cool and it keeps you grounded. I LOVE it. I can't wait to catch up. I'm needing my 'Supes' fix. :lol: Oh and I hope your computer is cooperating with you. Comp problems suck. :\

[superman_lives_on]

Yeah, computer problems suck--big time.

Anyway, hope to be able to post Chapter Four before the end of the week.

[cufcchic]

please PPMS!

i hate the computer sometimes!!! my laptop isn't working and im really mad!!! *goes over to broken laptop and kicks it as hard as she can*

[basketballstar23]

don't electrocute yourself....:lol:

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Yes don't electrocute yourself...it isn't pretty!

[basketballstar23]

only u would know that brianna...:lol:

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

What?!? I did not! *turns back to Shawna* Ow...*starts to unravel the gauze covering my arm revealing Brianna's second degree burn* lol

[superman_lives_on]

C'mon, Io, what's the holdup-- *sees that Io is being held hostage by a group of Lexana fanatics* Oh. *presses the "Call" button on a signal watch; Clark super-speeds in and knocks out the fanatics* There.

[superman_lives_on]

Io...I was thinking...maybe you should try writing out the really long feedback posts in Word before you put them up--that'll help prevent you from losing them like you did earlier.

[Iowanmom]

I am such an idiot. Here I am responding to the rest of chapter two and I had already done that. God. I thought I'd lost it in the 'glitch' the other night or the response to chapter 3 that I accidentally closed. What wasted time. Uggg, I'm so mad at myself. No worries, I'm responding until it kills me. :\ You have every right to wonder what the hold up is. Pure stupidity.

Anywhooooo.

I love the description of Lana's feelings and emotions as she see Clark standing tall and messy before her eyes.

"And it was that very emotion that made her heart beat again, that prompted her eyes to moisten, that formed her lips into specific positions as air billowed through her vocal cords, allowing her to whisper a single word: “Clark?”

God, I feel the bated breath of her lungs, the complete and utter surprise in her mind, but mostly the hard beat of her soul, witnessing the miracle of Clark's arrival before her eyes. Wow, what depth, what sheer beauty you paint with your words. I love.

God, to be embraced within his arms after such torment to her soul, has me nearly in tears, Supes. Wow. And then he spills every emotional desire he has prayed to speak to her right there in the airport, with a growing audience to witness the loving euphoria. Wow. So lost in eachother's eyes, hearts, and warm touch, they fail to see the stir they are creating. Only able to see the possible future, stretching before them with every loving word, Clark utters. Wonderful stuff.

As they talk through the confusion of the hug between Lex and Lana, she solidifies her love for Clark in her voice and confession drawing out the words she has so long wished to hear from Clark's lips, " I love you, Lana." Repaying him in kind with her own declaration of love, Clark continues to spill the thoughts he so desperately longs to tell her. Vowing to never keep her in the dark again, to never lie to her and to finally tell her the truth. Just wonderful, Supes. Wonderful.

AS they kiss a second time, the growing crowd is moved by their love and applauds. How sweet a detail to throw in there. :lol: Do you honestly think you don't know if you are a romantic??? This little scene was made for the romatic at heart. :lol: Too cute.

As they sit in the Hotel room, they begin the long discussion of Clark's past, his secrets and fears. Talking about Pete and the fact that he 'had' to tell Pete was a very important distinction to help Lana understand his reasoning and actions behind 'ever' revealing his secret.

By touching on the danger involved in dealing with his secret, Clark contines the story for Pete's reasons for going away. Great job on the continuity with this fic. It was never about trust. It has never been about trust with Pete or Lana, it was about fearing for their safety. Putting their lives before his. I love that you have made a distinction here and have allowed Lana to finally understand.

All the talk about lies and trust between these two, it's nice to finally have it out in the open. It was never about Trust. Only the well being of Clark's loved ones. **sigh** And then you focus on the 'Fear'. The fear that she can't accept him. Wow, how scary this is for Clark. He risks losing everything by telling her the truth, but he must give her the choice to make. He must. What a leap of Faith, this truly is. I shudder at the anxiety Clark must be going throug.

**this is such a huge update**

I am so glad you touched on the 'Lex' issue. She needs to understand Lex is a potential threat to Clark. I love how you describe Clark finally telling Lana all about him. About the flying, the Red K, the Tornado, the necklas, Metropolis, and his superpowers. Wow. She seems to be taking it in stride. A true relief for Clark.

“Lana, I may not know what my future holds in store…but I’d be more than glad to soar along to face it—with you by my side.”

Ahh, what beautiful words, Supes. Everything Clark has longef for. To have Lana at his side and be a part of his destiny. To soar on love. Wow. You make my heart weep of happiness. Great job.

And then the anxiety and worry stills my heart. Clark reveals who he is and what he brought with him on that fateful day so many years ago. Wow, you have the ability to render me speechless one moment, filled with love and hope the next, only to leave me in fear, sorrow, and pain for the anguish and suffering Clark has poured upon himself for so long, desperate for Lana's eyes to still see him as the Clark she will forever love. Wow.

I only had one little 'glitch' with this update. It was the coconuts. OMG. :lol: :rotfl: That was funny. I didn't mean it to be. OMG. **still laughing** I raised my eyebrow at the discription used to describe the words and questions dropping from Lana's mouth.

Great update and a relief lifted from my shoulders. I can't wait to read Lana 's reaction. You must post it soon. :D

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER FOUR
The Heart is Often Smarter Than the Head

“So this is what you were hiding from me most?! How could anyone accept you?! I HATE you! I wish you’d died on your own damn planet and let us be!!!”

Those horrible words raced through Clark’s head, doubling and re-doubling in their intensity—the words he had always feared Lana would say…

And suddenly, a gentle hand touched his cheek…a warm, soft hand.

Clark looked up, not daring to hope…even though he hadn’t heard her say those terrible words yet…

Lana’s face couldn’t have been more sympathetic; her eyes couldn’t have been more trusting—her heart couldn’t have ached harder. There was not a trace of bile or hatred in her voice as she spoke. “Clark, please don’t blame yourself for this. I don’t blame you at all. It was not your fault. You were only a baby—you couldn’t have stopped the meteors if you had tried. And besides, I could never think of you as a freak, or an alien, even—because you’re so very human, far more than most people. The deaths of my parents were the worst thing that ever happened to me—but you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She leaned in, her voice becoming even softer—so impossibly, angelically soft: “I love you, Clark Kent. I always will, no matter where you come from or what you can do. You’re not a freak—you’re a hero, a true superhero, because you only use your powers for good. I could never hate you—ever.”

And before Clark could respond, she was kissing him on the mouth again, releasing all of her pent-up emotions as surely as he was releasing his.

Before long, she had succeeded in drying up every last tear in his eyes. There was not a trace of sorrow left on his handsome face when she pulled back—only wonder, and love.

He stared at her for a moment—then, a wide smile appeared. “Lana Lang, you are the most extraordinary woman in the universe,” he said softly. “I couldn’t possibly survive without you.”

“And I couldn’t survive without you, Clark,” she replied, smiling as well. “You fill a void that nobody else can. I was wrong to run away to Paris—I was running away from home, from you. You are my home—the only real home I’ve ever known.”

For the next few minutes, they expressed their love for each other, their lips pressed together so firmly—yet so gently—that they couldn’t have been separated by anything.

Finally, they parted, feeling immense peace…and happiness. “So…um…” Clark tried to think of what to say next. “So…Lana, you aren’t at all…weirded out by the fact that I’m from another planet?”

“I was somewhat taken aback,” Lana admitted. “Still, I suppose it was one of the few ways you could live in Smallville and have these powers without being mutated by the meteor rocks—”

“Actually, I call them Kryptonite.”

“Sorry—Kryptonite, then.” She shook her head a little. “You know, I might have said that word sounded cheesy…but somehow, the phrase ‘meteor rock’ seems far cheesier.”

Clark smiled at that comment. “I wonder what Chloe would have to say about that?”

At the mention of her best friend’s name, Lana’s face fell. “Clark…I have to admit, I’m still a little concerned about Chloe. I mean, it’s no secret that she still has feelings for you. I wonder how hard this is gonna hit her?”

“We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it,” Clark decided. “I’ve never been in love with her—or anyone else, other than you. I do care for her, very much, but…just not that way, you know what I mean?”

Lana nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. And by the way, you needn’t worry about me and Lex—there could never be anything between us.”

“Not on your part, anyway,” Clark pointed out. “I have no idea what Lex may feel for you—if anything.” He shuddered. “I just hope we never have to go through that. Can you imagine what it’d be like for you to be…attracted to a manipulative guy like him?”

“Jeez, Clark…he must have really hit you hard with that secret room.”

“That’s not the worst of it, Lana. At one point before, Lex saw me using my powers—when he was in Belle Reeve. The way he reacted when I practically said I’d let them put him through hell…” Clark shivered. “I still don’t know if I can forgive myself for that.”

Lana winced at that news. She then reached out and stroked his cheek, hoping to calm him down. “Clark, maybe it was for the best. If Lex reacted the way I’m guessing he did, then he couldn’t be trusted with your secret.”

“It’s a real burden for me, Lana, having these abilities and this alien origin…I’ve often hated them for keeping me from living a normal life…from being with you.” He looked straight into her lovely eyes, allowing her gaze to soothe him. “But I guess that now, I don’t have to hate them.”

“You shouldn’t. They’re a part of you, Clark—and you use them to do great things already. You shouldn’t throw that away.”

Clark sighed. “Well, it’s not just the powers, Lana. I still haven’t told you the rest of my origin—specifically, about my biological family.”

Lana perked up, curious. “What about them?”

“Well, my biological mother’s name was Lara. I haven’t met her, though—just my father, Jor-El. They both died when Krypton exploded, but some sort of artificial intelligence containing Jor-El’s memory and will was sent to Earth along with me.” He glanced downward, his face darkening. “Ever since I’ve met Jor-El, he’s caused nothing but trouble. He keeps trying to pull me away from my life in Smallville to ‘fulfill my destiny’—that’s how he puts it, anyway. He sent a message along with the ship, and I managed to read it before he first appeared. Even then, things didn’t look good.”

“What did it say?”

Clark closed his eyes, recalling the words he had read over a year ago…then he recited them: “‘On this third planet from the star Sol, you will be a god among men. They are a flawed race. Rule them with strength, my son. That is where your greatness lies.’”

A strange chill ran down Lana’s spine, her skin starting to break out in goose bumps. “Brrr…that was…”

“Ominous?” Clark asked, his blue eyes open again. “That’s how it seemed when I first read it. I keep worrying that Jor-El sent me here to conquer humanity—or at the very least, rule over them like some sort of god-king. And frankly, I do not want any part of that. I just want to help others, and live like a human—with you.” He squeezed her hand gently, smiling at her.

She responded with a quick kiss on the cheek. “That sounds like a good life to me,” she said softly.

“Well, Jor-El certainly doesn’t seem to have that planned out for me. I first spoke to him that night after we had our second real kiss—and I have to say, Lana, I’d never felt so happy right then. But then I heard his voice in my head, saying, ‘Kal-El, it is time…’”

* * * * *

“Kal-El, it is time…”

Clark stood at the steps leading into the storm cellar, squinting against the golden light that shone from within. For a moment he hesitated—then he took a step forward, slowly descending into the depths…wondering what lay in store for him.

A strong wind whipped around and past him as he reached the bottom of the stairs, peering into the storm cellar. The golden light was pouring right off the small spaceship that had brought him to Earth—and furthermore, it was slowly rising.

The booming, strident, imperious voice he had heard in the loft came again—directly from the ship: “Fear not, Kal-El.”

Clark yelled to be heard over the powerful wind: “Who are you?”

“I am Jor-El,” said the voice. “Your father.”

This was rather a shock to Clark. “I thought you died!” he exclaimed.

“I am his memory,” explained the voice, “his will. I am to fulfill his promise and guide you all the days of your life. You are the last son of Krypton.”

As Jor-El spoke, the ship leaned forward until the tip pointed directly at the ground. The wings began to fold in as he continued: “When you traveled through the cosmos, you carried the hopes and dreams of your people. They now live through you, Kal-El. It is time.”

Now only the egg-shaped pod was left—and soon, even it wasn’t there, as it transformed into an image of planet Earth, the golden glow turning blue.

“Time for what?” asked Clark.

“Time to accept your destiny.”

Now Clark was getting a little worried. “I don't know what you have in mind for me,” he said, “but I—”

Jor-El interrupted him as a shadow crawled over the image of Earth: “By the setting of the sun Sol, you will return to me.” Then suddenly, the golden light of the sun shone from behind the darkened planet. “Your destiny will be fulfilled.”

Clark turned around, worry clouding his mind—

—and there behind him stood Lana, along with Jonathan and Martha, all three bathed in warm light. They were smiling at him, not at all noticing—or caring about—the strange events unfolding…

…as if they weren’t even there.

“Your thoughts are not a mystery to me, Kal-El,” said Jor-El. “But these people have served their purpose. It is time to leave them.”

Clark gazed at Lana, realizing just how much her smile was failing to fade. He reached out to touch her face—

—but no sooner had he done so than the images of the three people he loved most—for they were indeed merely images—disintegrated, soon vanishing.

The implications of such imagery were not lost on Clark. His worry growing, he turned back to the image of Earth, noticing that it was once again in the shape of the golden egg that had borne him across the stars. “Please!” he exclaimed, feeling desperate. “Everything and everyone I love is here—in Smallville!”

“You must let go of your past,” Jor-El insisted. “I will guide you to your future.”

“No,” Clark cried, “I don't want your guidance! I want to create my own future!”

Jor-El’s response carried a tone of finality: “You have no choice, Kal-El.”

With that, the pod began to spin, a white glow spider-webbing its surface, giving it the appearance of the golden sun—until, suddenly, it exploded in a rush of white light that blinded Clark. The light reached out of the storm cellar like a beacon—then it went out.

* * * * *

Lana shuddered as Clark’s tale came to its conclusion—or so she thought. Before she could speak, he said, “In the morning, I told my parents what had happened. They and I agreed that whatever Jor-El was planning for me, I didn’t have to obey him. I could choose my own future, and I wanted it to be in Smallville, with them—and you.”

Lana smiled sadly. “All that stuff was on your mind when we were under our tree, wasn’t it?”

Clark nodded. “I couldn’t help but worry. I wasn’t sure what would happen if I disobeyed Jor-El. But I definitely got a taste of it after the sun went down that day. At first, nothing happened—then, out of nowhere, he said, ‘It is time, Kal-El—come to me…’”

* * * * *

Down in the storm cellar, the ship was hovering just above the ground, a slight blue glow covering it. As Clark reached the bottom of the stairs, Jor-El’s voice rumbled out: “You will obey me, Kal-El.”

Clark was having none of it. “You’re not my father,” he declared. “I won’t let you control me.”

The ship swiveled around, its tip pointing straight at him—

—then suddenly, a great blast of white light sent Clark flying into the corner of the ceiling, pinning him in place. He began screaming helplessly, pain searing through him as he ripped off his shirt—

A symbol was being burned right onto his chest!

“This is the mark of your ancestors,” Jor-El declared, not at all caring about Clark’s obvious pain. “You cannot fight it, Kal-El.” Ignoring his son’s screams, he continued: “At the zenith of the star Sol, you will begin your journey.”

Finally, the symbol was complete, and the ship released Clark, sending him plunging to the floor.

“If you do not,” Jor-El added, “you will hurt the ones you love most.”

With that, he fell silent. Clark struggled to get up, only to collapse onto his back. On his chest, the symbol—an “8” bordered by a pentagon—glowed dimly, the pain slowly receding.

* * * * *

Lana’s hand went to her mouth, her eyes wide. “Oh my…how the hell could he be so cruel?!”

“Apparently, it’s easy for him,” Clark sighed ruefully. “He doesn’t seem to give a damn about my beliefs—my feelings—my choices. All he cares about is controlling me and my life.”

Lana swallowed hard, thinking that if she ever met Jor-El, she’d kick his sorry ass to the moon and back. Finally, she regained her voice: “So what happened next?”

Clark went on to explain about how he’d lied to his parents, saying that Jor-El hadn’t spoken to him again, and how he had shown Pete the branded symbol and told him that he’d decided to destroy the ship with Kryptonite.

“Wait—destroy it?” Lana asked. “That was what destroyed the storm cellar, wasn’t it?”

“Not only that—the shockwave overturned my parents’ truck when they were driving back to the farm to see what I was doing. Mom had a miscarriage—it was my fault she lost the baby. And Dad…” He shuddered, tearing up again. “I’ve never seen him so angry—or disgusted. Just the way he was…looking at me…” Damn—these old feelings surging in his heart were as painful as ever. “I thought he hated me. I was certain that I’d destroyed everything—or at least come close.”

“Clark, that can’t be true,” Lana insisted. “He was just shaken and in grief, I’m sure. Grief and anger can make us say things we don’t really mean—things that we later wish we could take back.”

“Well, I didn’t believe it at the time,” Clark sighed. “I was convinced that I could only cause more pain and death if I stayed in Smallville and defied Jor-El any longer. I deliberately put on a class ring with Red Kryptonite in it, hoping it’d force down the pain—and then I drove off on the motorcycle, leaving you behind.” He looked right at her, his face a mask of anguish. He couldn’t speak another word for fear of choking up.

Lana now fully understood what had happened that day, and in the three months after—why he’d left, why he’d been such a jerk in Metropolis, and why he’d broken off the relationship when he came home. He had done the latter for fear of causing her irrevocable pain. At length, she spoke. “I’m still foggy on why you came home at all…”

“It was my dad who brought me back,” Clark admitted, reminding himself that Jonathan Kent had truly cared—certainly enough to go to the lengths he had. “He went to the Kawatche caves, where Jor-El’s program was residing, and made a deal with him. He received the same powers as me, then headed to Metropolis. We had a big battle, and in the end, rather than kill him, I smashed the ring—and the symbol vanished right off my chest.”

“The caves?” Lana inquired.

“Oh, right… You should know, Lana, the mysterious symbols in the caves are actually Kryptonian. In fact…”

He sat up, a gleam entering his eye. “Did I ever tell you the legend the caves speak of—the legend of Naman and Segeeth?”

“No, I don’t recall that.”

Clark leaned forward, feeling strangely excited as he recited what Joseph Willowbrook and Kyla had told him. “Well, the legend says that five hundred years ago, a man came down from the stars and met a woman, with whom he fell in love. Their forbidden affair produced the Kawatche people. He also brought along strange green stones that affected the people, producing the first skinwalkers. Later, he left Earth, promising to send another—Naman. He would fall from the sky in a rain of fire—and have the strength of ten men, and be able to shoot fire from his eyes. And someday, he will save the Kawatche people, then go on to protect the rest of the world.”

Lana was enraptured. “So…you think you may be Naman?”

“I dunno for sure—but seriously, how many people have come to Earth in meteor showers and have those powers?”

She laughed at that remark, vindicating Clark’s wide grin. When she finally stopped, a thought occurred to her. “So what about Segeeth?”

“He’s supposed to be Naman’s best friend—like a brother to him. But then he becomes his enemy, and they represent the balance of good and evil in the world.”

At this, Clark’s face fell. “Lana, I’m worried that Lex may be Segeeth. He’s certainly a friend who’s becoming my enemy.”

Lana shuddered at the thought. But before she could speak, Clark admitted, “That’s not the last of it, Lana. There’s a little more.” He explained to her about the Starblade and the whole mess with Jeremiah—and how the blade had disintegrated when Lionel and Lex touched it.

Lana nearly came to tears when he told her about how Jeremiah had stabbed him with the Starblade—and how, if Jor-El hadn’t intervened through his dad, he could have died. “That’s really the only good thing Jor-El’s ever done for me,” Clark sighed. “The freaky thing is—I know that once, he wasn’t that different from me.”

He explained to Lana about the memory-holding pendant Jor-El had left in the caves, and how it helped him to solve the decades-old mystery of her great-aunt Louise’s death. He then told her about Jor-El’s latest attempt to take him away, using “Kara” as a pawn, and how Jonathan had saved the day, finally redeeming himself for the deal he had made with the devil.

The two stayed up a while longer, talking about everything that had been held back in the past. Clark’s most embarrassing revelation was the tale of Lana’s actions while she was infected by the Nicodemus flower—they readily agreed that it had been a darn good thing he didn’t have his heat vision at that point!

Meanwhile, Lana’s biggest revelation was that she had been in love with Clark even when she was with Whitney—though she had always liked him, she really began to know the depth of her feelings for him after that fateful talk in the graveyard—the night that Jonathan had showed Clark the spaceship.

It was strange, Clark thought, how so many things had begun to change on that day. Two truths had started to emerge—he had begun to find out who he really was, Jor-El or no, and Lana had begun to realize her true feelings for him. Life really could change in a heartbeat—or at least, in a single evening.

At the end of their talk, Lana brought up what she had been half-wondering about ever since Clark had asked her to come home with him. “So, what’s the plan for getting back home?”

“We don’t have to leave first thing in the morning if you don’t want to,” Clark reassured her. “I thought we could spend most of tomorrow exploring Paris, seeing the sights—then in the evening, we could fly back.” Then something else occurred to him. “But wait—you went through the customs and all, and I didn’t. How do we deal with that without running afoul of the authorities?”

“We’ll think of something, Clark,” Lana assured him. “I mean, we have most of the day tomorrow to figure it out, don’t we?”

Clark felt more at ease with that point made. Lana smiled, stroking his cheek gently, then leaned in for a tender kiss. When they parted, she sighed, flopping down onto the bed. “Mmm…I feel like just passing out. All these revelations and emotions have worn me out.”

“I know what you mean,” Clark chuckled. He lay back in the chair, intending to sleep there—

—that is, until Lana leaned over and tugged at his arm. “Clark,” she said, making a little pout, “wouldn’t you rather feel warm and comfy?”

Clark blinked—then his eyes bulged slightly as the implications got through to him. “Uhh…Lana—”

Lana had to hold in a snicker. “Not like that, Clark!” she scoffed. “I just want to feel you near me.”

Instantly relieved, Clark extinguished the lights and carefully climbed into the bed, lying down next to her. She snuggled into his arms, getting warm and comfy in seconds.

“Comfortable?” he asked gently.

“Mmm…yes,” she murmured dreamily. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”

Clark smiled, his heart feeling warm. At long last, he and Lana were together—hopefully for good this time. No more secrets lay between them—no more lies kept them apart. They may have been lonely before, but together…ah, together, they had everything they needed.

It wasn’t long before they drifted off to sleep, their dreams soothing and peaceful—for they were dreaming of each other.

* * * * *

The next evening, Lana stood in the airport, awaiting her turn to pass through security. And beyond that lay her flight home…a flight unlike any other.

She and Clark had had a fantastic time that day. After they woke up, showered, and got dressed (Clark’s super-speed allowed him to do so in less than five minutes), they checked out of the hotel and breakfasted in a nearby café. Then they spent the next few hours exploring Paris, making use of Clark’s speed to get where they were going in seconds. They saw all the famous sights—Notre Dame (no luck finding any hunchbacks, though), the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower (they decided to ride all the way up instead of flying—in fact, she had yet to experience that ability), and all the rest. They ate lunch at another fine café, then did some more sightseeing.

A couple of hours before they had dinner in a nice restaurant, they covertly checked out the airport—Clark’s x-ray vision came in handy here. After a little while, they had mapped out a plan for departure.

Now, Lana stood waiting patiently, clutching an airplane ticket that would end up going unused. Sooner than she realized, it was her turn—the flight was boarding. She passed through security without a hitch, then made her way through, holding her single bag.

Soon, she reached the rendezvous point outside, where Clark was waiting for her, once again dressed all in black. He stepped over to her, smiling. “Ready to go?” he whispered in her ear.

“Absolutely,” she whispered, taking a moment to admire his fine form—she had to face it, he looked great in black!

Making sure nobody could notice them, Clark bent down, gently taking her in his strong arms. Then he crouched a little further, concentrating on the feelings racing through his heart—and smoothly sprang into the air, soaring like a great eagle.

Lana’s knuckles turned white as she clutched onto his bulletproof skin, panic surging in her veins. She buried her face in his neck, unable to make her heart stop pounding, hating the feeling of nothing beneath her…

But then, she felt Clark gently nudging her away. She ventured a look into the great yonder—

—and what she saw took her breath away.

They were flying right over Paris, the lights of the beautiful city below gleaming like jewels, outmatched only by the diamond-like stars above—at least, those stars visible through the gray-white clouds.

The wind blew through Lana’s long raven hair as she looked around, her fear dissipating as she remembered who was carrying her. Clark smiled, realizing she was beginning to enjoy this as surely as he had.

Within an hour, they were gliding far above the Atlantic Ocean, the dark blue waters barely discernable below. Clark took them a little higher, into the clouds, until the visibility situation was reversed—now the ocean was visible through gaps in the clouds below, and the stars above were mostly unhindered.

Lana gazed at those stars, amazed at the fantastic view they had. She turned back to Clark, her smile of wonder and delight matching his. “It’s so beautiful…” she whispered.

“Very,” he agreed. “But it could never compare to you.”

She rewarded that compliment with a warm kiss on the cheek, then turned to gaze at the view above and below once more. Her heart soared in amazement—despite her initial fear, she’d already found her favorite amongst Clark’s powers.

As she snuggled up to him, confident in his strong but gentle grip, quietly ecstatic with the feelings surging forth, both old and new, she dreamily recalled the question she had jokingly asked him at the beginning of freshman year, when she had noticed the Nietzsche book…

So what are you—man or superman?

Now, without him even needing to tell her, she had her answer—and it was no longer what he was, but who he was.

Superman. That’s who he is—my very own Superman.

What a perfect name, she mused.

* * * * *

“Lana? Lana, wake up. We’re almost there.”

The voice of her very own guardian angel dispelled Lana’s dreamless sleep. She yawned, blinking her eyes open, soon taking in Clark’s handsome visage. “Clark? Where are—”

He nodded downward; she looked. Not long before she had drifted off to sleep, they had been flying over the night lights of Paris, the city of romance. Now, they were directly over the skyscrapers of another city…Metropolis, the city of tomorrow—where anything could and often did happen.

Lana could see the revolving golden globe of the tallest building for miles around—the headquarters of The Daily Planet, one of the most famous and powerful newspapers in the world—and the apple of Chloe Sullivan’s career-oriented eye. It had always been her dream to become an investigative reporter for the Planet, and neither Lana nor Clark doubted she had the talent, the guts, and the determination to land that job someday.

It was no longer dark—indeed, the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. Clark had flown all night long, preferring to enjoy the view—though Lana kept drifting in and out of consciousness.

Not that he blamed her, of course. She had been exhilarated by their day of wonders in Paris—but she had also been somewhat exhausted. He hadn’t managed to wake her up when they were flying over New York City—which was a shame, since he was sure she would have loved the view.

As they passed over the edge of Metropolis, Clark shifted his course, sending them directly towards Smallville—towards home.

* * * * *

Jonathan Kent stood in the yard outside the farmhouse, gazing at the morning sky. Clark had promised to be back in a day or so at most, but…well, he and punctuality had never exactly been easy bedfellows.

Now, though, as the farmer scanned the blue yonder, he noticed a faint black dot moving along far above. There was no sound of an airplane engine, which pointed to several conclusions…

A few minutes later, though, he knew that only one of those conclusions was correct.

Clark drifted down from the air, Lana held firmly in his arms. They were both smiling widely as he neared the ground, soon touching down near Jonathan.

Lana hopped down from her position, hugged Clark a minute—she was still on a high from the amazing ride—then turned along with him to see his father standing there, his smile faint but noticeable.

“Dad,” said Clark, unable to stop grinning.

“Mr. Kent,” Lana began, her own smile impossible to diminish. She had no idea how to continue.

Jonathan took the decision out of their hands as he walked over. “Well…uh…looks like you two were enjoying yourselves on the way over.”

Clark nodded enthusiastically, looking for a moment like a little boy again. “It was amazing, Dad. We flew over plenty of great sights—Paris, the Atlantic, New York, Metropolis…”

“Aw, I missed New York!” Lana pouted. “Darn!”

Jonathan and Clark couldn’t help but chuckle. Then the farmer spoke up again. “Well, it looks like there’s only one thing I can think to say…”

He smiled widely, looking right at the young woman his son had loved forever. “Lana…welcome to the family.”

Lana’s eyes widened with joy, glistening with unshed tears. She hugged Jonathan warmly, feeling as though she’d found yet another father. Clark smiled at the sight, thrilled his dad was taking this so well.

It was then that Martha came out, putting on a joyful face as she saw who was there. “Lana,” she called.

Lana broke away from Jonathan to see the woman she had always considered a surrogate mother. Martha was smiling, though there was a hint of something else…something sad…in her blue eyes. “Looks like Clark has long since let you in—and Jonathan as well. Well, I’m glad…I know I always considered you part of the family.”

Lana smiled at Martha’s kind words. However, Clark was quick to note the hint of turmoil in her eyes and her voice. “Mom, is everything okay?” he asked.

Her smile faded. “Oh, I wish it were,” she sighed, trying to keep her voice steady. “So much good has happened now…”

She shook a little, then looked at her three-member audience, all of whom were listening intently, concern writ large on their faces.

“It’s…it’s Chloe…and her dad,” she said. “They were caught in an explosion at their safe house in Granville…” She sobbed, her eyes glistening. “They’re both dead.”

[Iowanmom]

WTH!!!!!!!!!! My heart just stopped. *I don't know what to say* This update is LONGER!!!!!!! You are torturing me!!!!!!!!!

:\ You're laughing aren't you???? I can tell you're laughing. ;)

[superman_lives_on]

Oh, don't be such a spoilsport, Io! Enjoy!

[Iowanmom]

Are you being cocky??? Hmmm???? Noooo, you're not cocky.

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Someone call 9-1-1!!!! Iowanmom is having a heartattack! j/k. Great update superman lives on.

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by *~KrYpToN619~*
Someone call 9-1-1!!!! Iowanmom is having a heartattack! j/k. Great update superman lives on. U STILL LEFT IT AT A SUSPENSEFUL PART! Poor Chloe, are u gonna keep her dead or not?
I haven't read yet, but this ^^ right there makes me stop cold turkey.

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Oops my bad!

[superman_lives_on]

Way to spoil it for Io, Krypton! Sheesh... :rolleyes:

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Oh well u were gonna find out sooner or later :\

[SVsleuth]

Wow! Supes that was a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG update! Covered so much ground. You are eating it up that it ended with "Chloe's dead" when you knew Iowanmom was reading. You're just mean! :p Of course, we all know that Chloe isn't REALLY dead, right?

I was so glad Clark & Lana never visited a certain church in Paris, & Lana never got a certain tatoo, so she never has to become possessed by Isobel now. :D Super!

Oh well, it took me SOOOO long to read your update, that I didn't start working on mine (cringes). But I'm really tired & it's midnight, I have a headache, & my neck muscles are aching - so I'm off to get some much needed sleep. Maybe I'll start writing tomorrow.... Oh, & PPMS! :p

[basketballstar23]

holy crap was that a long udate! loved every word though! PPMS!!

[superman_lives_on]

No, SV, I am NOT eating it up--in fact, I feel like throwing it up. *ick* I just hope Io is able to withstand this--I know how much she likes Chloe. Believe me, I like Chloe too.

[SVsleuth]

LOL - just kidding with you Supes - but what a place to leave it. Since that was a incredibly long update, I won't say PPMS yet - until after I update my own fic....

[akuma]

WOW, amazing job and that was one LONG update, i really enjoyed it! Why couldnt this have happened back in the day, noooo they had to do the bad crap:( This makes up for it though, great job!

[Iowanmom]

I keep reading and reading and reading and there doesn't seem to be the dreaded 'Chloe death' ending. Gahhhh, I have to go back to work. I know people like that we can now type and post more than 10,000 characters, but damn, you didn't have to use up all 50,000 characters in this one post, Supes. :) :lol: Just kidding. I'll finish when I get back. Great job so far. :)

[SpeedyKate91]

Wow that was a great and awsomely long update. PPMS!!

[sandy]

Man, if this update was back in the old days, you'd need at least 5 buffers for that sucker!:p It was incredible, of course. Glad you covered a lot of ground! PPMS!:)

[linn]

ppms!!!.....can't wait for the lonngggggggg update...

[Iowanmom]

I know what you are doing. And yes it is mean, but I'll choose to dally in the hopes that this is just another recap of past events on the show. You changed the end of Covenant, so who's to say you won't change this as well. Chloe is a light that does not deserve to be snuffed out, but if this is what I think it is, I'll trust you to go forward with it. **great pause**

Very nice job with this long update. You have successfully summed up all the Clark's oddities and lies with Lana, very nicely. Also, it didn't become long winded or yawnish. Very good job. You told just enough to keep us riveted to the screen, but not so much that we scanned the writing. Very good.

Lana must be frozen after that long cold flight in Clark's arms. Can anyone hand her a jacket please??? :lol:
Awesome job, Supes. Bring on the next update. **crosses fingers, hoping Chloe stays alive** :D

Oh and Lana giving Jor-EL an ass kicking would be very funny to watch indeed. She'd land right on her ass-----Jor-EL is a Hologram, so to speak, isn't he??? :lol: Too funny. :D

[superman_lives_on]

Well, thanks for the praise. And who's to say what Chloe's ultimate fate will turn out to be? You'll have to wait and see.

And I wouldn't worry about Lana getting cold during the flight--she's with super-hot Clark Kent! Lol.

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Well, thanks for the praise. And who's to say what Chloe's ultimate fate will turn out to be? You'll have to wait and see.

And I wouldn't worry about Lana getting cold during the flight--she's with super-hot Clark Kent! Lol.

Well, I'm trusting you!!! And you're right, he is indeed Super-HOT Clark Kent. Man, I absolutely lost it when I read that. :lol: Too funny. Take your time with the next post. We can't wait, but we will!!!!

Oh and what's this?????


Originally posted by superman_lives_on
No, SV, I am NOT eating it up--in fact, I feel like throwing it up. *ick* I just hope Io is able to withstand this--I know how much she likes Chloe. Believe me, I like Chloe too.

Throwing it up????? What the heck?!?!?!? Don't say things like that. I love this fic. And I can tell you like Chloe. :) Smile. You're doing a great job!!!!

[super12]

that was terrifice.
PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

If I may ask, was there anything in Chapter Four that just really stood out? (Yes, Io, that means you too. ;))

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
If I may ask, was there anything in Chapter Four that just really stood out? (Yes, Io, that means you too. ;))
Hmmm, how about this?

]Originally posted by superman_lives_on
As she snuggled up to him, confident in his strong but gentle grip, quietly ecstatic with the feelings surging forth, both old and new, she dreamily recalled the question she had jokingly asked him at the beginning of freshman year, when she had noticed the Nietzsche book…

So what are you—man or superman?

Now, without him even needing to tell her, she had her answer—and it was no longer what he was, but who he was.

Superman. That’s who he is—my very own Superman.

What a perfect name, she mused.

You have a wonderful way of bringing the Superman touches to your fiction. You are very subtle about it. I liked the memory very much. It brought back so much from the earlier seasons. Nice touch. I am sooo tired. I know I have more example, but I can't think.

The way you summmed up all the oddness and lies with Clark was cool. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved that Clark could finally tell Lana all the reasons why he had to act strange or keep her in the dark. Even when he was seen kissing Chloe. What a relief that had to be for Clark. A true cleansing of his soul. I hope you write more soon, but not too much before I get back from out of town. :) Post more when you can.

[Iowanmom]

**bumps** This doesn't belong on the third page. Post when you can, Supes!!!

[SVsleuth]

Where are you, \Supes? PPMS!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

No, this is NOT an update--but it is a note that Chapter Five is coming--kinda slowly, though. I'll try to get it done faster and have it up this weekend.

BTW, how come nobody's commented on the two flashbacks I put in? And are there any other favorite bits of yours I should know about, Io?

[Iowanmom]

**does the happy dance** You've been a bit MIA. Hope all is well. :D Take your time. We will wait. The best comes to those that wait! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Glad to see me, Io?

But now, I feel a mild need to repeat myself:


Originally posted by superman_lives_on
[H]ow come nobody's commented on the two flashbacks I put in? And are there any other favorite bits of yours I should know about, Io?

[Iowanmom]

Sorry, you adjusted your post just as I clicked the submit button on my reply. Hmmm, curious. You seem upset. Am I wrong?

The flashback scenes, are they the ones with Jor-EL? You had sooo much in that long update. Just trying to clarify. :)

[superman_lives_on]

No, I'm not upset, just curious. And yes, I meant the ones with Jor-El.

[basketballstar23]

ummmm is there an update coming anytime soon?? just wonderin'...:\

[superman_lives_on]

Io? Sorry to bug you, hon, but you never did answer those questions of mine...

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
No, this is NOT an update--but it is a note that Chapter Five is coming--kinda slowly, though. I'll try to get it done faster and have it up this weekend.

BTW, how come nobody's commented on the two flashbacks I put in?
Yay! An update is on the way! :)

Supes, I had to go back to re-read in order to answer about the flashbacks. The day I read it, I had such a bad headache, I was lucky I finished reading it at all.

You did a great job describing the flashback scenes. As I've said before, the descriptive words you add in between the dialogue is where you shine. Some favorite examples:

Jor-El interrupted him as a shadow crawled over the image of Earth

With that, the pod began to spin, a white glow covering its surface, giving it the appearance of the golden sun—until, suddenly, it exploded in a rush of white light that blinded Clark. The light reached out of the storm cellar like a beacon—then it went out.

—then suddenly, a great blast of white light sent Clark flying into the corner of the ceiling, pinning him in place. He began screaming helplessly, pain searing through him as he ripped off his shirt—
Loved similar super description in other scenes:

Lana leaned over and tugged at his arm. “Clark,” she said, making a little pout, “wouldn’t you rather feel warm and comfy?”

Clark blinked—then his eyes bulged slightly as the implications got through to him. “Uhh…Lana—”
Keep up the great writing! So, I hope part 5 is nearing completion. PPMS! ;)

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Io? Sorry to bug you, hon, but you never did answer those questions of mine...

As Clark delivers the news and the deep dark secrets he's kept to himself for most of his life, he waits for the ax to fall. He waits with bated breath for Lana to spew obsenities and hate toward him for all the wrongs in her life, the death of her parents, being abandoned, and the wretchedness of falling in love with a 'thing.' When I read the first few lines, I was taken aback. I was surprised and then you reveal your sneakiness to us, Supes. My goodness Clark's mind plays horrible tricks on him. *shudders*

But no. Clark doesn't hear any of those things. He feels the gentle touch of a hand on his face, the beautiful eyes of his love speaking to him with the soft whisper of her soul, and her warm spirit bathing him within her loving light. *sigh* This is Clana love, Supes. Just beautiful.


She leaned in, her voice becoming even softer—so impossibly, angelically soft: “I love you, Clark Kent. I always will, no matter where you come from or what you can do. You’re not a freak—you’re a hero, a true superhero, because you only use your powers for good. I could never hate you—ever.”

I can see them, Supes. I can feel the gentle whisp of her breath on his skin, the soft lilt of her voice echoing in his ears, the soulful love of her words craddling is torn and vulnerable spirit. Just beautiful.


At the mention of her best friend’s name, Lana’s face fell. “Clark…I have to admit, I’m still a little concerned about Chloe. I mean, it’s no secret that she still has feelings for you. I wonder how hard this is gonna hit her?”

“We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it,” Clark decided. “I’ve never been in love with her—or anyone else, other than you. I do care for her, very much, but…just not that way, you know what I mean?”
Yeah, I know what you mean. You understand that this pains me, right??? Right??? It does. Clark seems so..... 'nonchalant' about Chloe and her feelings. I don't know. He did say he cared about her. Same old song and dance, I guess. I can't comment on this part anymore. :\ Sorry, Supes. It's too close to the 'Clark' from season 3. *sigh* Moving on.

It's nice to see Clark releasing some of the pent up emotions regarding Lex. I'm glad he's allowing Lana a glimpse of what Lex's truly like. She should be weary of the guy.

This part I disagree with:


"At one point before, Lex saw me using my powers—when he was in Belle Reeve. The way he reacted…” Clark shivered. “I let them put him through the electroshock therapy because of it! I still don’t know if I can forgive myself for that.”

Lana winced at that news. She then reached out and stroked his cheek, hoping to calm him down. “Clark, maybe it was for the best. You were trying to protect your secret—and if Lex reacted the way I’m guessing he did, then he couldn’t be trusted with it.”

I never perceived this episode this way. I alway thought from the moment Clark found out about the 'procedure' Lex was going to have, Clark tried to help him. I didn't think he was trying to protect his secret. He risked every to get to him. He was to late. Lex's father took the choice away from him. All his powers and Clark couldn't save him-in time. That's what I think.



“It’s a real burden for me, Lana, having these abilities and this alien origin…I’ve often hated them for keeping me from living a normal life…from being with you.” He looked straight into her lovely eyes, allowing her gaze to soothe him. “But I guess that now, I don’t have to hate them.”

“You shouldn’t. They’re a part of you, Clark—and you use them to do great things already. You shouldn’t throw that away.”
What a beautiful view of Clark unburdening his soul. Truly speaking of how tormented he is inside his own skin. And Lana easing that pain. Showing him the greatness of his life. Great job, Supes.



“Kal-El, it is time…”

Clark stood at the steps leading into the storm cellar, squinting against the golden light that shone from within. For a moment he hesitated—then he took a step forward, slowly descending into the depths…wondering what lay in store for him.

A strong wind whipped around and past him as he reached the bottom of the stairs, peering into the storm cellar. The golden light was pouring right off the small spaceship that had brought him to Earth—and furthermore, it was slowly rising.
My goodness, your descriptive ability brings me right back to this episode. Drawing me in further to experience the trepidation and wonder of what is taking place before Clark. Just wonderful description. Great job.

The two Jor-EL scenes were described and acted out to perfection. Due to the size of this feedback, I can't quote it all. :lol: Just know that hearing Jor-EL's words weren't enough. It was his words, painted by your hand, that the true 'ominous' feeling sunk into my bones. Wow. No wonder why Clark chose to destroy the ship. Jor-EL was a threat. He'd even gone as far as permenantly scarring Clark for his insolence and disobedience. How frightening for him. How cruel. You describe this to a 't'. It is as if I'm there, witnessing it with my own eyes. *sigh* Just great!!!


His worry growing, he turned back to the image of Earth, noticing that it was once again in the shape of the golden egg that had borne him across the stars. “Please!” he exclaimed, feeling desperate. “Everything and everyone I love is here—in Smallville!”



With that, the pod began to spin, a white glow covering its surface, giving it the appearance of the golden sun—until, suddenly, it exploded in a rush of white light that blinded Clark. The light reached out of the storm cellar like a beacon—then it went out.


The ship swiveled around, its tip pointing straight at him—

—then suddenly, a great blast of white light sent Clark flying into the corner of the ceiling, pinning him in place. He began screaming helplessly, pain searing through him as he ripped off his shirt—

A symbol was being burned right onto his chest!

“This is the mark of your ancestors,” Jor-El declared, not at all caring about Clark’s obvious pain. “You cannot fight it, Kal-El.” Ignoring his son’s screams, he continued: “At the zenith of the star Sol, you will begin your journey.”

Finally, the symbol was complete, and the ship released Clark, sending him plunging to the floor.

“If you do not,” Jor-El added, “you will hurt the ones you love most.”

With that, he fell silent. Clark struggled to get up, only to collapse onto his back. On his chest, the symbol—an “8” bordered by a pentagon—glowed dimly, the pain slowly receding.
Supes these are a few of the examples that stuck out for me. True this a recap of the episodes, but MY GOSH, the imagery you are capable is fantastic. You pull us in, forcing us to experience the wrath of Jor-El, again. Seeing Clark struggle, defy, desperately hold on to that which is most important... his family and friends, his own destiny. Then we witness the marking on Clark's skin. Man, not something I like to visualize, but you make me face it. Clark is ripped of any and all choice. Out of desperation, he does what he thinks is justifiable to save himself and destroys the ship. Wow. Great visuals here.

Then we have Clark explaing everything to Lana. All the past oddities, his weird behavior and past lies. Explaining away all the past questions he'd been unable to truthfully answer before. My goodness that was a true weight lifted from Clark's shoulders and Lana took it all in stride. Gently she guided him to open to her, to feel comfortable telling her his secrets and all the truths he's longed to say, but couldn't until that moment. She saved him Supes. She welcomed Clark in her loving spirit and saved him, from himself. That's what I see. :D

Well, I'm a bit tired. This did me in. I'm exhausted. Hope your update is coming along nicely. Post when you can. :)

[basketballstar23]

ahem....now that she's commented....can we PLEASE get an update?!?!?!?!??!:D

[SVsleuth]

where are you, Supes? PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Update coming up! Look out for it!

[SVsleuth]

Yay! :)

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER FIVE
Recovering from Tragedy

Dark gray clouds covered the sky, threatening the ground and its inhabitants with rain. Thunder rumbled in the distance, though there were no visible flashes of lightning. It was as grim as it could be without actual rain…the tears of angels.

The mourners stood in the Smallville cemetery, all dressed in black and carrying umbrellas—just in case. They watched as the polished dark brown coffin was lowered into the recently dug grave, carrying the ashes of Chloe Sullivan, friend to some, inspiration to many.

There had only been ashes in the aftermath of the explosion—no clearly identifiable bodies. Only ashes were present—in abundance. So LuthorCorp, who were paying for the entire funeral under Lex Luthor’s orders, gathered some of those ashes and poured them into the coffin prior to the burial.

Lana watched as the coffin slowly descended into the grave, carrying with it the ashes of the safe house that had been destroyed—destroyed by a hellish fireball that had claimed the Sullivans’ lives. She had already dropped a small bouquet of white roses on the top, and they now lay there, slowly dying…far more slowly than Chloe had.

Images drifted through her mind…memories of times gone by, good and bad…the day she had met Chloe…the day she had begun to forge a friendship with Chloe, when the brilliant young journalist had helped her to find another link to her long-lost mother…the day when Chloe had been kicked out of the Torch by an uncaring principal, and Lana had worked to bring her back…the day Chloe and her father had offered Lana a place to stay when Nell decided to leave Smallville…the day Chloe had said that Lana was like the sister she had never had…and many other days long since vanished into the past…

As the coffin hit bottom, so did Lana’s heart. Her best friend…one who had been like a sister to her…was gone…and she hadn’t even been in Smallville when it had happened.

She turned around, burying her face in Clark’s chest as the tears began to pour out. He held her gently, his face a mask of anguish. His black coat muffled Lana’s sobs as she shook involuntarily, her grief exposing itself completely.

Nearby stood Jonathan and Martha, watching the scene grimly…and sadly. They, too, were genuinely saddened by Chloe’s death…and that of her father, who had been buried a little earlier. She had shown great courage, they knew, for she had taken a great risk in agreeing to testify against Lionel Luthor, entering the witness protection program in the process.

Unfortunately, not all risks paid off.

Some distance away, Lex watched Clark, Lana, and the Kents with sad eyes. It tore at his heart to see them in such pain—and worse yet, they wouldn’t even accept his condolences. Clark’s decision to end their friendship less than a week ago had severed their tolerance for his presence.

Lex bowed his head, allowing his own tears to come. He wished they didn’t have to go through this…he wished he had cleared out that secret room a long time ago… Oh, hell—he wished he’d never started investigating Clark in the first place! His insatiable curiosity for the unexplained—and the dishonesty that went along with it—had cost him a great friendship, as well as the potential for several more. Damn his father for raising him to be a monster—and then trying to kill him when it failed! He was lucky the paramedics had reached him when they did, or that poisoned drink he had had the evening Chloe’s safe house exploded could have killed him.

Oh, there I go, worrying about my own troubles… My former friends are suffering far worse—and they’ve done nothing to deserve it. He sighed sadly. Why must the innocent suffer? Why can’t the guilty always get what they deserve?

* * * * *

A week later, the storm that had been gathering over Smallville—over much of Kansas, in fact—had finally burst. Rain poured from the sky practically in sheets, jagged bolts of lightning lighting up the black clouds with their flashes, thunder booming repeatedly and frequently.

Lana sat at the window of the Kent house, staring out into Nature’s fury. Ever since the news of Chloe’s death, she had been staying at the farm, unwilling to let the Kents—or herself—suffer through this alone.

Clark, of course, had been the consummate gentlemen. He had given her his bed to sleep on, while he took the couch—which he insisted wasn’t that hard. Lana smiled faintly at the thought. That was one of Clark’s many remarkable traits, even without his powers—he always sought to provide others comfort, even at the cost of his own—and furthermore, he was always so modest about it.

Lana sighed softly as she gazed into the storm, allowing her mind to continue its wanderings over the events of the past two weeks. All the tears they could shed over Chloe’s passing had finally been emptied out. They would always carry bittersweet memories of her in their hearts, and they would continue to quietly mourn her with flowers at her grave and the stories of her that they passed down to their children. But they would not allow grief to consume them—they knew their departed friend wouldn’t have wanted that. She would have urged them to move on with their lives, to take the bull by the horns and seize what chances at success and happiness they could. It was what she would have done, had she been in their place.

Somewhere, Lana felt, Chloe was at peace—and hopefully, she would be able to remain with them…in spirit.

* * * * *

Clark, once again clad in black clothing, soared through the sky, high above the Earth—and well above the clouds below.

His flight gave him a crucial advantage—he could stay well out of the storm’s reach as he tracked its movement, watching the thunderclouds as they slowly moved over Kansas. He had supposed that if he was ever going to put the ability to use, he’d have to practice using it for certain tasks. Watching the movement of a huge thunderstorm was just one step down from, say, tracking a destructive hurricane as it moved inland.

Finally, deciding he’d been out here long enough, he banked downward, plunging into the storm, heading for the farm.

Lana barely managed to catch a glimpse of the black figure shooting down through the storm, lightning flashing almost rhythmically. Soon, the door opened, and she turned to watch Clark enter the house, running a hand through his somewhat wet locks.

“Hey,” she said gently, walking over to him. “So how’s it look from up there?”

“Like a wild beast,” was his honest opinion. “And it doesn’t look like it’ll be ending for hours—maybe not for a couple of days.”

She frowned. “Nuts…this is gonna keep us inside for a while, I guess.” But then she smiled softly. “At least the company’s good.”

He smiled too. “Yeah, that’s the one perk of the whole situation. It’s a shame, really…” He walked over to the table, plopping into a chair. “I was hoping it’d clear up soon. That way, I could carry out what I had in mind ever since…well, ever since before we learned about Chloe.”

Lana leaned over him, her face wrinkled in puzzlement. “And what would that be?”

“Well, I was planning to go on a little outing somewhere—actually, to two places. The first would be Crater Lake.” He smiled again, looking a little uneasy. “There’s one secret I still haven’t shared with you yet—and it took place when I was under those heavy dreams, courtesy of Sara.”

Lana considered this for a moment—then it dawned on her. “Uh…I think I can guess what that dream would entail…” A stern look appeared on her face as she continued: “And if so, there is no way in heck you are getting me anywhere near that lake!”

Clark winced overtly. “What? What do you think?”

Lana rolled her eyes, trying not to grin. “Come on, Clark, I’m not that airheaded—”

“I never said or thought you were!” he protested.

Realizing she might have gone a tad too far in her teasing, Lana dropped the stern façade and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t tease like that,” she said softly. “I’m guessing that the dream involved us skinny-dipping.”

“You must know me too well,” Clark said ruefully, feeling at ease again.

“Probably, now that you’ve told me all your secrets—including this one,” Lana admitted.

Clark smiled softly, glancing downward, then spoke again. “Well, I wasn’t thinking of actually skinny-dipping there—unless you wanted to, and I doubt you do. Hey, don’t make faces like that!” he laughingly protested as she grimaced at him.

“Well, what would you rather I make faces like?” she inquired. “A sugar-sweet fairy princess? I’m getting sick of pink, you know.”

“Lana, you look like an angel in pink—or anything else, for that matter,” Clark said, which seemed to reassure her. “Actually, it wouldn’t be so bad if you acted more like an exotic vixen with a sultry come-hither voice—oh, wait, that’s already what you act like, at least when you’re drugged by ol’ Nicodemus. Hey, quit the faces!”

“Sorry, force of habit,” Lana surrendered. “But you are one big flirt, Mr. Kent.”

“No, Lana, I’m Mr. Kent, he’s Clark,” interrupted a strong voice. They turned to see Jonathan leaning against the wall, grinning. “But I suppose Martha would still agree with you on that count.”

“How long have you been listening in, Dad?” Clark asked, unsure whether or not to be embarrassed.

“Oh, about since you calling Lana ‘an exotic vixen with a sultry come-hither voice,’” Jonathan chuckled. “I’m not disapproving or anything—not yet, anyway,” he said hastily when he saw their beet-red faces. “Just don’t ever call my wife that.”

“We won’t!” Lana and Clark chorused as one.

“Call me what?” rang out Martha’s voice. Jonathan grimaced, silently cursing himself for teasing the two.

Clark, however, came to his rescue—or, at least, he tried to. “Oh, nothing, Mom,” he said reassuringly. “Except for ‘the world’s best cook’, perhaps—or how about ‘the most caring Mom in the universe’?”

“Well, thanks for the praise, Clark,” said Martha, smiling, “but I already heard what Jonathan really said. And for your information, the only exotic vixen I see in here is the one my son is head over heels for.”

Lana blinked, not sure how to react. Clark squeezed her hand reassuringly. Jonathan sighed in relief that his wife hadn’t reacted more strongly. And Martha, seeing the awkwardness still around, decided to loosen things up a little. “Anyway,” she said, “I thought I heard something about an outing?”

“Oh, yeah. Well, that was for when the storm blew over,” Clark clarified. “That reminds me—the second place we’d go”—he now spoke to Lana—“would be the Kawatche caves. Not to see Jor-El, or anything!” he assured all those present. “I have no intention of letting that jerk into our lives ever again.”

“I should hope not!” Jonathan said grimly, thinking back on his own confrontations with Jor-El.

“You see, Lana, I was hoping I could show you the markings and such and better explain the legends they tell—about Naman and Segeeth. And, uh…there’s one part of the legend I didn’t mention yet,” Clark admitted.

“What would that be?” Lana asked curiously.

Glancing around, Clark noticed that his parents had left—Martha had dragged Jonathan out of there, wanting to give them their privacy. He then reached into his pocket and pulled something out.

“What is that?” Lana inquired, intrigued.

“This is for the woman Naman is destined to be with,” Clark said. “He’s supposed to give it to her, and she will help him to achieve his destiny.” He leaned in, the bracelet in his hand gleaming dimly. “I may not know what my destiny is, Lana…but I know with all my heart that this bracelet belongs to you. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved. Would you wear it for me?”

Lana’s eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, Clark…every day, I dreamed that you would choose me,” she confessed. “And now, I don’t have to dream. Of course I’ll wear it—as a sign of what we share.”

Smiling, Clark gently clasped the bracelet onto her wrist. Neither noticed the brief, faint golden light in Lana’s hazel eyes as it firmly stuck, fitting her perfectly—and the identical momentary gleam on the bracelet itself was dismissed as a trick of the light.

Looking into each other’s eyes, they felt their emotions surging, and decided to seal the deal with a long, tender kiss.

* * * * *

“I don't even know where to start. Um, I know you must have a million questions, but I don't know how many answers I can give you.”

Several hours later, some distance from the Kent farm, inside the office of Smallville High’s school newspaper, the Torch that had become such a force to be reckoned with under the watchful eye of Chloe Sullivan, a young woman sat at the desk. Soft brown eyes peered from an attractive face wrinkled with growing concern, gazing at the video playing out on the computer screen.

On said screen, Chloe was speaking directly to the camera that had captured her living image: “If you're watching this, it means I'm probably dead. You were always the one good thing in my life, and if I didn't tell you enough, I care about you more than you'll ever know.”

The lone viewer, her brown hair pouring down to her shoulders, watched on, her concern ever growing, ever mounting.

“Please find out who did this, Clark,” said the recording of Chloe. “You’re the only one who can.”

A few seconds later, looking as though even those words—that plea for justice—had not been enough, Chloe reached for the camera and switched it off. The screen was immediately filled with static, noisy and pointless—much like the explosion that had claimed the young journalist’s life before it could truly begin. Thunder rumbled ominously outside, lightning flaring through the window for a moment.

The woman lowered her eyes, allowing what she had seen to sink in. At this point, one thing was clear: She had to find this Clark Kent, and enlist his help. Chloe’s murder—if that was indeed what it had been, despite the investigation’s claims of a gas leak in the safe house—could not go unpunished.

First thing in the morning, she decided—hopefully, by then this damn storm would be cleared up enough for a safe drive to the Kent residence…wherever exactly in Smallville that was.

Suddenly, she glanced up sharply, her senses tingling. For a moment, she thought she had heard something—or perhaps felt something, as if there were another presence in the room…

But she saw nobody. Rolling her eyes, she dismissed it as jitteriness brought on by the horrible storm—remarkable, really, that there was still power around here—then started shutting down the computer.

* * * * *

In reality, the worst of the storm was beginning to pass, the lightning becoming less frequent, the thunder less booming.

Thus it was that the relative peace that had settled inside the Kent farmhouse was abruptly and shrilly shattered by a piercing scream of terror.

Clark bolted off the couch where he had been sleeping, blazing a lightning-fast trail of white and black up to his own room. He nearly tore the door off as he rushed in and over to the bed, where Lana was sitting upright, shaking uncontrollably. Clark held her against his white-clad chest as she trembled, sobbing and trying to catch her breath.

“It’s okay, baby, it’s okay,” he whispered soothingly, trying to calm her down. “It was just a nightmare…it’s okay.”

How very wrong he was. Things were not okay—not from Lana’s point of view. This had been no ordinary nightmare—every last detail was seared into her memory with frightening clarity. She clutched at him desperately, trying to lessen her own sobs, even as the Kents rushed to the scene, alerted by the screams as surely as their son had been.

Lana’s dream had been vivid…it had been uncompromising…and it had seemed so real that she almost believed it had been real…

…or perhaps, given what it had shown her, would be real.

[SVsleuth]

1st! Your writng is great, as always. so now I'm hoping that Chloe is not really dead - like on the show. And I'm wondering what's up with the bracelet & Lana - & if her dream is connected to that.

I'll try to add to these comments later - I'm getting a headache now. PPMS!

*****
Later....

She turned around, burying her face in Clark’s chest as the tears began to pour out. He held her gently, his face a mask of anguish. His black coat muffled Lana’s sobs as she shook involuntarily, her grief exposing itself completely.
mask of anguish... grief exposing itself.... you come up with the best phrases. You bring me right into their emotions.

Lex bowed his head, allowing his own tears to come. He wished they didn’t have to go through this…he wished he had cleared out that secret room a long time ago… Oh, hell—he wished he’d never started investigating Clark in the first place! His insatiable curiosity for the unexplained—and the dishonesty that went along with it—had cost him a great friendship, as well as the potential for several more.
Lex is human after all! It is odd to feel Lex's regret, Lex's grief. Somehow, you make me feel it, with your awesome choice of words.

Watching the movement of a huge thunderstorm was just one step down from, say, tracking a destructive hurricane as it moved inland.
So, could Superman have stopped Katrina? Or given us even better warning? That would be cool, ;) (my roof is fixed, & we're still working on trees & fence.)

Smiling, Clark gently clasped the bracelet onto her wrist. Neither noticed the brief, faint golden light in Lana’s hazel eyes as it firmly stuck, fitting her perfectly—and the identical momentary gleam on the bracelet itself was dismissed as a trick of the light.
The way you described this was so good - I can imagine that it was kind of similar to what happens to Clark with RedK - although we have no idea about the effect it may have.

And that part about Lana's dream at the end was ominous. I hope it's not the Isobel stuff... PPMS!

[akuma]

numero 2:p

Great job, so glad u finally updated!!! The Clana relationship in this fic is amazing to say the least, i love it!! This is wht us Clana lovers wish the show had been like, but alas it is not:( PPMS!!!

[maru11]

great update!!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[super12]

that was a great post. i wonder if maybe the dream was of Isabel or maybe it was linked to the bracelet?

PPMS!

[Iowanmom]

**sigh** I don't quite know what to say, Supes. Great update. Full of Clana humor and wonderful Kentness. But Chloe's dead. This upsets me greatly. I totally believe to make your Clana prosper, you'll keep her dead, too. She doesn't deserve that. You've changed episodes before, who's to say you won't change this one?

I'm truly at a loss for words, here. **shakes head** I don't know what to say.

Your descriptions about Chloe and her funeral mimick the clouds and darkness over my own heart with the extinquishing of her beautiful flame. Tears of angels, you say? That's an understatement. **sigh** What you lack that I need in this update is the emotional toll on Clark that this horrible event would pull from him. Yes, you showed us Lana's, but to truly appreciate and value the depth and loss Chloe's death would have on everyone, on Clark, we (I) needed to know Clark's heartache.

I NEED to feel his sorrow. She will be, always, and forevermore, Clark's best friend. It hurts me that you have deprived Clark and me the emotional outlet for mourning Chloe. Even as I sit here with tears in my eyes, trying to not let them fall, I hope his thoughts, his feelings, his sorrow for Chloe is touched on at some point in this fic. I'm the ultimate Chlarker, would you expect anything less?

A week later? Bittersweet memories? You are killing me. You are so good at enrapturing us in a scene, in painting a beautiful and moving picture inside our minds. What happened to Clark's soulful eyes being a mirror to his bittersweet and sorrowful soul? **sniff** I know I'm silly and I don't care.

I will try to respond to the rest of this fic, but it is difficult. I apologize now, if it isn't what you expected, Supes.

Again, your ability to refresh our minds with the continuity and past highlights of previous episodes is great. I really liked Sara in that episode.

This section was hilarious:


“Well, what would you rather I make faces like?” she inquired. “A sugar-sweet fairy princess? I’m getting sick of pink, you know.”

“Lana, you look like an angel in pink—or anything else, for that matter,” Clark said, which seemed to reassure her. “Actually, it wouldn’t be so bad if you acted more like an exotic vixen with a sultry come-hither voice—oh, wait, that’s already what you act like, at least when you’re drugged by ol’ Nicodemus. Hey, quit the faces!”

“Sorry, force of habit,” Lana surrendered. “But you are one big flirt, Mr. Kent.”

“No, Lana, I’m Mr. Kent, he’s Clark,” interrupted a strong voice. They turned to see Jonathan leaning against the wall, grinning. “But I suppose Martha would still agree with you on that count.”

“How long have you been listening in, Dad?” Clark asked, unsure whether or not to be embarrassed.

“Oh, about since you calling Lana ‘an exotic vixen with a sultry come-hither voice,’” Jonathan chuckled. “I’m not disapproving or anything—not yet, anyway,” he said hastily when he saw their beet-red faces. “Just don’t ever call my wife that.”

“We won’t!” Lana and Clark chorused as one.

“Call me what?” rang out Martha’s voice. Jonathan grimaced, silently cursing himself for teasing the two.

Clark, however, came to his rescue—or, at least, he tried to. “Oh, nothing, Mom,” he said reassuringly. “Except for ‘the world’s best cook’, perhaps—or how about ‘the most caring Mom in the universe’?”

“Well, thanks for the praise, Clark,” said Martha, smiling, “but I already heard what Jonathan really said. And for your information, the only exotic vixen I see in here is the one my son is head over heels for.”
Yes, even through my tears, I laughed. I love how you made reference to Lana being a Pink Princess. :lol: So true. Great job.

The bracelet was a nice touch. I do wonder sometimes if TPTB forgot about that little tidbit on Smallville. The gleam in Lana's eyes and the shine of the bracelet intrigued me. Makes for an interesting plot twist. :D

And then we have Chloe and Lois.

“If you're watching this, it means I'm probably dead. You were always the one good thing in my life, and if I didn't tell you enough, I care about you more than you'll ever know.”

“Please find out who did this, Clark,” said the recording of Chloe. “You’re the only one who can.”
Even in death, Chloe reaches out and touches those she loves. Believing and having faith in Clark, that he can and will find justice for her murder. Leave it to Lois to get Clark's butt in gear. Bring it on Supes!

And then we have Lana's dream. What in the world could be going on now? I am curious. Great update, Supes.

[Cardinal]

Hmm...looks like I oughta get out of the house more often. I haven't been reading much lately, most of my time on K-Site has been spent trying to keep two different fics going at one time. But it looks like there's a world of talented Clana writers out there.

The updates here aren't frequent, but they are long.

Between Old Man Kent's stories, your story, and aj returning to write Clana, there's so much new and wonderful Clana these days that I might have to slow down writing to allot more time for reading.

[sandy]

Wow, so Lana will begin to have the Isobel dreams, huh? Interesting.

And now Lois will come to Smallville? Sounds like you're following the show's guidelines Clana-style...well, except for the mystery if Chloe is really dead. PPMS!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Say, Io, what did you think of the bit in Chapter Five regarding Lex's thoughts?

And again, I'm sorry for not focusing enough on Clark's grief. Don't worry--the coming chapters will rectify that mistake.

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Say, Io, what did you think of the bit in Chapter Five regarding Lex's thoughts?

And again, I'm sorry for not focusing enough on Clark's grief. Don't worry--the coming chapters will rectify that mistake.
Well Supes, I felt a teary-eyed Lex was a bit out of character. I doubt he would shed a tear for Chloe. Maybe his mother or a soulmate, but not Chloe.

However, I am a HUGE Lex fan. Chlex is another favored ship of mine. Damn near as close as Chlark.

The torment and torture of Lex's soul is palpable, as we learned what his childhood and mother was like in past episodes. He longs for love, for acceptence, but above all, Trust. He needs companionship. Despite how much he has changed, he longed for a friend that he could confide in, completely. I believe he thought that person was Clark. Sadly, his own curiosity and his ability to have money with the snap of his fingers, set him on a path to betray the one he thought was his friend.

As much as Clark lied to protect himself, Lex lied to gain access to those secrets. They are equally to balme for the demise of their friendship.

I believe Lex longs to be a member of the Kent family. So, mourning the loss of Clark's friendship, the loss of Martha's loving spirit, might draw a tear or two, but I'm not sure if he'd let them fall.


My former friends are suffering far worse—and they’ve done nothing to deserve it. Why must the innocent suffer? Why can’t the guilty always get what they deserve?
This forshadows the evil turn Lex will make. Before, he could care about people, but as time goes on and the darkness and demons descend on Lex's soul, he will become 'the guilty'.

However in hindsight, being 20/20 and all, what you tried to do with the Lex scene was to paint a remorseful Lex. I do believe you pulled that off. I do think that in the earlier seasons, Lex did show regret. The Lex passage does support this. I'm just not sure he'd allow the tears to fall. ;)

I hope to see some reaction out of Clark. I need it. :)

[clanas1ally]

This is ryan from school this story is awesome PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Glad you approve, buddy. And welcome to KryptonSite! :) Please, everyone, give him your warmest welcome, if you would. :D

[Iowanmom]

Yes, welcome to the boards, clanas1ally. It's a nice bunch of people here. Hope to see you around. :D

[SVsleuth]

Welcome to Clanaland, clanas1ally! :) You've got a LOT od reading to do on these boards for lots of great Clana. So get busy reading... ;)

[clanas1ally]

Thanks, I might have a hard time studying knowing great clana action is finger tips away (this is not the only site i am involved with either) SUPES PPMS!!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Update is coming hopefully no later than Sunday, so hang in there, guys!

[Iowanmom]

Great Supes, can't wait!!!

[clanas1ally]

Yeah C'mon and update already. Just because you can't write and then type as fast as we can read doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a fighting try

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER SIX
Nightmare…or Vision?

The sky was as red as blood, the clouds a deep maroon, the air strangely chilly and yet warm. The rising sun cast its golden rays across the land, illuminating the silvery skyscrapers below.

The lone figure spread his arms out as he floated in mid-air, as if welcoming the sunlight—absorbing its warmth and power. His black cape flapped in the breeze, his sleek raven hair billowing ever so slightly. The light poured onto his chiseled features, illuminating every curve, his finely tanned skin seeming to glow. His eyes, their clear blue irises tinged with emerald green, peered into the great beyond, seeing much farther than mere mortals could ever hope to see.

This was the land he had come to rule…this was the home of the people whose flaws he had to expose and remove. They were physically weaker than he was, but their collective potential—their promise—was there, warm and inviting…for those who knew where and how to look.

And yet…he almost sighed. And yet, they could never hope to achieve his greatness, he supposed. He would always be a god compared to them…his father knew that, had said that before.

Ah, his father…he was ever a source of wisdom, of the ancient knowledge of the universe. When problems arose, he often saw solutions that his son had not considered. At other times, it was vice versa…but those were the less frequent times.

Yes, his father seemed more worthy of godhood…he had felt these incredible powers himself once, during his visit to Earth so many years ago. But he had not stayed…his son had been the one to stay, for he could not hope to return to the ruins of Krypton. He was the last son of a dead world…the last truly living member of his family…and as such, he wore the symbol of his ancestors on his chest, which resembled an “8” bordered by a pentagon, formed of blood-red fabric and laid over (and enclosing) a pentagon of black.

The man considered all this at a rate of thought far beyond that of even the best computers. That ability had not come as easily as had his other, more physical powers. Only through his father’s wisdom and skill had he found the way to unlocking his potential. Now, with his physical and mental prowess, he could truly live up to his name…the name his father had endowed him with at birth.

“Kal-El” he had been christened. He hardly considered it a coincidence, either, that it resembled the Hebrew words for “voice of God”. It was all too appropriate to be chance.

Even as he considered this last thought, his far-seeing eyes locked onto a disturbance below. It never failed—as much as he strived to help the human race, there were always those who sought to leech off society. Now, several such parasites were wreaking havoc below…at the break of day, no less.

They would regret it—sorely.

He shot downwards like a meteor, his black cape billowing as quickly as the wings of a hummingbird, the wind whipping through his hair, the diamond-shaped red jewel of a buckle that fastened his black belt gleaming in the sun. In seconds, he had reached the scene, coming up from behind one of the would-be bank robbers, planting his black boots firmly on the ground.

A single forceful slap on the back of the head laid the reprobate out cold on the ground. The others reacted with varying degrees of horror—and then, seconds later, they had all joined their partner in crime on the ground.

Kal-El shot a stern look at the guards who had chased the four outside; they immediately snapped to attention. He nodded once, his face regaining its earlier emotionless tranquility, and they relaxed almost imperceptibly.

“Take these four to the nearest jail,” he ordered in his deep baritone voice. “I will decide the appropriate punishment myself.” The guards bowed and moved to handcuff the criminals.

As Kal-El turned around, intent on finding any other disturbances that required his attention, a face from a nearby crowd caught his eye. It was an attractive face, surrounded by flowing brown tresses…the only face that ever made him smile, as it did now.

The woman separated herself from the crowd and walked briskly over to him; behind her, a personal bodyguard discreetly followed. For a moment, Kal-El allowed himself to get lost in the gentle swaying of her well-defined body and long hair—and the sparkle in her brown eyes, matched only by the sparkle of the bracelet on her wrist.

“Hi, honey,” she said brightly as she reached him.

“I thought I asked you to stay home last night,” he said, only mildly chiding her.

“Sorry, but I couldn’t really sleep—you know me, I have to get out and about unless I’m feeling tired.”

Noting that the guards had carted off the four robbers already, Kal-El turned to the bodyguard, whispering an order. The man nodded once and walked off with a bow.

The woman blinked. “Um…why did you just call him off?”

“I’ll take you home myself,” Kal-El replied. She smiled in response and allowed him to take her in his strong arms. She leaned her head against the navy blue material that covered his incomparable chest—in fact, that covered his entire body, except for his hands (from the wrists up) and his head and neck—as he sped off in a blur. In seconds, they had reached a small, hedge-enclosed spot—part of what passed for a garden at their opulent home.

He lowered her onto her feet, gazing all the while into her eyes. “I can’t stay for long,” he said. “My father will want to hear of my progress after last night.”

“Okay, Kal,” she said. “But you’re not leaving without a good-bye kiss, at least.”

“As my lady commands,” he replied, smiling softly. With that said, he pulled her into a kiss, brief but intense—

That was when Lana, who had already been moaning and shaking in protest, gave a scream of horror, springing into an upright position, her heart thudding. The next thing she knew, she was in Clark’s arms, sobbing against his shirt.

“It’s okay, baby, it’s okay,” he whispered soothingly, trying to calm her down. “It was just a nightmare…it’s okay.”

Oh, no, it wasn’t. After this, there was no way she was going to be able to get back to sleep.

She had a feeling that she had just seen…well, the future.

* * * * *

“A WHAT?!” the Kents exclaimed. The four were gathered around the kitchen table, none of them really in any mood to go back to sleep—not after Lana had said that she had something important to tell them.

“A vision,” she repeated softly. “In it, Clark looked…well, older. And also very different, not as open with his emotions… And he was going by the name ‘Kal-El’.”

At that, Clark’s face paled; his parents were no less worried. “Please don’t tell me you saw Jor-El, too,” he said, horrified by the mere thought.

“No, and I didn’t hear him, either,” Lana assured him. “But he was mentioned…in Kal-El’s thoughts, and when he was talking.”

“Talking to whom?”

“A woman,” she said, her heart beginning to react again to that part of the dream that had scared her the most. “There was a woman…not me, though, someone else. She was wearing this bracelet”—she held it up to the light—“and…she called him ‘honey’. She seemed to be in love with you…er, him. And…he kissed her, right at the end of my dream. That’s what woke me up.” She lowered her head, feeling strangely embarrassed.

Clark reached over and clasped her hand, gently but firmly. “Was he in love with her?”

Lana was surprised at his calm manner—but then, perhaps he was just trying to be strong. “I…I don’t know for sure,” she admitted. “I couldn’t really feel his emotions…not the way I can sense yours, at least. But…the way he acted around her…oh, God, what if he was in…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

Clark came around the table, taking her into his arms ever so gently. “It’s okay, Lana,” he whispered. “I could never be in love with anyone but you. And I’d never give the bracelet to anyone else.”

Lana sighed softly, feeling just a little more at ease. “There are a few more things,” she said, pulling back reluctantly. “He never said Jor-El’s name aloud, but he mentioned telling his father about his progress after the night before—I assumed he meant Jor-El, though I have no idea what he meant by the last bit. And…he was wearing some sort of suit, too.”

“What did it look like?”

“It was dark blue—navy, I think. It covered all of him except for his head and hands. He was also wearing black boots and a cape, and a black belt—it had some sort of red jewel for a buckle. It was…kinda cool-looking, actually,” she admitted, her anxiety ebbing a tad further. “Oh, yeah…and on his chest, he had that symbol you told me about—the mark of your ancestors, remember?”

“The one Jor-El burned on me?”

“Yeah, except it was part of his suit—it was red, on a black background.”

“Hm,” Clark murmured. “That’s a neat little detail, but it doesn’t really tell us anything new…not since you already know he went by the name ‘Kal-El’.”

At that point, Lana remembered something else. “Clark…did you know that ‘Kal-El’ is close to the Hebrew words for ‘voice of God’?”

Clark’s eyes bulged. “What? How would you know that?”

“He was thinking about it. I couldn’t feel his emotions, but I could hear some of his thoughts…as if they were mine. And he kept going on about Jor-El’s wisdom and such—”

“‘Voice of God’…oh, jeez, what if that’s all I’m supposed to be to Jor-El?” Clark exclaimed, his face turning white for a moment. “Just a puppet to control the world with?”

“‘Rule them with strength’, my foot,” Jonathan practically growled. “It was his strength he was talking about—his so-called wisdom!”

“Jonathan, we don’t know that for certain,” Martha interrupted, trying to head off his temper. “As bad as it looks, not all of the pieces are in place yet. We need better proof.”

“This is already pretty bad, sweetheart,” Jonathan sighed, but he relented nonetheless. Maybe I’m just in a sour mood from being woken up so early. Not that that’s Lana’s fault—the poor girl can’t help but have dreams.

Lana shuddered at the thought of Jor-El using Clark as a pawn to rule Earth. “‘You will be a god among men…’” she murmured. “‘They are a flawed race…’ If he doesn’t want Clark to do that, then why didn’t he make the message clearer?”

“Who can say how Kryptonians think?” Martha sighed. “At least, those who were raised on that planet.”

“I’d just as soon not find out, not after my previous confrontations with Jor-El,” Clark said firmly. “What I’ve seen is already bad news.”

“Whatever happened to ‘know thy enemy’?” Martha wondered. “Shouldn’t we try to understand his mindset before we truly fight it?”

“Good point,” Clark admitted. He turned back to Lana, gently wiping away a tear trickling down her cheek. “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “This might be just a one-time thing—and whether or not it is, maybe we can learn something from it.”

“Like what Jor-El has planned for you?” Lana asked, her hazel eyes glistening. “Oh, God, Clark, what if he wants you to be with this other woman—whoever the hell she is—instead of with me? I don’t want him to rip us apart!” She was starting to get hysterical.

“I won’t let him,” Clark vowed. “We won’t let him. Nothing is going to come between us ever again, not if I can help it.”

That’s the spirit, son, Jonathan thought, feeling a measure of pride. Stand by your woman and hold onto her for all you’re worth—and never let go. It sure worked for me, and for more than a few other men, I’m sure.

Though he didn’t say it aloud, the farmer’s quiet support of Clark’s new relationship with Lana was apparent…if one knew where to look—as did, for example, Martha. She shared a look with him as their son held his girlfriend close, hoping to soothe her.

Little did they know just how sorely that relationship—that resolve—would be tested in the time ahead. The worst was yet to come.

* * * * *

Lana never did get back to sleep that night—and, for that matter, neither did Clark. The Kents were clearly worried about them, but realized there was little they could do to alleviate a sudden case of insomnia, let alone two. Besides, they could never blame Lana for suffering such a distressing and vivid dream.

Clark lay on the couch, trying to at least rest; all the while, though, his eyes were open as he quietly watched his girlfriend. Lana, in turn, was at the table, using a pencil and a piece of paper to sketch out the face of the woman she had seen—the image burned in her mind of that face was one of the clearest.

Eventually, the eastern sky turned from black to a dark, pale blue, the stars mostly hidden by clouds—the remains of the storm. The blue lightened as dawn approached; finally, it turned a deep yellow as the golden sun slowly peeked over the horizon.

Clark and Lana silently watched the sunrise, one of his strong arms gently holding her close. It was the first time they’d ever watched one together—they had only ever watched sunsets before.

As the sun’s golden rays spilled over the Kansas prairie, the bracelet on Lana’s wrist caught the light; for an instant, it glowed with a deep gold luminescence. Neither Lana nor Clark noticed, though—they just gazed at the rising orb illuminating the rather cloudy sky, awaiting the day.

* * * * *

The engine purred as the silvery GMC drove along the dirt path, its lone occupant taking in the sight of the farmhouse and barn lying ahead. From what she could see, there was only one person outside at the moment—a man, it seemed. Maybe he was the one she was looking for.

Clark was working out in the yard when he heard the noise of the car’s engine. He looked up, wondering who could be driving out here, and watched as the car drove up to the overhanging sign that read KENT FARM, pulling into the driveway.

As it came to a stop, the engine shutting off, the young woman, wearing a light khaki jacket over her orange blouse, unbuckled and hopped out of the driver’s door, noticing Clark walking over to her. “Excuse me?” she said politely. “Are you Clark Kent, by any chance?”

“Guilty as charged,” Clark replied, smiling with equal politeness. “And you are…?”

“Lois,” she said, coming around to shake his hand. “Lois Lane. I’m Chloe Sullivan’s cousin.”

“Oh,” he said, the smile fading. “I’m really sorry about your loss. Chloe was my best friend.”

“Yeah, she was a great person,” Lois said softly, seeing the earnest look in his blue eyes. “I didn’t come to her funeral—I’ve always hated funerals, though my dad figures it’s simply a way of paying tribute to a life well-led. I’m here now, though, for one specific reason.”

“And what would that be?” Clark asked.

“To find the truth,” she said, becoming somewhat businesslike now. “I’m here to investigate Chloe’s death—I don’t believe it was any accident. And I’d like you to help me.”

“Clark?” a voice called from near the house; Lois and Clark looked to see Lana walking over. “Who is it—?”

The instant she got a good look at Lois’s face, Lana stopped in her tracks, trying to hide her shock—she was looking into the face of the woman she had seen in her dream. It was exactly the same, there could be no doubt—just a tiny bit younger.

None of them noticed the odd red gleam that passed over the surface of the bracelet—as if it, too, had recognized Lois.

[happycamper]

Future? Without Lana? :mad:


The Clark of the future seems to have accepted his godhood, instead of choosing his humanity. Assisted by guards/stormtroopers 'snapping to attention' and being at his command... :( :(


How are Clark and Lana going to stop this from happening? ;)


:) :) Good stuff!!! :) :)



**edit**


Oh yeah, almost forgot: "Nani nani boo boo . . ."

:D 1st! :D


** end edit **

[SpeedyKate91]

Awsome updates!!!
PPMS!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

YO!!! SVSLEUTH! IO! Where are you girls?

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
YO!!! SVSLEUTH! IO! Where are you girls?

Ummm.... lets see.... I was eating... & before that, watching LSU make it to the Final Four! :D GO TIGERS! And before that doing laundry while writing most of my next update for Alt. CLANA. SO.... I'm going to finish my update, and THEN, I'll come read yours & post a reply. DEAL? ;)

[superman_lives_on]

Deal. :D

[SmallvilleMan]

Nice job dude, you got skill writing.

[SVsleuth]

reading now....

DONE!

That was teriffic, Supes! This is getting really interesting. Lois in Lana's vision? I hope there is a way for Clark & Lana to prevent that future from ever happening.

The dream sequence was amazing! And the tension and anxiety Lana is feeling came through so clearly.

Can't wait to find out what happens next. ;)

PPMS! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Glad you enjoyed it, SV and everyone! I await your input, Io!

[akuma]

WOW, that was simply amazing! So descriptive and well written! Cant wait for more!

[super12]

WOW, you write so vividly. that was a great post.

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

I seem to have quite a few fans...

[basketballstar23]

yes u do....now UPDATE!!!! please...thanx:D

[Nemu]

I think if he succeed in keeping Kal away (the buckle must be made of red K anyway) the future will be Clana instead of Klois....

maybe that's why the bracelet also flashed red....

PPMS :D

[superman_lives_on]

Ahhh, I love hearing speculation. Please, feel free to come up with the craziest ideas you can while you wait--who knows, maybe you'll guess correctly! :D

[SmallvilleMan]

Hey!! Where's my update? HUh? HUh?

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Hey!! Where's my update? Huh? Huh?

It's in the works. It'll come. Trust me.

[SmallvilleMan]

In the works? Well geez, what do you pay those people working on it, pennies? They need to pick up the pace, I don't have time for this stuff..... Or do I?;)

[Cardinal]

Kal's outfit description make me think a little bit of the costume worn by Supes after he was "resurrected" in the comics.

The belt jewel is likely to be red-K.

Lana better start keeping a chunk of green-K close by her side in a lead container just incase she needs to get the red-K away from Kal.

[Iowanmom]

Supes,
This was a very nice update. I absolutely love the detailed picture you painted with Kal-El reigning Lord over the earth. My god, like Cardinal said, it seems like a page out of the comics.

To see this man flying in the heavens, the red as sin sky glistening before our eyes,,,, it is a sight to behold and you paint it beautifully. Reading him absorbing the sun's rays, the golden landscape coming to life with the warm light unfolding along the horizon, was just beautiful. :D **sigh** you can really paint a picture.

You know my heart and that I am worried and distressed about Chloe. To continue reading a fic where she is dead, it's very difficult. I find it hard to concentrate. Despite this being Clana, the lack of acknowledgement by Clark about Chloe tears at my spirit and I am sorry, but my reply reflects it.

I thought the definition of Kal-El was cool. " Voice of God" That so depicts what Jor-El would like for Clark to be received as. The fact that everyone bows and comes to attention when Kal-El is around is awesome. It truly is frightening. It's a dictatorship and exactly what we feared or Lex feared with Naman being a God among men.

**sigh** I'm not doing this justice and I must apologize. I'm just spent, Supes.

I love how you have Clark embracing and comforting Lana. It do wonder if he would really do that infront of his parents, but maybe. I like Jonathan's thoughts about Clark hanging on to his love and not letting her go. Very much a 'Kent' family trait. :D

I know you are teasing us with this bracelete and the effects it will have on Lana. Color me intrigued.

And then we have Lois Lane enter the picture. Stop the Presses!!! :lol: I like how you had her say, "Lois, Lois Lane." It's as if I can hear her myself. Nice work.

And my oh my, what is Lana going to do about Lois? What does the bracelet mean and when will I see Chloe again? You raised many questions with this update, Supes. I hope to get some answers with your next post, but mostly, I long to see Chloe. Please. Post more when you can. I am a fan.

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Iowanmom
**sigh** I'm not doing this justice and I must apologize. I'm just spent, Supes.

It's all right, Tina--you can elaborate further tomorrow or later. I'm just glad you responded and have enjoyed this so far--except, of course, for the whole Chloe-being-dead thing.

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
It's all right, Tina--you can elaborate further tomorrow or later.

:lol: you are totally draining me man!! **shakes head** Really, it was a cool update, Supes. Now get to posting the next chapter. You don't want to keep us readers waiting long, now do ya??? :D

[clanas1ally]

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/clanaplease
please sign in hopes of saving clana every voice makes the group voice louder

PPMS!!!!!

[clanas1ally]

PPMASAP!!!!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

When is he next update here, Supes? We need LOTS of CLANA :)
(bumping from page 3)

[superman_lives_on]

It may be a couple of days, I dunno. But I'll see what I can do.

[SVsleuth]

Hmmm... well, I guess I can't really complain, since it's been a few days since I updated mine too. I'll be watching for it. ;)

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Dude! You got skills! Amazing story so far. Too bad your updates are a bit infrequent, but god they rock! You're a truly amazing writer. It's awesome how you paint the whole story so vividly.

And your story has so many layers, twist and turns. A future without Lana? And he has turned into a God among men-dictatorship, just like he always feared. I'm intrigued. I'm really looking forward to where you take it from here. Hopefully, your next installment isn't far away. PPMS!!

[superman_lives_on]

Much appreciation for all the feedback, guys--thanks, Dr. J!

Well, my Muse has been kind to me this evening, so I think Chapter Seven will be coming soon! :D

[Nemu]

yay!! now thats good news too!!!

PPMS :D

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER SEVEN
A Friend in Need

“I knew that as soon as I came here, it would make Chloe’s death that much more real,” Lois admitted. “Now I kinda hate myself for being so weak—especially since I’m pretty certain she didn’t die because of a gas leak.”

They were sitting around the kitchen table, a farm-fresh breakfast laid out before them. When Clark had invited Lois inside (Lana hadn’t made a sound beyond a few polite hello’s—she was still in shock to a degree), Martha, upon being introduced and learning that their guest hadn’t had any breakfast beyond a none-too-enticing cup of coffee, had politely insisted on her joining them at the table before setting out on their investigation.

Lois had been taken aback—to say the very least—by Martha’s generosity. “That’s…that’s awfully generous of you, Mrs. Kent,” she had said, “but I’d hate to impose any more than I have to—”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all, Lois,” the older woman had reassured her. “I daresay that there’s more than enough for all of us anyway!”

Jonathan privately doubted that, given their son’s bottomless pit of a stomach, but wisely said nothing, quietly impressed as he was by his wife’s kindness. Lana remained quiet, still trying to take all this in without collapsing into hysteria. And Lois, feeling her stomach growling none-too-subtly, quickly caved in and took a seat, helping herself to some pancakes and scrambled eggs before launching into her tale.

“Like I told you outside,” she continued, speaking to Clark, “I’ve never liked funerals. To be fair, my dad says nobody does—that it’s simply a tribute to a life well-led.”

“Well, Chloe definitely led a good life—at least, from what I could tell,” Clark said quietly. Even as he spoke, he regretted not being more involved in Chloe’s life—or letting her be more involved in his. If it weren’t for those damned secrets…

“Yeah, well, it’s bound to have been more fulfilling than mine,” Lois sighed, her self-deprecation coming out. “Me, an Army brat with a father who never expressed affection with hugs, only with salutes, and a mother with a tongue for gossip—and she, a take-no-crap journalist with a taste for the unexplained, a passion for finding the truth, and even a stint as a columnist at The Daily Planet. Shame that the last bit came because of business with Lionel Luthor, of all people.”

“‘A shame’ would be the understatement of the century,” Jonathan opined. “Given all that Lionel’s done to people who have trusted him enough to do business with him…”

“It’s a dangerous world, that’s for certain,” Martha agreed. “I used to work for him myself—I got a glimpse of how the man operates.”

“So how did you escape him unscathed?” Lois wondered.

“I didn’t,” Martha admitted. “I regret working for him every day I have a chance to regret something. The only good thing I ever got out of it was that insight into his world. It’s a tangled web—one that I’d rather nobody got stuck in.”

“We might have to—at least in confronting him,” Lois said firmly. “I don’t know for certain if he would have done this to Chloe, but I certainly intend to verbally give him what’s coming to him for pulling her in and setting off this whole mess.”

She never would have gotten into this mess if I had been more honest with her—not about my secrets, but about Lana and me, Clark thought sadly. I could only have apologized so many times, but it wouldn’t change it—and now, there’s nothing I can do to change this. Why did he have to cause so much pain? No, not pain—death and destruction was more like it. If only he weren’t from another world—

Oh, heck with it. There was no way he could help by moping around. He had to do something—anything—to guarantee that Chloe got the justice she deserved. Whoever did this to her would sorely regret it—if they lived to do so.

Clark shook himself a little at that dark thought; Lois didn’t notice, and Lana didn’t say a word, concentrating half on her breakfast and half on listening to the other young woman. “Anyway, I found something at that high school newspaper she worked at—the Torch, right?” At Clark and Lana’s nods of confirmation (the latter somewhat…odd, somehow, though Lois was again oblivious), she resumed: “I found a video file—a recording Chloe made some time before the explosion—not sure exactly when. It was addressed to you, Clark, which is why I came here.” She paused, then added, “Personally, I think you should see it for yourself.”

“That might be best,” Clark agreed, cleaning off his plate without acting like a pig. Lana quietly agreed, finishing her own breakfast—somehow, remarkably, the shock of seeing and recognizing Lois’s face had not robbed her of her own appetite. Not quite.

Lois took a hearty sip of her coffee—damn, it was good stuff, so much better than the crap she had drunk lately—and soon polished it off. “Well, I guess we might as well get going,” she decided, once again businesslike. “My car’s roomy enough.” She briskly headed out the door, eager to get started for real.

“Okay, could you give us a minute?” Clark called after her. He then turned to his girlfriend, concern radiating from every inch of his handsome face. “Lana, are you okay?” he asked gently. “You’ve been so quiet ever since you said hello to Lois.”

Lana shuddered involuntarily, hating how her tongue seemed so tied up, then spoke as steadily as she could: “Clark…I recognized Lois’s face. She…she’s…the woman from my dream—the one who was in love with Kal-El.”

The three Kents reacted with nearly identical expressions of shock and disbelief. “What?!” Clark exclaimed. “Are you sure?!”

“Absolutely,” Lana stated. She pulled herself away from the table, hurried over, then came back with the sketch she had made, handing it to Clark.

He didn’t need to look at it for long to confirm Lana’s assertion—it was an amazingly detailed portrait, and it was indeed Lois’s face, just slightly…older, more mature.

As Clark gulped softly, hoping against hope that this didn’t mean what they thought it meant, Lana’s bracelet caught the light in an odd fashion, gleaming red for an instant—but nobody noticed.

“Well…” he began, trying to force some steadiness into his voice. “Er…I don’t know why my…counterpart may be romantically interested in Lois… I just know that there’s only one woman I feel that for, and it’s you, not her.” He put the portrait aside, continuing to speak with more conviction than he really felt. “This isn’t going to happen, not if I can help it.”

“How can you be sure, Clark?” Lana asked, shaking slightly. “Who knows what might happen? What if—”

“Um, hello in there?” Lois’s voice abruptly called from outside. “Let’s go, you two—we don’t have all day!”

Clark and Lana started, then shuffled their feet. “Right…okay, we’re coming!” Clark called back. There would be time later to figure this out—right now, they had a more urgent job. Duty calls, he thought. The truth behind Chloe’s death, whatever exactly it was, had to come out—and they had to find it.

* * * * *

After a rather comfy and silent drive in Lois’s car, they reached Smallville High—Home of the Crows. Lois led them to the Torch and over to the computer. Once all three were seated, she found the file and clicked “Play”.

The somewhat static-glazed image of Chloe Sullivan appeared, her voice coming through the speaker: “I don't even know where to start. Um, I know you must have a million questions, but I don't know how many answers I can give you.”

Lana could already feel her heart cracking. The grief she had been feeling the past two weeks—which had only just died down yesterday—came surging forth. Her eyes began to mist over.

“If you're watching this, it means I'm probably dead,” Chloe continued. She paused for an instant, then made her little confession: “You were always the one good thing in my life, and if I didn't tell you enough, I care about you more than you'll ever know.”

Lana chanced a glance over at Clark. He was gazing right at the screen, his blue eyes looking misty themselves. He looked…lost, she supposed…and saddened. That mask of anguish he had become so good at wearing looked to be re-emerging, slowly but unstoppably.

“Please find out who did this, Clark,” came Chloe’s plea. “You’re the only one who can.”

A few seconds later, the screen turned to static as Chloe turned off the camera. Clark’s fingers fell gently to the table from where they had been brushing the monitor.

Lois saw the looks of sadness…no, anguish on her companions’ faces. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, feeling strangely guilty.

Lana drew in a shuddering breath, then wiped away her tears before they could spill out. “We’re sorry too,” she said, speaking for Clark as well—he was looking down at the desk. “But I promise that we will do everything we can to find the truth behind all this—and bring any villains responsible to justice.”

Lois nodded, then looked to the silently distraught young man still gazing downwards. “Clark?” she asked softly. “Are you feeling up to this?”

Clark remained still for a moment longer, then lifted his head, drawing in breath through his nose. He turned to Lois and Lana, his eyes still communicating loss and pain, but also a growing resolve. He spoke but two words: “For Chloe.”

Lois needed no elaboration. She reached over, placing a hand on top of his. “For Chloe,” she agreed.

And Lana, putting aside all worries of the distant future for now, placed her hand on top, vowing, “For Chloe.”

And with that, the pact was sealed.

* * * * *

The many clouds lent the sky a milky-white hue, glazed with gray; the sun was utterly failing to cast its soothing rays upon the ground. This was hardly lost on the three teens as they walked up a grassy hill from where they had parked the car.

“Jeez, is this day uber-grim or what?” Lois sighed irritably.

“It seems to have been that way ever since we learned of Chloe’s death,” Lana murmured, examining the sky herself. Indeed, it had been—even without the storm. And, unfortunately, it didn’t look as though it’d be improving any time soon.

They soon reached the top of the hill—and stopped in their tracks, overlooking what looked like a miniature version of Hiroshima. A sprawled-out mass of burnt, blasted rubble lay in the center of a circle of yellow police tape. A few beams of wood and a devastated car were the only recognizable objects amongst the wreckage.

The three stared at the grim sight, their already low spirits only getting further crushed. This, then, was where Chloe’s safehouse had used to stand. Now, it was nothing more than a pile of junk—and more than a little bit of ash.

Lois found her voice first—and even then, her words came out as little more than a whisper, thick with horrified awe: “Oh, my God…Chloe, what did they do to you?”

Lana’s face creased with a feeling that went beyond mere sorrow, or even shock; her shoulders began to shake as she held back tears. How could anyone do this? How could even a sick monster like Lionel Luthor be so blatantly evil—assuming it was him? “Oh, Chloe…I’m so sorry…” She bowed her head, letting the silent tears loose.

And Clark? He just stared wordlessly at the wreckage before and below; the mask of anguish and guilt dominated his features fully, his blue eyes unblinking, unmoving, not wanting to believe…not wanting to let this be true…

As if sheer denial was any use. There was no escaping the grim reality in front of him; there was no hope of changing it—of changing the past.

The explosion that had happened here two weeks ago had claimed the lives of his best friend and her father. That was undeniable. There was no changing it. He couldn’t do anything about that.

I know I didn’t cause it…and I know I wasn’t here…that I had no clue about it…so why do I feel so guilty? I always seem to feel guilty…am I really that willing to accept blame for whenever something terrible happens? I guess I just feel like I could have stopped it…if I had only known… He shuddered. Oh Chloe…you and your dad never did anything to deserve this! Lionel can throw out all the excuses and evasions he wants, but nothing could possibly justify this… It’s not fair, not at all!

The sadness in his eyes began to recede, finding itself being shoved aside…for something else was surging forth…something much more primal…

And his strong hands clenched into fists.

He tore his gaze away from the wreckage, settling on a small tree branch lying nearby. He picked it up, firmly grasping it—then, with a single clench, he crushed the thing into a fine powder.

It did absolutely nothing to lessen his simmering anger. Releasing the powdery remains of the branch, he turned to the two young women. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice clipped. “I don’t think we’re going to find anything here.”

Lois sighed, nodding, and turned around, leading the way back to the car—their means of leaving this grim scene in Granville and getting back to Smallville.

Lana, her eyes still slightly misty, leaned against Clark for a moment—but then, she shivered. She could practically feel the ice radiating from him. She chanced a glance up at his face—and was immediately taken aback. The anguish and grief were as obvious as ever…but there was something else, too—cold, bitter anger.

“Clark?” she asked softly, concerned.

His eyes met hers for a moment; his expression immediately softened, though only just. “Let’s get this done, Lana,” he said, his voice firm but no longer clipped. “For Chloe.”

She nodded, even though she privately worried still. “For Chloe.”

* * * * *

The penitentiary stood under the grim sky, its façade of white-gray stone failing to gleam at all—which only seemed appropriate, given its purpose: to serve as a holding place for the leeches and villains of society.

At the moment, the worst of them all was performing some truly vigorous push-ups, using the bench within his cage-like cell as a footrest. He grunted with exertion each time he pushed up, his white workout shirt (and, to a lesser extent, his orange pants) stained with sweat—as was his head, a dark brown fuzz all that remained of his once-long hair.

He noted a loud buzz, then the click of a lock and the heavy shifting of the door leading into the area just beyond the cell. He sprang into a standing position, turning to see in the first of his visitors. He had to admit, it wasn’t who he most secretly wanted to see—but her son would do just fine for now.

A tall, dark, and handsome young man stepped into the room, wearing a deep blue jacket over his bright red shirt, which was tucked into a pair of faded jeans fastened by a simple leather belt; his boots clomped against the cold metal floor, his lips tight, his blue eyes quietly stormy. Close behind, wearing formal black clothing, walked a young woman Lionel had never met before—a beautiful young woman, her brown tresses done into an elegant ponytail, her soft brown eyes peering at him intently. The last to walk through the door, letting the guard close it behind her even as she hung back, was a young, exotic beauty that the former billionaire did indeed recognize. Her long raven hair hung past her shoulders, her well-toned body covered by a simple brown dress, her rich hazel eyes glaring at him just as intently as the young man’s ocean-blue orbs.

“Ah, young Mr. Kent,” Lionel greeted in his deep, ragged voice. “And Miss Lang, I see. But whom do we have here?”

“Does the name ‘Lois Lane’ ring a bell?” quipped the stranger.

It did indeed—it clicked in his memory. “Ah, yes, Lois Lane,” he murmured, walking over to the wiry bars separating them from him. “Chloe Sullivan’s cousin.” He shook his head slightly. “Terrible loss.”

“That’s an understatement,” Lois replied, her voice almost dangerously soft, as she approached the wire. “Or maybe just a misstatement,” she then amended. “I didn’t lose her—she was taken from me. You see, I don’t believe the explosion of her safehouse was an accident.”

“Mmm,” Lionel murmured noncommittally. “So you believe that I had something to do with it.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Lois admitted. “A stunt like that is…thuggish, and obvious. It smacks of desperation.” She tilted her head as she continued: “Now, from what I’ve heard, that describes everything you aren’t. Still, the fact is that without Chloe’s testimony at the end of the summer…you could very possibly walk out of here a free man. If you weren’t directly responsible, then you must have someone truly on your side—which I rather doubt.”

“Well, then,” muttered Lionel, “if you’re so uncertain of my…culpability in this matter, then why are you here?”

The dangerous smile that had been playing about Lois’s lips abruptly vanished, her demeanor turning from cool to cold. “Because I wanted to look into the eyes of the son-of-a-***** who’s responsible for my cousin’s death,” she said harshly. Noting with grim satisfaction how taken aback Lionel seemed, she continued: “Even if you didn’t blow her up, you’re the reason she’s gone. And nothing is going to convince me otherwise.”

She narrowed her eyes, her voice becoming hard as steel: “And I swear that I will not give up until the truth about her death is revealed for the world to see.”

Sniffing slightly, she turned away and walked over to the door; Lana stood aside as she knocked loudly. “I’ll be outside waiting for you guys,” Lois murmured before she walked out.

Lionel chuckled softly, his earlier composure regained. “Determined young woman,” he remarked.

“She takes after Chloe in that way,” Clark said, his first words since entering the room. His voice was as hard as his eyes were; there was not a trace of sympathy in either.

Lionel’s air of calm, detached condescension didn’t waver. “So, Clark, if I may ask, what’s your theory on this whole tragic affair?”

“I’m certain that Chloe was murdered,” Clark said sternly, cutting right to the chase. “Claims of a gas leak just reek of cheap excuses made by bureaucrats who’d rather not try any harder.”

From her stance near the door, Lana shivered at the bitterness in her boyfriend’s tone. She had never seen him so quietly furious before—not at anyone.

“So you, too, believe I may have had a hand in this?” Lionel inquired.

“It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest,” Clark said flatly. “You have a knack for causing people harm. Chloe was hardly your first victim.”

“Really now, Clark,” Lionel interrupted, “before you begin to anoint her for sainthood, shall we get some of the facts straight? The simple truth is, I made her an offer, she took it—I kept my end of the bargain, she didn’t—”

“A bargain?” Clark cut him off. “That’s what you call giving her a chance at fame in exchange for investigating me—her best friend?”

“Well, now, can I help my own curiosity for the unexplained?” Lionel defended—rather weakly, even for him. “There are many mysteries in this world—I had only hoped she and I could solve some of them together—”

“And since when does that give you the right to tear up our lives?” Clark all but snarled, his voice low and deadly quiet. “Since when does your desire to know and control everything give you license to take advantage of good people and ruin them in the process? And since when does your desire for that very form of power give you an excuse to kill your own parents in a fire and to try to kill your own son with poisoned brandy? How do you answer all that, Mr. Luthor?”

Lana shuddered; she could have sworn she saw a layer of ice form over every metal surface in the room.

Lionel appeared speechless for a few moments—but only for that long. “How do you stand there and say with a clear conscience that nobody has secrets—especially such a unique individual as yourself, Mr. Kent?”

“You’re grabbing at straws, Mr. Luthor,” Lana said quietly as she walked over, her eyes narrowed. “As far as I’m concerned, the only unusual thing about Clark is his ability to see the good in people who don’t deserve it—people like Lex, whom you’ve tried to corrupt into your own image.”

Clark’s hand sought Lana’s, his way of quietly thanking her for her support. As their hands clasped together, the bracelet on Lana’s wrist gleamed gold for a moment.

Only Lionel noticed it, though—and he was slightly intrigued. “That’s an interesting little trinket,” he commented.

Lana smiled humorlessly, holding it up to the light. “Clark gave it to me,” she revealed. “It’s a sign of something we share that you obviously never had nor have shown, not even to Lex.”

She turned to Clark. “Let’s get out of here—the zoo’s boring me.”

Lionel watched them walk over to the door, Lana knocking to be let out. “Be careful where you two prowl, now,” he called. “There are all sorts of dangers locked up in a zoo, just begging to be set free.”

Lana glanced at him, then walked out, shaking her head. But Clark wasn’t quite done. “You might want to stifle that threat while you’re ahead,” he retorted. “I promise, if you do anything at all to hurt or even threaten to hurt any more of the people I care for…it will be the last mistake you ever make.”

He turned to the door, then paused to throw one last parting volley: “You can never hope to buy trust or love…Lionel.” And with that, he stepped out, vanishing into the corridor beyond, the door slamming shut behind him.

Lionel stared after him long after he had gone, his face devoid of its usual arrogance…in fact, he almost seemed shocked. Then he turned to the news magazines nearby, absentmindedly rubbing his side.

* * * * *

Clark gazed out the window of his loft, staring off into the endless darkness. The clouds had obscured the sky all day, the sun not once making an appearance. Now he couldn’t see a single star, let alone the moon.

After their confrontation with Lionel Luthor, the trio had had little heart for continuing their investigation for the rest of the day. Lois had gone out to the cemetery to pay her respects to Chloe. There, she affirmed her vow to bring justice to the culprits and allow her cousin to rest in peace.

It was at that point that Lana, having finally forced down the uneasiness she felt around the other woman thanks to the nightmare, suggested that Lois stay at the Kent farm while she was in Smallville; she was willing to vacate Clark’s room and sleep on the couch. Lois was touched by her generosity, and Clark, despite some minor misgivings that he kept to himself, agreed that it was only polite.

Lois had agreed, as (eventually) had Clark’s parents when the trio had returned to the farm to talk. “Fair warning, though,” she had said. “I don’t pay attention to curfews, and I never make my bed.”

Thus it was that behind Clark, Lana lay curled up on the couch, her blue nightclothes covered with a bright red blanket; she was deep in slumber. On her wrist, the bracelet gleamed dimly, despite the lack of proper lighting.

As Clark gazed on over the Kansas fields, his grief and quiet anger keeping him restless, the clouds shifted ever so slightly. For a single instant, a sliver of moonlight shone through—a faint silver light amidst the darkness.

At that same instant, the bracelet glowed a soft blue, then a bloody red—then…

Lois Lane stood upon the balcony, the wind gently rippling through her dark blue nightgown. She gazed out over the capital city and into the sky, waiting patiently—yet slightly impatiently—for Kal-El to return.

Even after he had spoken with his father, informing him of his progress, the last son of Krypton had had other duties to perform. He accepted the reality of such wordlessly and obediently, intent on fulfilling said duties. It was all part of the grand purpose for which he had been sent to Earth years ago…the fantastic destiny that had been written in the stars long before his birth light years away.

“On this third planet from the star Sol, you will be a god among men,” his father had told Kal-El in his first message to him. And indeed, his glorious powers had made him such. “They are a flawed race.” That, too, was all too true. Humanity had been winding down a destructive road, allowing their dark emotions of greed and hatred to slowly wear away and destroy everything that wiser men before them had built. They could not be trusted to know the best path—or even merely a better path—let alone to carry it out themselves. “Rule them with strength, my son. That is where your greatness lies.”

Yes, such was the nature of Kal-El’s true claim to godhood—however meager it may have been, compared to his father’s. The people of Earth were foolhardy creatures, driven only by emotions and desires, not by the need for knowledge and peace. Only he, the lone survivor of a destroyed world, could show them along the better path, using his great strength and power—and the wisdom provided by his father, the ancient knowledge of the universe—to rule over them and to serve as their guardian, for the good of all.

Lois knew the score on this; Kal-El had explained it all to her himself. She had to admit that she had been…well, “taken aback” just didn’t seem an adequate phrase. It hadn’t been long, though, before she had seen how…different things were becoming under Kal-El’s rule…how much better, really. Crime was almost nonexistent these days—even in Metropolis, the infamous “city where anything and everything could happen”—which gave her no end of comfort. The education system had never been better organized, nor had the lessons its instructors had offered been more relevant to their pupils’ lives and potential future. And poverty…disease…they were rapidly becoming things of the past.

Kal-El, with Jor-El to serve as his guide and mentor, was showing the human race the way to build a better world…one where the darkness had little, if any, hope of flourishing.

For Lois, though, the single biggest impact on her personal life had been Kal-El taking her as his consort…his lover…his mate. Whichever way one put it, she was quite simply his closest confidant—at least amongst the humans. She still wasn’t sure just how much he shared with his father.

Just then, she caught a glimpse of something—a dark speck amongst the rich, dark orange-gold sky. She peered intently at it for a few moments longer, then smiled softly. She knew what—or rather, who—it was.

Soon, Kal-El was swooping in, his black cape billowing like the wings of a great bird. She stepped back quickly, allowing him some room to land. He did so mere seconds later, his powerfully-muscled, flawlessly-tanned skin rippling under the navy blue fabric of his bodysuit.

“Hey there, Tall-Dark-and-Gorgeous,” Lois greeted him, smiling brightly.

His expression of emotionless detachment faded, replaced by his own smile—more subtle than hers, but nevertheless charming. She was the only one who ever got to see that smile. “Are you doing well?” he asked her.

“Sure am—especially now that you’re here,” she said, still smiling—but there was a twinkle in her lovely brown eyes now, matched only by the twinkle of the flawlessly-cut red ruby that served as his belt buckle, reinforced with Kryptonian crystal technology. “In fact,” she continued, almost whispering now, “I feel amazing.”

“Do you now?” he asked, playing along. “Well, what are we going to do about that?”

Lois grinned, her eyes narrowing, their irises slowly darkening and becoming smoky. “I can think of a few remedies,” she whispered, her voice low and husky. She took a single fluid step back, gesturing with one finger, the paragon of seduction.

Allowing his own desire to slowly overtake him—for tonight, at least—Kal-El slowly approached her, vanishing beyond the balcony doors and into their private quarters, from which could soon be heard the sounds of kissing and suggestive giggling—

“NO!”

Lana gave a short scream of horror and desperate defiance, bolting upright. In an instant, Clark had spun around and was at her side. “Lana?” he breathed, concerned. “Lana?”

Seeing him clearly, Lana pulled him close, crying into his chest. Clark held her gently, not once thinking of leaving her side. “Was it…?” he asked.

“Yes,” she sobbed out. “It was…more than…I…could stand…”

“Ssssh,” he whispered gently. “It’s okay, Lana, I’m here.”

She sniffled. “Hold me, Clark… Just hold me…”

And so he did, until she finally calmed down. Even then, he was loathe to leave her side—and Lana was loathe to let him go. So they curled up together on the couch, the large red blanket covering them both, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

In the instant that they both passed into slumber, the bracelet gleamed gold, unnoticed by anyone. And this time, Lana’s sleep was peaceful and blessedly dreamless—as was Clark’s.

[SVsleuth]

1st! Wow! Ask and you shall receive - I shall ask more often, then. Thanks, Supes! ;) Off to read...

That bracelet is intriguing. Somehow, it is the key here. It glows red, it glows gold... hmmm....

Poor Lana , having to endure horrid dreams of Lois with "Kal-El"... How awful for her.

PPMS, Supes!

:):):):):)

[Nemu]

yep... its either Klois or Clana... red marks Kal... gold for Clark... hmmm...

ill have to re-read it... im half-asleep...

but first read is very good...

I like how you are writing Clark in that Lionel confrontation...

(I'll add more once i've re-read)

PPMS :D

[SmallvilleMan]

Stupid Kal

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
1st! Wow! Ask and you shall receive - I shall ask more often, then. Thanks, Supes! ;) Off to read...

That bracelet is intriguing. Somehow, it is the key here. It glows red, it glows gold... hmmm....

Poor Lana, having to endure horrid dreams of Lois with "Kal-El"... How awful for her.

PPMS, Supes!

:):):):):)

Thanks for the approval, SV! So what about the rest of it? :D

[clanas1ally]

everytime you write, you surpass yourself. Chloe's not dead is she? I love how clark is gaining cold through rage (irrational hate) which is the emotional opposite of lust (irrational love) . Im loving this story, is Jor-el going to use Lois for His aims of "getting" Clark back? PPMS!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

You require more, eh, Supes? Ok....

I especially was struck by how well you wrote about Clark's anger, & his mood changes - and how Lana notices them. As here:

Lana, her eyes still slightly misty, leaned against Clark for a moment—but then, she shivered. She could practically feel the ice radiating from him. She chanced a glance up at his face—and was immediately taken aback. The anguish and grief were as obvious as ever…but there was something else, too—cold, bitter anger.
Another favorite part was the "For Chloe" pact, reminding me of certain recent movies I've seen...

Clark remained still for a moment longer, then lifted his head, drawing in breath through his nose. He turned to Lois and Lana, his eyes still communicating loss and pain, but also a growing resolve. He spoke but two words: “For Chloe.”

Lois needed no elaboration. She reached over, placing a hand on top of his. “For Chloe,” she agreed.

And Lana, putting aside all worries of the distant future for now, placed her hand on top, vowing, “For Chloe.”

And with that, the pact was sealed.

(Is that enough feedback, Supes? ;) You only wrote 8 words in reply to my update...) :confused: :p

[happycamper]

For Chloe!

I love the pact they made to find her killer, and the truth.

But hmm, Lois or Lana?

With one, Kal El becomes the ultimate 'benevolent' dictator, ruler of the world. With the other, Clark finds his true love, and just maybe, happiness?

Which ever should it, could it, possibly be... ;) :)


Great story so far! Hope we can all see Chapter Eight soon... :D

[superman_lives_on]

Hoping for more responses--I do like feedback. :)

[SmallvilleMan]

I've read better.....j/k;) I thought it was great and i wonder why I have to wait so long for an update? :D

[akuma]

Great job, i loved it! I hope we find out soon why Lana is having all these dreams! PPMS

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Nemu
yep... its either Klois or Clana... red marks Kal... gold for Clark... hmmm...

ill have to re-read it... im half-asleep...

but first read is very good...

I like how you are writing Clark in that Lionel confrontation...

(I'll add more once i've re-read)

PPMS :D

Well, Nemu, I'd love to hear more from you.

And everyone, I'd like to make something entirely clear. Normally, I might consider this a spoiler, but not in this case--I think of it simply as a clarification. So here goes:

The jewel-buckle on Kal-El's belt is NOT Red Kryptonite. I had hoped a single sentence in the latest chapter (regarding a twinkle in Lois's eye) would clarify that. No need to mislead you guys on that bit.

Hope to hear more feedback.

[sandy]

ok, i just caught up on the last 2 chapters, and WOW! Those dreams are so descriptive, and talk about phenomenal! I wonder how this Lois/Kal thing will play out...

I'm glad the gang stood up to Lionel. He deserves it after all--poor Chloe.

PPMS!

[Iowanmom]

Supes, empty out your PM box. Please

[superman_lives_on]

Taken care of, Tina. Post when you can. :D

[sv fan 4 eva]

I don't understand a couple of things in this story:

1. Why does Clark go by the name of Kal-El?

2. Why does the bracelet glow red whenever Lois is around?

Anyway awesome story, and i hope you ppms.

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by sv fan 4 eva
I don't understand a couple of things in this story:

1. Why does Clark go by the name of Kal-El?

2. Why does the bracelet glow red whenever Lois is around?

Anyway awesome story, and i hope you ppms.

Well, the second question will remain more or less unanswered for a while--it's part of the mystery, after all.

As for the first one...well, I don't see how that's a mystery.

Glad you're enjoying it, though.

[SVsleuth]

Supes, your PM box is STILL full! You have to empty the SENT messages as well as the RECEIVED ones to really get it empty.

So here's what I wanted to tell you, in response to you PM:

Hi, Supes,
You know I love your fic! You are among the better writers on the Clana boards. You chapters are well thought out, well written, very descriptive, long, & Clana filled. :) I'm always looking for updates by Card, AJ, & you - many of the other writers post very short frequent updates, which is ok, but I prefer the long, well written ones, like yours. ;)
Hmmm.. what to improve? - how about updating more OFTEN! :p - LOL
I know, I know, quality like yours takes time - but say, once a week would be nice.... ;)
When there is a long delay in between chapters, I can't remember where you left off, & almost need to go re-read the whole thing over again - which I don't have time to do. So that makes me sometimes miss hints you are putting in there - like about the glowing bracelet - I can't remember when it glowed & what color & who was around or not, in order to guess the significance of it. So I feel like I'm missing out on something, because I really need to go back & refresh my memory - which eventually I will do - BUT more frequent updates would make it easier on my poor memory.

I know I also have long delays in my fics sometimes, but that is because I'm still juggling THREE fics, & can only focus on one at a time. I'm almost finished with Alt. PARIAH, one update left, then I'll go do some epilogue stuf for HIDDEN.
Hope this helps. See ya around.

Oh, btw, Card posted the Epilogue on REUNION, if you hadn't seen it yet as well as some Q & A's. ;)

SVsleuth

[SmallvilleMan]

many of the other writers post very short frequent updates, which is ok, but I prefer the long, well written ones, like yours.

Hey, tell that to the mob:p

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Hey, tell that to the mob:p

Hey, keep your stupid pitchforks away from me! :p

Chapter Eight is coming along--kinda slowly, but it's coming along. I hope to have it up sometime this week, so hang in there! And I look forward to your assessment of Chapter Seven, Io! :D

[SVsleuth]

sometime this week....Hmmm... can you be a bit more specific? Tonight, or Saturday??? :\ PPMS!

[Nemu]

Well here I come finally with my more ;)

Can you say emergence of the cold air.. and Kal-El... that scene in the prison... woah... I could just picture it in my mind... intense...

PPMS :D

[Iowanmom]

Supes, your mailbox is full again.

[superman_lives_on]

I guess I'll just put this here to give you a new page.

[Iowanmom]

:lol:
Dude......... You mailbox is full again! Empty sent and inbox folders. :)

[superman_lives_on]

I'm trying, I'm trying! :lol: Try sending it again.

[SVsleuth]

How's Chapter 8 coming along NOW? PPMS! ;) I'm in NEED of an update! No one's been updating all day!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
How's Chapter 8 coming along NOW? PPMS! ;) I'm in NEED of an update! No one's been updating all day!

It's coming--slowly though. Sorry. :(

[Iowanmom]

Okay Supes, like I said in PM, please forgive the lack of reply on this great update. As I said before it is difficult for me to continue the 'faith' you require me to have with regard to Chloe's death. You are playing with me and I don't have it in me to play the game.

I've read one too many bash-Chloe and death fics for my Chlark heart and I couldn't travel elsewhere while I was so shaken. Especially to a land where I'm sure Chloe gets more than her fair share of bumps and bruises- clana land. I couldn't. My need for Chlark wouldn't allow it. You know I can not stomach the Clana on the show, but have found a way to really relish it's love and soulful need through the fanfictin of 4 Clana writers. Yet, I could't seem to abandon my own desires to support your ship and I apologize for that. I just could't.

Card's fic... I pushed past the one paragraph, the chapter, that seemed to have me reeling for days; the surprise of her death there was shocking and my lack of reply for any Clana fic, even JulesMariah's fic The Letter, should've shown you my lack of feeback on Hope or Fear wasn't personal. It wasn't; isn't. I am angry and exstremely upset, but realize no amount of time is going to make this better, so I need to just.... post.

I read this update the day you posted it. Several times I've tried to reply, but simply couldn't shift gears. Reading it again there is one complaint and it's little, but it stuck out to me again and I can't let it go. This sentence has me thinking 'what the heck?'


Jonathan privately doubted that, given their son’s bottomless pit of a stomach, but wisely said nothing, quietly impressed as he was by his wife’s kindness.
Just one question,... being that Martha is JK soulmate, the woman he's known for years, why would he be impressed by her kindness? It could be just the wrong word? This word 'impressed' I feel is wrong. He could be 'moved' by her kindness, realizing through the years her kindness has never waivered, but why impressed? Sorry, this bothered me before and it still does, I guess I need you to clarify why. Am I just reading it wrong? I'm sorry, but this truly puzzles me.

As for the rest of the update, it was really good. I liked your Lois. I wish she wasn't there, being that her presense strikes at my Chlois heart, just serving as another slap in the face what TPTB have done; robbing Chloe of her rightful place in the future, but I guess I shouldn't voice my Chlois theories here in your Clana thread. Sorry. It seems your fic affects me in more ways than one, Supes, but your Lois came off as much like the Lois on the show. Good job.

The way you tell of Clark viewing the video message on the computer had me hanging on your every word. As Clark's fingers fell away from the monitor when Chloe's picture faded, I cried. I needed more. His silent cool suffering isn't enough. I needed more.

I don't know. Maybe because I'm much deeper with Chlark and the time period of this story is too early to show what Chloe really means to a Lana pining Clark, I'm having difficulty accepting the lack of emotion with our Superhero. Don't get me wrong, you showed his sadness, I just needed more and hoped I'd get it. It's my problem, not yours. In this Clana fic, Clark isn't emotionally there like he is on the show and in the Chlark fics I read so this is an adjustment. Do I even make sense?


She never would have gotten into this mess if I had been more honest with her—not about my secrets, but about Lana and me, Clark thought sadly. I could only have apologized so many times, but it wouldn’t change it—and now, there’s nothing I can do to change this. Why did he have to cause so much pain? No, not pain—death and destruction was more like it. If only he weren’t from another world—
I gotta say, even in your fic, you keep Clark in character, alway reverting to the 'whoa is me attitude' that all is wrong in the world because of him. God, this is so selfish of him. This isn't about Clark. This is about Choe and Lionels hand in her demise. Uggg, Clark can be such a self-centerd SOB. I hate it sometimes. The picture is bigger than he is. It always is, yet he can't ever seem to see the full scale, despite his superpowered eye sight and intellectual superiority. **sigh** Fantastic description of Clark and his inner workings, Supes. :)

The 'Chloe Pact' was sweet. It will be interesting to see how you make Lana more a part of finding Chloe. Lois' words, "Oh my God, Chloe, what did they do to you?" had me eating out of your hand, Supes. This was great. I'm glad you didn't go the road of helicpters and kickbutt Lois. Just a bit too 'out there' for me. :lol:

I enjoyed the slow transfer of Clark's sadness into cold simmering rage. Very nice job. I must say that because of my current.... mindframe, Lana seems kinda shoved into this scene. Not quite a purpose to her being there, other than her 'pact' to find Chloe's killer. Like she's just tagging along. I know it's just my state of mind, but I want you to know I am trying to connect to the Clana and failing miseralbly, I'm sorry. **sigh**

I think the Prison scene of Lois and Lionel is fantastic. Actually all three of them were great. Even Lana's words as she tried to support and comfort Clark. To me, Clark grasping her hand in an attempt to show his appreciation was a mistake. He let his gaurd down, allowing Lionel a glimpse at his true weakness. The parting shot from Lana about being bored with the zoo was funny.

I'm trying to see Lana in your light as a stronger person. Her telling Lionel Luthor to stiffle his words seemed so out of character from the weak person TPTB have left us with, that I struggle to see her as capable of such thoughts being infront of the MB himself. I see her as more shaking in her boots, not wishing to be seen than in his face and threatening back. This is truly a different side to Lana than I could fathom. However, I will try. TPTB have painted her as a damsel in distress, it will be refreshing to see her through your eyes, Supes as a strong and capable character. Bring it, man. And no, that wasn't meant to insult anyone.

The fact that you had Lana suggest Lois stay at the farm helps with my lack of belief in seeing Lana as a stronger person. It would take a strong person to be around the very woman that so blatantly steals her soulmates affections in her dreams. **shudder**I don't know that I could do that. Kudos to Lana, and that's saying something.

The dream was good. I like everyone else is intrigued to find out what is going on with the bracelet. It seems it glows red only when in the vacinity of Lois or thoughts of Lois. Saying that if Clark accepts his destiny the way Jor-El wishes, he'll become Kal-El. If he accepts with the gentle hand of Lana guiding his path or supporting his way, he'll be Superman. Clearly showing us the two ways Clark's destiny could be seen. Nice work. Ofcourse, this all could be wrong, and I'm totally off, but we'll only know that when you finally post chapter 8!!! Your fans have been waiting a long time Supes. Give them what they want. Riots are not a good sign, hon!! Post more sooon. We need more. :D

[superman_lives_on]

Well, I believe that even after years of knowing and loving Martha, Jonathan could be impressed--and, true, moved--by her kindness. Not surprised, just quietly impressed. Does that make any sense?

I'm glad you were able to respond. I don't hold it against you, Tina--I can tell you've been going through a tough time. I'm the one who should be making more allowances here.

Chapter Eight is on the way--hang in there! :)

[Iowanmom]

Sorry, Supes, I couldn't wrap my head around what you were trying to say. Well, I could, but something wasn't translating right for me. It was as if it was conflicting. I don't know. I get it now, ofcourse. This is what I wanted you to explain to me in PM. Sorry if I shouldn't have mentioned it. I'm always honest and when something doesn't mesh with me, I always fear being critical and I do not critique fics. Uggg, I don't even like the word.

Who am I to say how good a fic has been written??? I only reply to how your fic has made me feel. **sigh** I seem to be having trouble getting my thoughts in order and that is what I feared would happen if I responded when I wasn't ready. Sorry.

You know we love this fic, Supes. We need more and I hope your muses are kind to you as you finish up Chapter 8. We'll be here. :)

[superman_lives_on]

CHAPTER EIGHT
The Death of Hope

Lana stirred, moaning softly as sleep began to leave her. She felt warm and comfy…it was so soothing…so…

She yawned slightly, her hazel eyes fluttering open. The first thing she managed to take in, aside from the feelings of warmth and comfort, was the sight of Clark laid out above and beside her, his blue nightshirt and dark red boxers covered by the red blanket. She was carefully sandwiched between him and the backrest of the couch, she now realized. Quite possibly, it was for a degree of security.

She smiled briefly at the thought, then reached out and stroked Clark’s head, running her fingers through his luscious raven locks. He stirred slightly, moaning in his slumber.

Lana’s cheeks dimpled again with her smile; she loved seeing him so peaceful and content. All too often, he looked as though he were Atlas, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders—even now, when she knew and accepted all of him, and had absolved him of any blame regarding the meteor shower and its consequences. She supposed it was simply his nature to feel as though he could have always done something—anything—to stop tragedies from happening.

Frankly, as much as she admired his selflessness and his caring nature—two of the reasons, she was sure, she had grown to love him, even with all the secrets and lies—his guilt for the woes of the world was already becoming a little tiresome. Bad enough that he felt he could have saved Chloe and was probably beating himself up inside for not doing so…did he really have to think he was responsible for every bad thing that happened while he was alive?

Pushing away such thoughts for now, she leaned over as best she could, kissing him on the cheek. She was immediately rewarded with a soft “hmmmm” noise, almost a purr. Smiling, she kissed him again, then again, moving her lips across his face to his lips.

Then he truly responded, shifting his head to accommodate her; their lips met, and she tried to deepen the kiss. He readily complied, allowing their mouths to merge. Lana’s heart skipped a beat—or perhaps two. This is so…amazing…oh, wow… We should do this more often.

Finally, they parted, Clark’s deep blue eyes fluttering open as he breathed in. Lana smiled radiantly at him, allowing him to become the focus of her world for a moment—as if he weren’t already. “Good morning, sweetheart,” she said softly.

“Good morning,” he replied equally softly. “No more bad dreams last night?”

She shook her head. “Not one. I think having you near me may have had something to do with it, to be honest,” she added, stroking his cheek.

Clark smiled—a warm, genuine smile, with no trace of the burdens he carried on a daily basis. She loved seeing that smile. She’d missed it all day yesterday, from the moment they had broken away from their vigil of the rising sun to the moment they had fallen asleep together last night. “Glad to be of service,” he murmured. He gently pushed himself up and off the couch, stretching slightly as he got to his feet.

The large red blanket remained draped over his shoulders, like a great cape. Lana smiled softly—red was a much better color for such than black, at least on him. As she mused over this, the bracelet emitted another of its unnoticed glows—a misty, cool blue at first, then a soft, warm gold…

And in that instant, Lana truly saw a great red cape, flapping in a slight breeze. There came a gleam of gold near its top—and then she glimpsed some sort of pentagonal design, done in yellow and outlined in black… She leaned forward to get a better look, but the moment was gone—it was again a blanket, which chose that second to flop to the floor of the loft.

She blinked. “What was that?” she wondered out loud.

Clark turned around, confused. “What was what?” he asked.

Lana shook her head slightly. “I thought I saw something—like another vision, but it was really brief,” she admitted. She rubbed her eyes, groaning softly. “This is so frustrating…why is this happening now? Why can’t I control it or something?”

“Hey, hey,” Clark said gently, taking one of her hands in his. “Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out—together. I promise.”

Lana smiled softly at him—then she caught sight of something, and her eyes bulged. “Clark!” she breathed. “The bracelet!”

Clark looked—and his eyes widened slightly as well. A warm golden glow was radiating from the silver-and-turquoise bracelet, reminiscent of a candle flame. As Lana pulled her hand out of Clark’s gentle grasp, the bracelet glimmered, glowed a moment longer, then went dim.

But even as the glow faded, the light of understanding dawned across Lana’s face. “Clark…I think the bracelet has been causing these visions!”

Clark felt like smacking his head. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that earlier?! I can be such a big dumb alien at times! Shaking himself slightly, he now resumed gazing at the innocent-seeming bracelet on his girlfriend’s wrist. “Hmm…maybe you could try taking it off at night, so you won’t have to see those things.”

Lana tried to take off the bracelet right then and there—but she couldn’t. “Ugh! It’s not coming undone!” she exclaimed. “I don’t get it—it came off when I was getting ready for my evening shower yesterday!”

Trying not to think about Lana in the shower—otherwise he’d set the loft on fire—Clark scowled at the thing. “I don’t like the look of this. Why is it sending you those visions? What’s the point—just making you upset?”

“Maybe it’s for a concrete reason,” Lana interrupted. “I don’t think we should try to get rid of it with so little information to go on. I’d rather find out what’s really happening behind the scenes.”

“Lana, are you sure about that?” Clark asked, thoroughly concerned. “It’s already bad enough that you’re suffering these nightmares—”

“I know, Clark. I know how bad they are—but maybe there’s a reason for them. Besides,” she added softly, “I don’t know about Lois, but I know you would never do anything with her as long as you’re with me.”

“Well, I might, if I was on Red Kryptonite,” Clark pointed out. “That stuff makes me do some pretty crazy and hurtful things.”

“We can avoid that,” Lana assured him. “But I doubt we’ll be able to avoid Lois’s wrath if we’re not all ready to go by the time breakfast is over. C’mon—we’ve got work to do.”

As she headed out of the loft, ready for breakfast, Clark’s face turned grim—he remembered what they had to do today, and those familiar feelings of grief and anger were already resurfacing. Damn you, Lionel Luthor! he thought, his jaw tight. Damn you for destroying Chloe’s life! Even if I could forgive myself, I could never forgive you—ever!

* * * * *

“Call me paranoid or crazy or whatever, but something about this whole thing just doesn’t seem right,” Lois admitted over another farm-fresh breakfast. She was finding it a tad difficult to concentrate with all the amazing aromas drifting into her nose—where and how on Earth had Martha Kent learned to cook so well?!

Clark blinked, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you guys said that only ashes were found in the wreckage and placed in the coffins, right?”

“Right…”

“Now I know it’s not unreasonable to put ashes in a coffin after cremation or such…but why here? That explosion completely devastated the safe house—so it’s not like they’d have been able to pick out the…um…human remains from all the rest of it.”

“And your point is…?”

“It just seems superfluous…like they’re overplaying the fact that she’s dead.” Lois shrugged. “I dunno, it’s mostly a hunch, but my hunches have a weird knack for proving to be true.”

Clark thought for a moment; Lana watched as he did, laying a hand on his arm to show her silent support. The bracelet gave a faint golden gleam—which, thankfully, Lois didn’t pick up on.

“Well, if they’re overplaying her death…it’s like putting on a big show for the world, including Lionel or whoever murdered her—wait a sec!” He nearly sprang from his seat. “You think maybe she’s not dead?”

“Maybe she isn’t,” Lois said. “I’d love to think that she isn’t…but it’s not conclusive proof, remember, just an odd hunch.”

“So where do we go from here?” Lana inquired, even as some part of her perked up slightly at the thought—the faint hope—that Chloe might not be dead after all.

“Well, it’s pretty much public knowledge that LuthorCorp paid for her funeral,” Lois pointed out. “I’m just not sure why. We need to find the connection.”

Upon hearing the name of that company, all Clark could think of was one name. “Lex,” he said quietly.

“Yeah, he’s the new head in the wake of Lionel’s getting dethroned and locked in a cage”—like the beast he is—“isn’t he?”

Clark nodded.

“Well, then, maybe we should talk to him,” Lois suggested.

“Maybe I should talk to him,” Clark corrected.

Lana glanced at him sharply. “Clark,” she began, her brain on red alert concerning her boyfriend’s unsettled spat with Lex.

But when Clark turned to her, he was surprisingly calm. “It’s okay, Lana,” he said gently. “Lex has quite a few things to answer for—but destroying Chloe’s life isn’t one of them. That’s his father’s crime, not his. I won’t rip him limb from limb, I promise.”

“That’s not funny, Clark,” Lana said, though she felt a little relieved.

“Did I say it was?” he asked. “I’ll be fine, Lana—and I’ll try to be fair. You have my word on that.” And he grasped her hand firmly yet gently, affirming his promise.

Lois gazed on at the display, sensing the unspoken parts of the vow Clark had just made—and she was suitably impressed. At length, she spoke up. “Well, I’m going to conduct some more research through the Internet. You know, Lana, I could use a fresh pair of eyes on that—maybe you could help me out.”

Lana glanced over at Lois, then once more at Clark. Seeing the nigh-invisible nod, she turned to the other young woman. “All right, then,” she said. “I’d hate to be useless on this. Let’s do it.”

* * * * *

Lex Luthor sat at his desk, silently contemplating everything and nothing. The past two weeks had been the loneliest he’d ever known. In the years before he came to Smallville, he hadn’t had a true family, or even strong friends. Now he knew he had once had them—but now, he had lost them because of his own actions.

He looked up as the door swung open—and none other than Clark Kent, the friend he had missed most, stepped through, wearing a deep blue jacket over his bright red shirt.

“Clark?” Lex said, stunned. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” he added honestly as he rose from his seat.

“I’m not exactly here by choice,” Clark said rather coldly.

Lex dipped his eyes in sadness…and guilt. “Relegated from friend to last resort, huh?” he sighed. “Well…I guess I’ll just have to live with it, if it’s the only chance I have to prove myself.”

“You had better learn to live with it,” Clark said sternly. “Now, what do you know about the explosion at Chloe’s safe house?”

Lex blinked, looking confused. “Why do you ask?”

“I know she was the linchpin in your father’s trial,” Clark said. “You would have had investigators crawling all over the site. What’d they find? Tell me, Lex.”

Lex sighed. “I pulled a few strings and asked the FBI not to release all the morbid details on the explosion—and the autopsies. That fireball took out an entire acre…there was nothing left but ashes.”

Clark regarded him critically. “You know, I get the feeling that you’re hiding something from me,” he said quietly. “Just like you hid that secret room from me.”

Lex winced as that painful memory rose to the surface, gripping his brain for all it was worth. “I stopped investigating you a long time ago, Clark,” he pleaded. “I just never cleared that place out—”

“That doesn’t change the fact that you’ve been dishonest and have been going behind my back,” Clark interrupted. “Besides, we’re getting off subject here. I’m starting to think that Chloe’s not in her grave—and I don’t mean that you got the wrong ashes.” He leaned in, narrowing his eyes. “I get a vague feeling that she’s not even dead.”

Lex stared right back at him, looking like he pitied Clark—which quietly angered the Kryptonian. He then spoke again: “Look, Clark…I do want to set things straight between us…but don’t you think that raising someone from the dead is setting the bar a bit high?”

“Not if she isn’t even dead in the first place,” Clark retorted, his voice slightly raised—and intense. His hands began to clench into fists.

“She is dead, Clark,” Lex said firmly. “The sooner you accept that, the better off you’ll be. I can understand the denial stage of grief, but this—”

“Don’t act like you understand, Lex!” Clark cut him off sharply. “I don’t want or need your pity—I need your help here!” He now spoke through clenched teeth, the cold intensity of his barely-suppressed anger adding a layer of ice to the room. “Where—is—she?”

Lex inwardly shuddered at the fury apparent in his ex-friend’s eyes and voice. He mustered up all his courage, taking a deep breath, then spoke as calmly as he could. “You really want to know, Clark?” Wincing softly as the sternness increased, lashing him like a whip, he then said, “She’s in a better place, where nobody else can hurt her.”

Clark snorted like a bull. “Is that supposed to be a description of heaven?” he scoffed. “Why did I even bother coming here? This is a waste of my time!” He spun about and marched out of the room, the clomps of his boots almost causing tremors.

Lex stared after him, then bowed his head, feeling immensely guilty. I’m sorry, Clark, he thought. I’m so sorry…

The shrill ring of his phone startled him out of it. Breathing in deeply, he reached for it, noting the caller ID with more than a flicker of interest. “This is Lex Luthor,” he said, pleased at how calm his voice was—at least there wouldn’t be any awkward questions asked.

* * * * *

Clark stomped on and out of the mansion, his anger shaking the ground with every step he took. Soon, he was marching out through the gates, his faded blue jeans rippling from the raw muscle underneath, his blue eyes hard and fierce. Anger coursed through his veins like wildfire, almost burning him from inside out.

His breath came in short, harsh snorts, his nostrils flaring, his teeth clenched behind his lips. He cared little for where he was going—all he knew was that he wanted to get away from him and his mansion. All he knew was mounting anger.

His eyes were beginning to burn; his throat was clenching, tightly; the fire in his veins was becoming white-hot. He had to get away from that slimeball—he had to get away from this place—he had to get away!

Without thinking about it—without consciously choosing to do it—he blasted away in a burst of super-speed; thankfully, nobody saw him. When his run ceased, he found himself in the middle of nowhere—Chandler’s Field, to be exact.

He began to pace in a circle, his harsh breaths now coming through his mouth, sounding like choked sobs. His teeth were still clenched, his eyes now blazing; the anger was turning to rage, his blood bubbling and boiling over…

It wasn’t fair at all—it wasn’t fair! Lionel had blackmailed Chloe into spying on him, then ultimately killed her to keep her from locking him away where he belonged—Lex had failed to save her, though not before his secret room was exposed—

How could this have happened to her?! She didn’t deserve this! She didn’t deserve to die! She didn’t! She was my best friend, AND NOW SHE’S GONE BECAUSE OF A MADMAN!!!

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGH!!!

That long, agonized, enraged cry tore from his lips, echoing around the field and into the heavens as he reared his head, his arms stretched out and away, his fists clenched.

In the forest not far away, several clouds of birds took flight, fleeing their nests and perches in fear and panic. Clark didn’t even notice; he was now trembling, fighting to hold back the feelings tearing at him—not wanting to let them consume him.

Even as his rage died back down, the heat fading away, something else was surging forth, icy and painful and unrelenting…sheer grief.

He hadn’t done a good job of letting it loose for the past fortnight. Lana had done her share of crying into his chest, not only at the funeral but several times in the loft—and he had only let loose silent tears. For the most part, he had kept it in—he had held in the biting grief and sadness and near-despair he felt. Now it was running amok inside.

The faint hope that he had had when Lois made her little theory—the slight glimmer of a possibility that Chloe might not be dead after all—was gone—dead—obliterated. As much as he hated to admit it, as much as he wanted to call it a lie, he could not deny the sincerity in Lex’s voice and eyes. There was no hope. Chloe was dead.

Clark swallowed hard, pushing back his grief, holding in his tears. Then he looked up as something occurred to him. There was something he hadn’t done yet.

With a faint sense of purpose, he began to trudge forward, his boots squishing ever so faintly against the still-moist ground. The bottled-up feelings drove him onward, directing his steps, waiting until he reached his destination so that they could properly come out.

Hours passed—several long, dreary hours of walking. Not once did he tire, though occasionally he paused and looked around—not once did he break into super-speed, not at all feeling the desire to do so. And not once did he open his mouth, instead breathing through his nose.

Eventually, he found it—the cemetery. Passing through the rusting metal gates, he walked ever so slowly amongst the rows of carved stones, his head now bent down, allowing his memory to guide him.

And eventually, he found it, standing alone—a large, rectangular chunk of brown stone. Carved into it, surrounded by a simple carved frame, were but four words and two dates:

CHLOE SULLIVAN
1986 – 2004
Beloved Daughter

Clark slowly walked up to it; before long, he stood right in front of it. He gazed down at the ground between it and his feet. Here lay his best friend, one who meant more to him than he had ever really said…one whose life had been robbed by a monster. He hadn’t saved her—he couldn’t have, he knew that, but it still stung, compounding his grief.

He sank to his knees, feeling his heart sinking even further. He gazed at the gravestone silently, trying to find the right words. Eventually, out of the fog of his mind and heart, they began to come to him.

“For all I know, Chloe, you can’t even hear me,” he sighed, admitting that hard reality up front. “To be honest, I dunno how Lana was able to keep this up for so long with her parents. But…I just need to get this off my chest, or I’ll never be able to move on.” He sighed again. “I just wish I’d found the time to tell you this before.”

He paused briefly, then surged on: “Ever since the day I met you, you’ve been a very special part of my life—and you’ve always held a special place in my heart. You weren’t really the Watson to my Holmes—more often than not, it was the other way around, given your brilliance. There wasn’t a thing about you that I found ugly—or even that annoying. Not even your passion for finding the truth.

“I know, that probably sounds completely dishonest, given how much you dug for the truth about me. But it’s not you so much that got me angry, Chloe—it’s the secrets themselves. I wish I didn’t have them—that way, people like Lionel Luthor wouldn’t have anything to go after. I know I’ve hidden a good bit from you, and I guess now you’ll never get to hear about them. But whatever happened in the past with Lionel…the whole digging thing…I’ve completely forgiven it by now. I don’t hold any sort of grudge for you, Chlo—there’s no way I could. You mean too much to me.”

He tried to smile, but could feel the tears welling up ever so slowly. Keeping them back, he continued, “And that’s what I want to talk about most—what I feel for you. I know you had a crush on me for a long time, Chloe, even when you wouldn’t admit it. And I wish I could have returned those feelings—but I couldn’t. There’s only one person I’ve ever felt that for—and I don’t think you need me to spell out her name for you.” He managed to smile then, if only for a second. “I’m so sorry for not being able to return those feelings you had for me…I really am. I well and truly wish I could have split myself in two, but I couldn’t. Besides, I don’t think you’d be very crazy about that idea after what happened with Ian.”

Clark gave another sigh, then found the resolve to go on, even as the tears threatened his eyes. “I might as well get to the point. I’ve only ever been in love with Lana, Chloe—you were right about that. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love you…because I do.” His heart shuddered, threatening to sink even lower. “Oh, God, Chloe—I am so horribly sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you. I never meant to. You’re like the sister I never had and wish I did—flaws and all. And the most evil man on the face of the planet had to go and take you away for his own sick reasons…”

It was then that his restraint finally gave way; the tears began to trickle down his cheeks as he fought a shuddering sob; the grim sky couldn’t have been a better match for his mood. “Oh, Chloe…oh God, I wish I could have been there for you…” He nearly choked on the words. “I wish you weren’t dead…I wish I could turn back time and bring you back…I wish I could have saved you.” He shook his head, shuddering with sobs. “I love you, Chloe… You’re my best friend…the best I’ve ever…ever had…” He bowed his head upon his trembling shoulders, allowing the tears to flow freely, allowing his anguish—his guilt—his sorrow—to expose itself unhindered…

And then, a hand fell ever so gently onto his right shoulder.

“Oh, Clark…you’re my best friend, too,” breathed a voice, heavy with emotion. “And that means more to me than you could ever imagine.”

[akuma]

1

WOW!! That was an amazing update, so descriptive and so emotional, just superb! Yea so supposedly wht i said here before was a spoiler and i didnt know it, my bad :o Anyways... PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Well, thanks for the approval, guys. Remember: NO SPOILERS, please.

[Nemu]

That was a very good and emotional update...

God Clark goes through all of the spectrum of emotions in this fic...

PPMS :D

[SVsleuth]

3rd! Wow! Very emotional update. Maybe a bit over the top. I'll expand my comments when I'm sure I'm not giving anything away, okay? ;)

EDIT:
SHE's ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew it all along! I had faith all along that Chloe would turn out to be alive. Clark's turmoil was felt so strongly. I only expected that he wouldn't believe Lex's lie, & so would not get quite so despondent, because he would still have hope that somehow she was still alive.

I'll add more as I re-read....

She was carefully sandwiched between him and the backrest of the couch, she now realized.
sandwiched - love your choice of descriptive words - the picture is so clear.

Frankly, as much as she admired his selflessness and his caring nature—two of the reasons, she was sure, she had grown to love him, even with all the secrets and lies—his guilt for the woes of the world was already becoming a little tiresome. Bad enough that he felt he could have saved Chloe and was probably beating himself up inside for not doing so…did he really have to think he was responsible for every bad thing that happened while he was alive?
I was a little surprised at first that Lana is apparently annoyed by his tendency to blame himself for everything. But then, I realized that she probably would feel the same way we do about it.

Lana’s heart skipped a beat—or perhaps two. This is so…amazing…oh, wow… We should do this more often.
That made me smile. Yes, I'm sure it is amazing. ;)

He gently pushed himself up and off the couch, stretching slightly as he got to his feet.

The large red blanket remained draped over his shoulders, like a great cape.
Obvious foreshadowing of Superman in his cape - cool to see...;)

And in that instant, Lana truly saw a great red cape, flapping in a slight breeze.
And then Lana sees Supes in her vision - so cool - but she doesn't grasp what she is seeing....

Then...finallly.. she sees the glow from the bracelet... and realizes the visions are connected to the bracelet! Weird that she is unable to take it off when she tries. But she seems determined to get to the bottom of what is happening, and not afraid at all. That surprised me a bit. That Clark is worried about it, I did expect.

***
So Lois just gets a "hunch" that maybe Chloe isn't dead - and Lana and Lois go off together to investigate? I don't ever recall a scene in the show where those two work together on something alone. It feels strange.

Clark regarded him critically. “You know, I get the feeling that you’re hiding something from me,” he said quietly. “Just like you hid that secret room from me.”
From this, I thought that Clark would not believe whatever other lie Lex might feed him...

“She is dead, Clark,” Lex said firmly. “The sooner you accept that, the better off you’ll be. I can understand the denial stage of grief, but this—”.....
.....Where—is—she?”

Lex inwardly shuddered at the fury apparent in his ex-friend’s eyes and voice. He mustered up all his courage, taking a deep breath, then spoke as calmly as he could. “You really want to know, Clark?” Wincing softly as the sternness increased, lashing him like a whip, he then said, “She’s in a better place, where nobody else can hurt her.”

Clark snorted like a bull. “Is that supposed to be a description of heaven?” he scoffed. “Why did I even bother coming here? This is a waste of my time!” He spun about and marched out of the room, the clomps of his boots almost causing tremors.

Lex stared after him, then bowed his head, feeling immensely guilty. I’m sorry, Clark, he thought. I’m so sorry…

I still thought here that Clark believes Lex is lying... and that Lex is lying... or allowing Clark to misinterpret what he said...but feels he must to protect Chloe's life.
The description of Clark's rage in the next section I felt was a bit over the top.

It wasn’t fair at all—it wasn’t fair! Lionel had blackmailed Chloe into spying on him, then ultimately killed her to keep her from locking him away where he belonged—Lex had failed to save her, though not before his secret room was exposed—

How could this have happened to her?! She didn’t deserve this! She didn’t deserve to die! She didn’t! She was my best friend, AND NOW SHE’S GONE BECAUSE OF A MADMAN!!!
Here, it seems Clark does believe that Lex failed to save her - tried and failed?? And does believe she is really dead.... Was Lex that convincing in his lie?
When did Clark's anger switch from anger at Lex for lying to him, to anger at Lionel that Chloe really is dead? What made him believe again that she is realy dead?

The faint hope that he had had when Lois made her little theory—the slight glimmer of a possibility that Chloe might not be dead after all—was gone—dead—obliterated. As much as he hated to admit it, as much as he wanted to call it a lie, he could not deny the sincerity in Lex’s voice and eyes. There was no hope. Chloe was dead.
So apparently, Lex 's lie WAS convincing, & that is why he finally lets his grief break through. Odd thing is, Lex never really lied when he said “She’s in a better place, where nobody else can hurt her.” - That in fact, was probably the truth - though coupled with his previous "She is dead" Lex knew what Clark would think.

***

Now when Clark starts to talk to Chloe at the gravesite, I smiled, remembering how he learned to do that from Lana.
I liked this part:

But it’s not you so much that got me angry, Chloe—it’s the secrets themselves. I wish I didn’t have them—that way, people like Lionel Luthor wouldn’t have anything to go after. I know I’ve hidden a good bit from you, and I guess now you’ll never get to hear about them. But whatever happened in the past with Lionel…the whole digging thing…I’ve completely forgiven it by now. I don’t hold any sort of grudge for you, Chlo—there’s no way I could. You mean too much to me.”
I like that Clark hates the secrets themselves for all the trouble they've caused...and that Chloe is so important to him as a close friend.

Didn't especially like that Clark talked at all about Chloe's feelings for him & how he felt like she was a sister to him - somehow that part felt out of place, now that she is dead...or so he thinks.

“Oh, Chloe…oh God, I wish I could have been there for you…” He nearly choked on the words. “I wish you weren’t dead…I wish I could turn back time and bring you back…I wish I could have saved you.” He shook his head, shuddering with sobs. “I love you, Chloe… You’re my best friend…the best I’ve ever…ever had…” He bowed his head upon his trembling shoulders, allowing the tears to flow freely, allowing his anguish—his guilt—his sorrow—to expose itself unhindered…
THAT part was beautiful! And then...

And then, a hand fell ever so gently onto his right shoulder.

“Oh, Clark…you’re my best friend, too,” breathed a voice, heavy with emotion. “And that means more to me than you could ever imagine.”
Awesome! She's alive! And I expect they will end up in a tight hug & cry and never want to let go...

I know this was looooooooong... hope it gives the kind of feedback you wanted, Supes. ;) You're doing a great job with this fic. PPMS, as always... ;)

[clanas1ally]

AS Always, Awesome:D

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
“She is dead, Clark,” Lex said firmly. “The sooner you accept that, the better off you’ll be.
I am stuck right here, Supes...

[superman_lives_on]

Well, now you're finished--so far. It's no secret now--so say good-bye to that notice at the end! :)

[SVsleuth]

NOW can we all edit our posts,
Supes, and say what we really wanted to say? ;)

[superman_lives_on]

Affirmative. :D

[kdsch123]

Just found this fic...amazing! The end of the last update got me I must say, but I hope in your universe, Chloe is completely healthy with the Clana stuff. Beautifully written, I'm definitely a fan.

<<<<Going to subscribe to the thread>>>>>

:)

[Iowanmom]

Well, hey Denise!!! Nice to see you over here. Yes, Supes is a great writer!! You should try anything by Cardinal and SVsleuth. They are great, too!! And JulesMariah's fic The Letter in the Adult Section. Whew!! I read so much Chlark I havn't gotten to anyone else.... **sigh**

Hurry and post your next update Supes. We need more!! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by Iowanmom
Hurry and post your next update Supes. We need more!! :)

Still hoping to see your normal feedback, Tina.

And nice to meet you, Denise. Glad you're enjoying the story! :D

[kdsch123]

It's really wonderful...I'm so glad to see that there are so many people involved in writing fanfics that are REALLY talented. I love what you did with Lana and Lois meeting, and the bracelet seeming to recognize Lois...awesome foreboding moment.

As a rule, I'm not a big fan of Clana - but I think that's been because of how AlMiles portrayed it more than anything else. I tend to lean toward Lexana (ducking many tomatoes...sorry!), but Supes, you have provided me with a very livable Clana. :)

[sandy]

Fantastic update as always, Supes. Probably the reason your updates aren't very frequent is because you try to perfect them...and you succeed everytime!:D

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by sandy
Fantastic update as always, Supes. Probably the reason your updates aren't very frequent is because you try to perfect them...and you succeed everytime!:D

PPMS!

Glad you approve. :)

[SVsleuth]

Ok, Supes, I edited my previous post with a lot of comments. ;)
SV's comments (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2055618#post2055618)

And for those of you who haven't read it yet, and hate scrolling back through a few pages to find the update, you can find it here:
Chapter 8 (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2055335#post2055335)