Smallville 1888:Redemption

[LetMeGo]

Hey everyone! Here’s my latest fic…

Taking place back before radar there was no need to cover up the arrival of Clark’s ship, so there was no meteor shower. Lana was raised by her parents. There are no meteor freaks and Clark grew up having never encountered kryptonite.

As the story begins Clark has been gone for years and makes his way home to face the past.



Smallville 1888:Redemption

The wind, a constant presence on the plains, was picking up from it’s usual gentle breezes to more violent gusts. Glancing back toward the western horizon he could see the clouds building and knew from experience that it would be raining by nightfall. An event that would be welcomed by the area farmers, judging from the looks of things.

Clark’s big grulla dun slowly plodded forward, picking his own pace. For a man that could get to any location on earth, by foot or by air, within a matter of moments traveling by horseback may seem incredibly slow but he was in no hurry. He hadn’t been in a hurry to get anywhere for years. And this journey in particular wasn’t one he was relishing.

The road he was on was as familiar as the back of his own hand. He knew that once he got over the next rise he’d be able to make out the house and outbuildings that were his childhood home. He could picture the yellow clapboard house his father had built his mother in perfect detail.

Jonathan Kent, a decelerated lieutenant for the North during the civil war, had brought his bride out to the Kansas frontier in search of a new beginning leaving behind the cultured life they were accustomed to. Feeling guilty for bringing his beloved Martha to the rough life of the frontier he promised to build her a home like the one they’d left behind.

The very first day on their homestead they’d picked out the spot where the house would be built. Between the demands of breaking in new land and scarce materials it had taken a considerable amount of time to construct. Clark still had vague memories of moving into the new house when he was a small boy.

It was during those first years, when the Kent farmstead was little more than a sod hut and two determined souls, that Clark had fallen into their lives. Literally. He still remembered the day when his father had told him how they’d found him. He had been a few days shy of his fifteenth birthday…



“Pa, I nearly set the whole schoolhouse on fire!”

“Calm down son.” Jonathan said patiently, having had several of these conversations with Clark in the past few years. “Let‘s go over it again, surely something triggered it.”

“It was after Miss Thomas had dismissed class. I was talking to Chloe and Lana about our marks in mathematics. Lana was telling me I was making it hard for everyone else to keep up in class…” Clark looked away too embarrassed to tell his pa the way Lana‘s teasing smile had made him feel. “and my eyes started burning. I… I couldn’t stop it.”

Jonathan stroked his chin thoughtfully. In the past two years Clark had developed a slew of new abilities as he came into adolescence. Considering the story for a moment and had an idea.

“You were talking to Chloe… and Lana...” He said mostly to himself but turned his gaze to Clark. It was no secret that Clark was sweet on Lana.

Clark nodded and turned a bright shade of red as he continued to stare at his feet. Which Jonathan took as a confirmation of his suspicions.

Relieved to have figured it out and somewhat chagrinned that Clark was maturing Jonathan tried not to smile. “Son, when you get to a certain age you start to notice girls in a different way… it’s normal. The important thing is now we know what caused it.”

“Normal? I haven’t seen any other boys shooting fire out of their eyes when they talk to a girl!”

“That part is definitely unique to you.” He admitted. “But with a little practice you’ll get a handle on this just like your other abilities.”

“I don’t want to get a handle on it! I just want to be like everyone else!” Clark roughly brushed his hand over his eyes when he felt the sting of building tears, he was too old to cry. “Why am I even like this?!”

“It’s the hand you’ve been dealt, there’s no use wallowing in self-pity.” Jonathan said firmly but then his voice softened and he laid a hand on his son’s shoulder. “These things you can do… they’re a gift.”

“You’ve been telling me that since I can remember but as far as I’m concerned they’re a curse.” He replied angrily and started off toward the barn with a scowl on his face.

He opened his mouth to call after him and remind the boy he hadn’t been raised to behave like that when Martha’s voice stopped him.

“Perhaps it’s time you told him.” She said, having caught the tail end of the conversation on her way to the chicken coop. “We knew the day would come.”

His gaze shifted from his wife to the retreating figure of his son. He sighed in resignation, knowing that she was right.



Cleaning out stalls was dirty work and one chore Clark usually sped through, so when Jonathan found him with a shovel moving at a normal pace he knew Clark was still brewing.

“Clark?”

Showing no signs of hearing his name Clark continued on in his task, as though shoveling manure took a high level of concentration.

“Son, I know you’re frustrated.” He started while Clark kept working. “You’ve wanted answers for a while now and I’ve given you none. Truth is I don’t have a lot of answers but I do have a theory.”

Clark stopped mid-scoop and looked at his father quizzically. “A theory?”

“You already know you weren’t born to us but how you actually came into our lives you haven’t heard.” His voice held the slightest tinting of apprehension as he studied the cover of the book he held.

The story they’d told him, and anyone who had inquired, was that a widowed cousin of Martha’s had passed away leaving behind a son. They’d been more than happy to take Clark in and raise them as their own, sparing the boy from going to an orphanage and allowing them to have the child they’d longed for.

“You weren’t some distant kin…” And with that Jonathan began a story that Clark could scarcely believe even though it was coming from his father.

It had been a crisp fall day, he remembered, a far away look in his eyes. He’d been at the site of the house working on the foundation. With the harvest done he was dedicating more of his time to construction hoping to make some serious headway before spring rolled around.

Martha had come to tell him supper was ready and after finishing up what he’d been doing they were walking back to the sod house when the ground began to shake. A high-pitched screeching that he compared to the whistling sound of a canon ball traveling through the air assailed their ears and drew their eyes skyward. What they saw was much larger than anything he’d seen shot out of a canon.

The object streaked across the sky. Transfixed they watched it’s descent until it’s impact in the distance. Not sure of what they saw and wanting a confirmation that it was indeed real, Jonathan hitched up the wagon and they set off to find where it had landed.

“When we got there we found you and your…” He met Clark’s confused stare, “well… perhaps you should see it for yourself.”

Armed with a lantern and the book Clark had noticed earlier, Jonathan led the way to the cellar. Clark followed, befuddled by what he’d been told. None of it made any sense and even after his father pulled the tarp off of the… thing… he was clueless to what it was suppose to be.

He reached out to touch the smooth metal. It’s body was oval in shape, with what he could only describe as ‘wings’, coming out of it’s sides that tapered off to form a point, giving it an overall shape that compared to an arrowhead, but not quite. It was much too big for that and the quality of craftsmanship was unlike anything he’d ever seen.

“I’ve spent many years wondering where you came from and why you were here. I became convinced that I could find something that would at least answer the where and possibly lead to the why. I even made a couple trips to Metropolis to do research.

“My first trip didn’t produce anything. The hieroglyphics written on the craft’s interior aren’t documented anywhere and the concept of people falling out of the sky is beyond anyone’s thinking. Well, at least it was… on my last trip to the city I found this.” Jonathan held the book he’d been carrying out to Clark.

“From the Earth to the Moon.” He read aloud.

“It’s a story about a group of gun makers that decided to build a cannon that could reach the moon. They end up shooting a projectile with three men inside into space. Purely fiction but it started me thinking… Could there be civilizations with capabilities beyond those of ours here on earth?” Jonathan asked then answered his own question. “The vehicle you arrived in suggests that there are indeed.”

“Are you trying to tell me I’m from the moon?” Clark almost laughed at the idea, hoping his pa was joking.

“Or somewhere further away than that.” He answered, his expression had never been more serious.



It had taken him some time to adjust to the idea but deep down he knew his pa had been right. Eventually he’d have his proof but that wasn’t until a couple of years later when he’d left home with the crystal from his ship and began his journey.

It had been five years since he left. It seemed like a life time ago. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d still be welcome. Deep down he knew better, his mother would undoubtedly greet him with open arms but guilt still weighed heavily in his heart.

Turning down the lane that led home he was greeted with barking, it growing louder and more threatening as he got closer to the house.

[SVsleuth]

Yay! you posted the new fic - here anyway. :) This sounds really good. So, no meteor shower, no meteor freaks, so Clark can't assume he's one of them. He's the only one with strange abilities. He must REALLY feel like a freak. But then, he'll have no freaks to protect people from. So many things will be different. And, in 1888, it's not like people are accustomed to thinking about aliens and spaceships. I wonder where Clark went and why he's come back, & how he'll get involved with Lana - since this IS a clana fic.


Hope you can post more soon. I always love your fics. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks for the comment SVsleuth! :D He grew up a lot differently but he's the same old Clark in a lot of respects. I'm glad you like it!
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“Have I changed that much boy?” Clark asked in amusement as he pulled his horse to a stop in the barnyard. The dog’s head cocked to the side at the sound of the familiar voice.

He swung off his saddle and wrapped the reins around the nearest fence post before slowly approaching the leery dog. With his hand outstretched he murmured soft encouragements, allowing himself to be sniffed. Finding that this was indeed his long departed master the dog happily licked Clark’s hand as his entire body began to wag.

“I missed you too Shelby.”

Martha came out of the house to see what had gotten the dog’s attention. It wasn’t unusual for a neighbor to drop by unexpectedly, however the man she saw had obviously ridden a long way. He was bent down, the brim of his hat blocking her view of his face, petting Shelby. Which was curious, he was a nice dog but not very friendly toward strangers.

“Hello.” She called from the porch and getting no response she wondered if she’d been heard, so she called out again. “Is there something I can do for you?”

The man straightened up to his full height and he pulled the hat from his head. His shoulders had filled out and what boyishness that may have been left in his face was covered with a beard but she recognized him straightaway.

“Clark.”

“Hello, Ma.”

She hurried down the porch steps and threw her arms around him. “My son… my son!”


“I can’t remember the last time I had such a fine meal.” Clark smiled as Martha placed a very generous slice of apple pie in front of him.

“I’ve never adjusted to cooking for one.” She watched him dig into dessert with the same gusto as he’d given to eating the rest of his supper.

“The place looks good.” He commented on what he’d seen of the farm since his arrival.

“Most of that would be Pete’s doing.”

“He stayed on?” He asked pleased by the news.

His father had hired Pete on about six months before he left home. Pete , the son of former slaves, had been the first of his family to be born free. He had struck out on his own once he was old enough, traveling to the west in hopes of joining the army and becoming one of the fabled Buffalo Soldiers.

However, before he made it to the army he showed up on the Kent’s doorstep asking if he could work for a meal and a place to stay the night. Impressed with his hard work, and knowing that he’d need help on the place once he sent Clark off to Metropolis to attend the University there, Jonathan had offered him a job for as long as he’d like.

“I wasn‘t sure he would but he met a girl and decided to stay. They built a small home over where the sod house use to be.”

“I’m glad you’ve had someone around to see to things.”

“All these years… ” She smiled and reached out to touch his hand, so happy to have him there. “I always knew you’d come back.”

When he’d left she’d tried to talk him out of it, hoping that if he wasn’t going to follow his father’s wishes for him and go to school that he’d stay home. But he’d been so consumed with anger and grief that running from it all was the only solution he could see.

But now there was a distance in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. She feared the past still lived in him, that anger had turned to bitterness and bitterness had grown into something bigger. Which may explain the gun he wore slung low across his hips, like a man who was comfortable using it.

“Your reputation managed to filter back to Smallville about a year ago…”

“Most of it isn‘t near the truth.” He told her, knowing that it must have been difficult to face the neighbors with rumors floating around. “The past couple of years I’ve been traveling, picking up a few bounties along the way. I’ve brought in some tough customers but people get to exaggerating and before long you can’t believe half of what gets said.”

“I know, but it worries me. What happens when someone comes gunning for you?” The fact that he was unbeatable would only serve to build his notoriety and in turn send more men his way. This boy of hers could never easily kill, no matter what the story said, for he possessed a gentle soul.

“I’ve considered that. If it gets to be a problem I can go back east or maybe to Europe.” He saw disappointment on her face at the idea of him leaving again and immediately felt bad. “Ma, I don’t know how long I’m going to stay but my being here isn’t permanent.”

[SVsleuth]

Thanks for the update. Short, but sweet. I wonder what Clark had been angry about. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks again. :) The past may take a little while to come out but all will be explained eventually.
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The next morning Clark woke up at dawn to the sound of the rooster crowing. After a hearty breakfast, something his mother insisted on, he set to the chores. He was out in the barn milking the cow when Pete came in, like he did every morning. He always started the day by stopping by to check in on Mrs. Kent. Most times it was little more than a friendly visit but often they’d discuss something concerning the farm.

Finding Clark there was a surprise for Pete but a welcome one. In the months they’d spent working together before Clark left they had developed a close friendship.

Once their hellos were said they fell into working much like old times. When lunch rolled around Pete suggested that he join him for the meal, wanting Clark to meet his family. He made a half hearted attempt to excuse himself but Pete wouldn’t take no for an answer.

It hadn’t taken more than five minutes after meeting his wife for Clark to see why Pete had given up on the army. Rose was a truly lovely woman, both in appearance and in nature, and the two seemed to be very much in love. Clark was happy for them but watching them interact with each other and their son brought feelings to the surface he’d long fought to forget.

With lunch eaten and fence posts waiting for them Clark and Pete started to make their way to the door.

“Thank you for lunch ma’am.”

“It was nice to finally meet you.”

“The pleasure was mine.” He said when something caught his eye and he stopped, earning a curious look from Rose. He took a couple of steps toward the fireplace and the rocking chair that sat near it and picked up the book that was resting on it’s seat.

“While you were gone I learned to read,” Pete said exchanging a puzzled look with his wife while Clark ran his fingers across the cover “thanks to Miss Lana.”

“Lana?” Clark asked.

“Yeah, she taught us both. Now she brings us new books to read when she’s out this way visiting your ma. That one there is the latest.” At night he and Rose read together and discuss the book they were reading at the time.

“I still don’t understand why anyone would want to shoot the moon.” Rose said shaking her head.

“To see if you could do it.” Pete said having had this argument with her for the past week.

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.”

Clark didn‘t hear what they were saying as the continued to go back and forth about the practicality of shooting the moon with a canon. He looked at the book in his hands, thinking of the last time he’d seen it.



He could hear her urging her horse on before he actually saw her. From his place under the trees he wondered if she’d even notice him as she rode by. He watched for her in anticipation. It was a thing to behold, Lana Lang riding, doing what she loved, with the wind in her hair, looking truly alive.

There were some in town that disapproved of her scandalous behavior, as she refused to use a sidesaddle, much to her father’s dismay. There were few men in town that would think to challenge him; not only was Lewis Lang the town’s banker but he had a say in nearly everything that happened in Smallville, but his daughter wasn’t afraid to stand her ground, at least not when it mattered to her.

Instead of galloping by she slowed her mare to a walk as she approached the stand of trees next to the creek. Clark closed his book and got up just as Lana spotted him.

“Clark, I didn’t expect to see you all the way out here.” She said once she got closer to him, a smile on her lips.

“I like to come here to read.”

“You come all this way to read?” It had to be at least three miles from the Kent farm.

“I also like to walk.” He said, earning a laugh from her.

“Mind if I join you?” She asked patting her mare’s neck. “Andromeda could use a rest.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

With her horse staked and contently occupied with munching on grass Lana returned with Clark to his spot under the tree.

“I can see why you like coming out here.” The faint sound of the creek and the long grass swaying gently in the breeze made for a very peaceful environment.

“It feels like the only place I can go to think.” He said and thought it sounded strange so he fumbled on awkwardly. “You know, without any distractions.”

“What do you think about Clark?” She’d give anything to know what went on in his head, he was so different than the other boys in town, and it intrigued her.

Chloe, her best friend and closest confident, gave her a hard time about her enchantment with Clark. While Lana saw mystery in his quiet ways Chloe maintained that what you saw was all there was to him.

“The future mostly.” He answered, surprised that she actually seemed interested. “My pa wants to send me to Metropolis to finish my schooling, he says I’m destine to do great things…”

“Don’t you want to go?”

“I always pictured myself here, on the farm, with my own family.” His eyes darted away from hers. He was afraid she’d somehow know that it was her that he pictured raising a family with. “But Pa is set on me leaving.”

“Sounds like Papa.” She replied with a sympathetic sigh. “He wants to send me to my Aunt Nell’s so I can attend her finishing school. Apparently I’m lacking in ladylike qualities.”

“That’s not true.” He protested.

“Try telling that to my father.” An edge of frustration was evident in her voice but after a short pause it was gone. “Going to some big city was the last thing I wanted to do but now… if you’re going to be there… it doesn’t sound that bad.”

“Your aunt lives in Metropolis?” This new information suddenly became the silver lining to the cloud that had been hanging over him ever since his pa had started with the sending him to school talk.

The way he was looking at her sent her heart racing. She didn’t answer and for a moment she couldn’t take her eyes from his.

“Is it good?” She finally asked afraid that if she said anything else about leaving and Metropolis she’d say too much and give herself away.

“What?” He nearly stuttered out, not following the new direction their conversation was taking.

“The book.” Her answer did little to clear his confusion. “The one you were out here reading?”

“Oh, that book.” He flashed an embarrassed smile. “Uh… Yeah… I must of read it a hundred times.”

“So, what‘s the name of this book? It’s got to be amazing if you’ve read it so many times.”

“From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne. My pa gave it to me a couple years ago.” His fascination with the story was intensely personal to him and at that moment he wanted nothing more than to share it with her. “Would you like to borrow it?”

“I’d really like that,” he was holding it out to her and she fought the urge to snatch it away from him, “but it looked like you were in the middle of reading it.”

“Take it, I pretty much got it memorized anyway.”

“Alright… if you’re sure.” She managed to take it from him calmly, like it wasn’t a big deal to her.

“I’m sure.” His smile grew wider as she thanked him. Letting her see a glimpse of himself, even such a small one, felt really good.

[Nemu]

I wonder what happened... I have a feeling that something bad happened and that is partly why Clark is the way he is,...

PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Cool flashback. I wonder if she went to finishing school, & if he went to college? I think Nemu is right, that something went wrong, & they haven't seen each other in a while. PPMS! Gotta know more soon.

[LetMeGo]

Thanks for the comments and sorry it’s taken me so long to update. Clark’s life took a turn he didn’t expect and it shook him deeply. It’ll start coming together soon. :)
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It was long established in the Kent family that they attended church every Sunday, which was mostly Martha’s doing. Jonathan had always considered himself a God fearing man, though not much of a church goer. That changed once Clark came along. After realizing that Clark was endowed with gifts beyond those of mortal men Martha and Jonathan believed it important to teach him to believe in a power greater than himself.

So when Martha came down in her Sunday best and suggested Clark hurry up and get changed it didn’t come as a surprise. Not one to argue with his mother, he super sped into the nicest clothes he owned and went to hitch up the buggy.

Other than a few comments on the weather they didn’t talk much on the way to town. The one question rolling around in his head was one he knew better than to ask. He could guess what her answer would be but the simple fact was she was a bigger person than he was. She had the capacity for forgiveness and the strength to move on.

It was the only way she’d be able to sit among those people week after week and not be reminded of how they failed her. For Clark just the thought of listening to one of the preacher’s sermons while surrounded by a bunch of hypocrites was enough to get his dander up. However his mother asked little of him and his being at church meant something to her.

Facing the past with all of it‘s disappointment and heartache was the price of coming back. No matter how much he wanted to change it the past couldn’t be undone.


He’d gone into town to pick up a few things at the Fordman dry good store for his ma. At least that was his excuse. His hope had been he’d run into Lana and ask her what she thought of the book. It had only been a week since he’d given it to her but it felt as though it had been much longer.

Unfortunately she’d hadn’t been at the dry good store or the drug store or the blacksmith’s or the livery or anywhere else he past by and he wasn’t bold enough to call on her. They’d shared a conversation and he’d lent her a book, he didn’t want to jump ahead of himself. So he rode home with the fading hope that she might be out riding and he’d still have his opportunity to talk to her.

He was deep in thought, imagining what he’d have said to Lana if they’d actually spoken, when the sound of thundering hooves and cries of panic reached his ears. He stood up in his stirrups in alarm, trying to get a better view as a stagecoach came into his sight.

The driver was slumped over on his seat and the stage had veered off the road with the horses showing no sign of slowing down. Making a quick decision he dropped back into the saddle and dug his heels into the horse’s flanks.

Considering the angle at which the stage was traveling catching up to it on horseback wouldn’t be that difficult and there would be less explaining to do. He’d always been careful when it came to using his powers in public though it never stopped him from helping someone when they needed it.

He was closing the distance between himself and the stage, another ten feet and he’d have it. Leaning forward in the saddle he reached out his hand in preparation of his leap from his horse. Just as he was about to jump the door of the stage swung open and a bald man climbed out.

For a moment Clark watched the man in surprise but the gravity of the situation pressed itself upon him. Even the smallest miscalculation could send the man to his untimely death beneath the unforgiving wheels of the stage. With a renewed sense of urgency Clark spurred his horse forward and made an unbelievable and truly impossible lunge for the stage, which thankfully went unnoticed.

He easily pulled himself onto the roof and waded through baggage as he assessed what was happening. The driver appeared to be dead but the reins were still loosely held in his hands. Meanwhile the man clinging to the side of the stage was making a small amount progress.

Clark intended to give the man a hand up before going for the reins but before he could put his plan into action the stage ran over a particularly rough spot of ground. The jolt was enough to make the man lose his grip however his fall was stopped short when Clark grabbed him by the arm. But something was terribly wrong. For the first time in his life Clark was in pain.

He struggled to keep his hold of the man’s arm, it was a struggle he was losing. Luckily once caught by Clark the man was able to regain his footing and then managed to climb to the top of the stage. Wasting little time the man crawled to the driver and took the reins, pulling the horses to a stop.

“You saved my life.” The man said, out of breath and extended his hand to him. Clark lifted his arm as far as he could and the man grabbed it. “I owe you one. The name’s Lex Luthor.”

“Clark Kent.” He answered back through gritted teeth as the pain seemed to get worse when Lex grasped his hand.

Lex gave him a pat on the shoulder, mistaking Clark’s agony for a simple case of overexertion, and hopped off the stage. He opened the door and checked on his fellow passengers, an older couple, offering the woman a hand as she exited and explained Clark’s great heroics. Then he went to check on the horses.

Clark started to feel better, though he was still slow getting down from his perch. Confused by what had happened he searched his mind for an explanation but nothing came to him. On the ground again, he humbly accepted the couple’s thanks and said anyone would have done the same.

“Looks like we’ll be able to make it into town with out a problem.” Lex reported as he rejoined the group.

“Excellent news.” The older gentleman replied.

Clark, however, was feeling less enthusiastic. The pain had returned, though not as strong as it had been before, when Lex got within a few steps of him.

“I better get my horse.” Clark mumbled and started to stumble away.

“Are you alright?” The woman asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.

His muffled reply was paired with a wave as he hurried away. He wasn’t going to stop for anyone. Getting as far away as he could as fast as he could was the only thing that mattered.


His first and possibly biggest regret was saving Lex Luthor. With Lex’s arrival came the collapse of everything Clark believed in and it cost him the things he had held most dear. And the town, well, they weren’t any better than Lex.

[The Black Cat]

I like this story. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks the black cat... sorry it's taken so long for the update.

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Tardiness was something Lana strongly discouraged in her students and since she believed in teaching by example she made it a point to be on time to any town function. Including church, where most of her schoolchildren regularly attended. However on this oh so lovely morning she was running behind.

Nothing had gone right since she woke up late. She rushed to make up the time but then the lace broke on one of her shoes. She spent many frustrating minutes searching for a new shoelace and ended up unlacing one of her weekday shoes and using it to replace the lace in her nicer pair.

Walking up the steps of the church she kicked herself, wishing she had just worn the other pair of shoes. Had she done so she may have made it before things got underway. It was too late for that though, so she went in as quietly as she could as not to disturb the services.

Usually she’d sit with her mother but there were times that she’d sit with Chloe and her family. She adored Chloe and James’ two little girls and enjoyed playing the aunt. So she slipped into the pew closest to the back, which happened to be Chloe’s and sat down giving off an air of dignity even though she was late.

Lana mouthed hello to Chloe and turned her attention to the preacher, trying to figure out what his subject was on this particular Sunday might be, when Chloe elbowed her in the ribs. She looked at her questioningly and Chloe raised an eyebrow in response and made a small gesture with her head to the front of the church.

Following Chloe’s gaze she saw the familiar form of Martha Kent in her usual spot but next to her… Lana’s stomach dropped. Clark Kent had come home.


The preacher was hitting his stride but Clark wasn’t really listening to what he was saying, his mind elsewhere. His reception upon arriving at the church was pretty much what he’d expected it would be. Curious stares and a few folks bold enough to ask how he’d been. He’d kept his answers short, bordering on being rude.

In the mix of all of the familiar faces there had been one missing, the only one he’d been looking for. The lack of Lana’s presence struck him in a way he hadn’t expected. The feeling was unsettling. He dismissed it along with any thought of her and forced himself to pay attention to the sermon in order to keep his memories at bay.

By the time the services were over Clark was more than ready to leave. However shepherding his mother out of the church proved difficult when she was waylaid by a couple of women after a few short steps. Realizing that their quilting questions were going to take a while he excused himself, saying he’d be waiting at the buggy.

He continued on his way out, ignoring the whispers behind his back. Their opinions were of no matter to him. He felt the weight of eyes upon him and turned his head to meet them, unashamed and defiant. But all disdain disappeared when he found himself facing Lana Lang.

It as though time had stopped and there was only the two of them in the crowed church but in reality it was only a moment, unnoticed by most everyone. His step had slowed but he didn’t stop.

Lana watched him go, paralyzed, unable to move until Chloe said something and shook her from her trance. Whatever it was she had said was lost on Lana, who excused herself with a mumble and followed after Clark.

He was already to his buggy checking his horses when she exited the church. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself and slowly walked over to where he was.

“Hello Clark.” She said to his back.

“Lana.” He answered glancing back over his shoulder for a second.

“You’re back?”

“For now.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” She ventured and he turned to face her.

“Life is full of surprises.” He commented dryly, his eyes void of any kind of emotion.

“Lana dear!” Martha called happily, interrupting their strained silence. “Are you still coming by this week?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” She answered as Clark helped his mother into the buggy. “It was nice seeing you again Clark.”

“Ma’am.” He tipped his hat to her and climbed up beside Martha.

She watched them leave, thinking of that unguarded moment when he’d first seen her and how he had so easily drawn back into himself. He wanted everyone to believe he was a different person but she wasn’t convinced.



The citizens of Smallville had several socials throughout the year but this one was special due to it’s honored guest. Lex Luthor, son of the railroad baron Lionel Luthor, was in town and every effort was being put forth to woo him. The future of Smallville hinged on getting the railroad and the sense of anticipation hung in the air, but for Lana it had nothing to do with trains.

“Do you see him?”

“He’s right over there.” Chloe answered amused by Lana’s anxiousness, it was usually the other way around when if came to boys. “I don’t think your father would approve of your choice.”

“Well, I don’t approve of his choice so I guess we’re even.” Her refusal of her father’s matchmaking had fueled his plan to send her to finishing school but she refused to back down.

“Whitney isn’t that bad.” Chloe sighed, thinking he was quiet the catch. The only son of the town’s store keeper he stood to inherit the business and he was handsome to boot.

“I won’t be bartered like some kind of commodity. I’m going to marry for love, not to strengthen my father’s business connections.”

“So the question is, do you love Clark?” Chloe asked lightly, not expecting to get an answer.

“I think I might.” Lana replied softly as she spotted Clark with his parents.


“Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Martha asked, trying to read him for any sign of something being wrong.

“I’m fine Ma.” He assured her.

Ever since he told his parents about what had happened on the stagecoach they’d been wary of letting him out of their sight. It took a bit of convincing on Clark’s part to keep them from canceling their plans tonight. Finally prevailing when he insisted it was some fluke thing, after all he’d felt normal ever since.

“If you start to feel sick again…” Jonathan started.

“I know, I’ll come find you.” He flashed them a smile. “Don’t worry, nothing is going to happen.”

“Stay out of trouble.”

“Yes sir.” He answered and started off, having taken his father’s words as permission to go.

Two hours later Clark was leaning against the split rail fence of the livery’s corral where he had a view of the festivities. When he’d spotted Lana earlier she’d been with a group of girls and he hadn’t had the nerve to walk up to all of them. Deciding he’d have to choose his moment he’d hung back and ended up running into a couple of friends.

He’d kept an eye on Lana but it seemed she was always with someone and his heart fell as he saw other more self assured suitors approach her. When Mr. Lang started his speech on the bright future of Smallville his companions suggested they go find something more exciting to do with the prevailing idea being sampling Mr. Campbell’s moonshine. Clark had passed and took a good ribbing from the others for it.

Once the speeches were made and the esteemed guest introduced the band took over, playing up tempo songs for dancing. As dusk slowly turned to night Clark knew if he waited much longer to make his move he’d miss out. Knowing that and actually asking her for a dance were two different things. So caught up in his inner struggle to find some courage he missed the sound of nearing footsteps.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding.”

“Lana…”

“I heard you’re quite the hero.” She said and he gave her a puzzled look. “Papa had Mr. Luthor over for dinner the other night, he told us all about your daring rescue.”

“Sounds like he was exaggerating, it really wasn’t much.” He said dismissively, the events after hopping onto the stage were more noteworthy to him. “What do you make of Lex Luthor?”

“Honestly, there’s something about him I don’t trust. He’s too… polished.” She said and felt bad for voicing her misgivings about the man. “Papa thinks highly of him though. He says Lex Luthor is the key to us getting the railroad.”

“His speech was very convincing.”

“I’ve been reading that book of yours.” She said leaning her back against the fence, not wanting to talk town politics, she got enough of that at home. “It’s interesting. I’ve just gotten to the part where the Frenchman has come and wants to go up in the projectile”

“That’s my favorite part.”

“I’ve never thought of the moon as something within our reach.” She looked up into the sky. “But now it’s got me thinking of all kinds of possibilities.”

Clark followed Lana’s gaze to the star strewn sky.

“Do you think there is life somewhere out there?” He ventured.

“When there are more stars than we can count out there it would be rather conceded of us to think we’re the only intelligent beings occupying all that space.”

“It doesn’t sound so far fetched when you say it.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought about this before.”

“I suppose I have.”

“What do you think these other worldly beings are like?”

“I think they’d be a lot like we are.”

She was about to agree with him but got caught up in the way he was looking at her. There was an earnestness in his eyes she found intoxicating, it was as though there was nothing more important than what she was about to say. Which was funny since she couldn’t remember what she was going to say. When the silence stretched into awkward territory she looked away with a flustered smile.

Clark had never had a conversation about other worlds with anyone besides his parents, the fear of being laughed at kept him from broaching the subject. For Lana to not only keep a straight face but to actually think it’s possible had him feeling like he was on top of the world.

“The music is really nice.” She said when Clark continued to stare at her.

“Remy and his boys always put on a good show.” He looked off toward the town center where the music was coming from.

“So Clark,” she started, having regained some of her usual spunk “when are you going to ask me to dance?”

“I…uh” He stuttered, caught off guard by her forward question. “Well, if there’s room on your dance card…”

“I think I could squeeze you in.”

“In that case,” he held out his arm to her to take and made a slight bow of his head “madam?”

His charming smile was infectious and she found herself grinning widely as she took his offered arm. Walking next to him she realized what she’d told Chloe earlier wasn’t quite true. Because if she was honest with herself she’d have to admit she’d known all along.

[SVsleuth]

Awesome flashback. In the present, though, Clark seemed rathe rcool toward Lana though.

sorry it took me so long to get here & read.

PPMS!

[The Black Cat]

I loved the flashback too. Great update! ppms!

[LetMeGo]

My many apologies, it’s been forever since I updated. I’ve had a bout of writer’s block… hopefully I‘ve gotten through it. If I can manage to keep writing things will start coming together soon.
----------------------------------------------------------

“What’ll it be Clem?” Clark watched the man across from him while the others at the table held their breath. The man nervously licked his lips, his eyes darting from his cards to Clark’s face.

Clark had come into the saloon a couple hours ago for a drink. The small measure of peace he’d found on the farm had been dwindling since Sunday, replaced with a growing restlessness, which had driven him to a place he’d become more familiar with since he left. He hadn’t had any intentions of playing cards but when the invitation was made he didn’t turn it down.

“Let’s see what you got Kent.” Clem finally replied, pushing what was left of his money into the center of the table.

Clark laid down his cards, revealing four of a kind, the strong hand he’d been waiting for. The look on Clem’s face gave it away before he threw his cards on the table, his flush wasn’t enough to beat Clark’s four of a kind and he’d lost a week’s worth of wages.

“You cheatin’ son of a…” Clem spouted, rising to his feet, looking as though he was going to take a lunge at Clark.

“Careful.” Clark interrupted coolly but his calm exterior fooled no one and the tension mounted as he stared down the other man.

“Don’t get yourself killed Clem.” One of the other men at the table warned under his breath.

Realizing, a bit too late, that he’d bitten off more than he could chew Clem swallowed nervously and squirmed under Clark’s challenging glare.

“You still think I’m a cheat?” Clark asked, offering him a way out.

“No… you won, fair and square.” Clem managed, his pride bruised, and dropped back into his chair defeated.

“I‘ll see you boys around.” Clark said after gathering up his winnings, no longer in the mood for cards.

He made his way to the swinging doors of the saloon, and it seemed as though the whole place took a sigh of relief. He wasn’t always so lucky at sidestepping trouble. There had been a time when he looked for a fight but these days he avoided such things when he could.

The brightness of the sunlight was a stark contrast to the gloom of the saloon. He took in the dusty street through narrowed eyes as he walked. The town had grown since he’d been gone. Unlike the rough and tumble towns he’d been frequenting the past couple of years Smallville had the look of a civilized community.

“Clark Kent…”

His gaze shifted ahead to see Chloe Sullivan standing in the open doorway of the Smallville Ledger, the town’s newspaper.

“Miss Sullivan.”

“It’s Mrs. Olsen these days but please call me Chloe.” She said with one of her bright smiles. “I’m sorry I didn‘t get a chance to say hello on Sunday.”

Clark’s reply was little more than a shrug.

“You‘ve got the entire town talking.”

“It’s a shame they have nothing better to do than wag their tongues.”

“Considering the circumstances under which you left your return was bound to stir things up.” She commented, not noticing the slight tightening of his jaw. “Are you staying in Smallville?”

“Not for long.”

“A lot has changed around here since you left.” Chloe said.

“I’ve noticed.” He answered as an approaching train whistled in the distance.


Clark came out of the barn after having rushed to get his chores done without the help of his abilities. Ever since Pete had started working for them he was forced to move at a normal speed. Which was something he usually didn’t mind but today there was someone he didn’t want to keep waiting.

The night before, when their dance was ending, Lana had told him she’d be out riding today with a look that not even Clark could miss. Not a minute had passed since then that he hadn’t though about her.

Intending to wash up before heading off to meet Lana he headed toward the house but the sound of approaching riders stopped him. His pa came out of the barn having heard them as well and they watched the men come to a stop.

Clark immediately recognized Lex Luthor but the other man he couldn’t place.

“Good afternoon.” Lex offered with a smile having swung down from his mount.

“Is there something I can help you boys out with?” Jonathan offered.

“I certainly hope so Mr. Kent.” Lex said offering his hand. “I’m Lex Luthor and this is my associate Mr. Montgomery.”

After shaking hands with Jonathan Lex held his hand out to Clark who was starting to feel ill. However his discomfort increased a hundredfold when he shook Lex’s hand. He watched the veins in his hand turn green as a searing jolt of pain shot up his forearm. Panic joined his pain as he looked to Lex’s face, but he was looking at his pa, unaware of what was happening.

“You’ve raised yourself one impressive young man.” Lex commented to Jonathan as he let go of Clark‘s hand. “If it weren’t for Clark’s heroics that stage may have been the end of me.”

Clark looked from his hand, which had returned to it’s normal appearance the moment Lex released him, to Lex’s and the ring on his finger. The green stone adorning the ring caught the light in a strange way and almost seemed to be glowing.

“Son,” Jonathan said when he glanced at Clark and saw something was amiss “are you alright?”

Clark shook his head.

“Why don’t you go on inside and rest awhile.” Jonathan instructed and helped him take a few steps away while the other men watched.

“I hope he gets feeling better.” Lex commented as Clark limped toward the house.

“He’ll be fine.” Jonathan said much more confidently than he was feeling. Clark‘s sudden sickness filled him with alarm and he just wanted to get rid of these men so he could attend to his son. “What is it you think I can help you with?”

By the time Clark reached the house he had made a complete recovery. However he remained shaken. Having connected his weakness to the green stone in the ring he was suddenly suspicious of the man in possession of it. From the safety of the house he focused his hearing and listened in on the distant conversation.

“Well, Mr. Kent, you may have heard that I’m in town on railroad business.”

“I don’t believe anyone within twenty miles hasn’t heard about that.”

“What you may not have heard is that we had a team of surveyors in the area several weeks back. Their assignment was to take measurements of our proposed course for the line we’re planning on brining through these parts. However our knowledge of the area wasn’t as solid as we’d thought and they found our plans weren’t going to work. They came up with an alternate route that happens to include the north-west corner of your property.”

“I see.”

“We are prepared to make a generous offer.”

“I’ll give it some consideration.”

Clark could tell by his pa’s voice that he was done with the conversation. Apparently Lex could too, because he went on to say something about the future of Smallville being in his hands. Jonathan replied that he’d let them know when he had decided and left them standing in the barnyard.

[Nemu]

well a little more info...

grrrr at everyone in town... I dunno why but Chloe already get on my nerves...

PPMS!!

[SVsleuth]

Yay, an update! Aw, so I bet Clark never got to go meet Lana. Darn. Thanks for the update. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks for reading… and commenting. :)

Chloe’s part in this is really very minimal. I have to admit that after the last season Chloe isn’t a favorite character of mine and that may affect my writing of her a little.

Clark got a little sidetracked but it’s not going to stop him from trying.
--------------------------------------------

He couldn’t claim it was much of a surprise when his mother told him that Lana’s visits to the farm were a weekly occurrence. From his mother’s comments he garnered that the two women had formed a close friendship. Despite his reluctance to see Lana Clark couldn’t begrudge her that.

So he was in the barn when he heard Lana arrive, trying to keep himself busy repairing the threshing machine. However being up to his elbows in mechanical parts wasn’t an effective distraction. As his hands pieced the innards of the machine back together his mind wandered in directions he’d long avoided.

After seeing Lana the other day the lie he’d been telling himself all these years was losing any validity he’d once given it. She was more than a boyhood infatuation.

She’d seen sides of him that he’d never shown anyone else.


Convincing his pa that he was fine hadn’t taken too long, seeing how the color had returned to his face and he was able to walk on his own, but explaining his theory on what had caused his illness had been a little more time consuming. Once he laid out his argument his pa seemed to accept it and made him promise to stay away from Lex Luthor, which was fine with him. The last thing he wanted was another close encounter with Lex.

Delayed as he was he had not forgotten about Lana and set off for her the moment he was able. Approaching the stand of trees where they’d last met when she was out riding he saw that she’d beaten him there. He slowed to a normal pace and walked the last fifty yards, not wanting to startle her by appearing out of nowhere.

When she spotted him a smile lit up her face and she got to her feet to meet him. It must have been contagious because he beamed right back at her without realizing it.

“I was starting to think you weren’t going to come.”

“I would have been here sooner but we had a visitor.” He said, his smile slipping a little at the memory.

“What’s wrong?”

“It‘s kind of bizarre.” He answered made their way back to the shade of the trees.

“Try me.”

“I think I’ve been having some strange adverse reaction to Lex Luthor. Or more specifically, his ring”

“The one he wears on his pinky, with the green stone?”

“I sound like I’ve gone mad, don’t I? But when I shook hands with him the pain nearly knocked me over. Even when I get within a few feet of him I feel sick.”

“That is odd.” She said, her brow wrinkled in thought. “There may be an explanation though, apparently it isn’t of earthly origin.”

“Where else would it be from?”

“When Mother complimented him on his ‘emerald’ ring the other night he corrected her, saying the stone was from a meteorite.”

He mulled the new information over for a moment and it seemed fitting that his only known weakness would come from space. However he found it disturbing that someone possessed it and that there could be others.

“I wonder why it does that to you and no one else.” Lana commented in puzzlement.

“The answer to that is .a little more difficult to explain” He said, nervously looking at his hands.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She offered, concerned but not wanting to pry.

“There are things about me…” He trailed off realizing that once he said it there would be no going back. “I’m not like other people.”

“That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” She encouraged, her intuition was telling her that whatever was troubling him was the key to understanding him.

“It is if it changes the way you see me.”

“Nothing could ever do that.” To emphasize her point she took one of his hands in both of hers. “Nothing.”

He did not doubt that she meant it but she had no idea what she was promising. His abilities had been hard for him to accept at times, he couldn’t imagine it would be easy for her. In spite of the risk he wanted to tell her, even if it meant she’d never look at him, let alone touch him again.

Lana still had his hand, his fingers all tangled up with hers. And she was watching him with her eyes full of a tender warmth that made him ache in the pit of his stomach.

He surprised himself by deciding that if this was it, if this was the only moment he’d have this close to her, he’d make it one to remember. He reached out with his free hand and laid it gently on her cheek.

She watched him with bated breath as he softly ran his thumb across her cheekbone, sending chills coursing through her entire body. He slowly leaned in closer and she could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips just before they met his.

His heart raced wildly as she return his kiss and his senses became more alert. Once their lips parted he didn’t move, instead he rested his forehead on hers as he absorbed everything around him. The sound of her ragged breathing, the faint scent of her lilac perfume that lingered on her, the softness of her skin against his. Reluctantly he released her and managed a shaky smile.

He got to his feet suddenly and held his hand out to her. She regarded him with a questioning look.

“I want to show you something.” He said, his hand still outstretched.

She took his offered hand and he helped her to her feet. When he’d led her out from under the trees he stopped and turned to face her.

“Do you recall when we were about fifteen and Miss Thomas was teaching us about the different species of birds in Kansas?”

“Yes, I remember.” She answered her head tilted to the side as she tried to figure out where he was going with this.

“We’d been outside observing birds for an hour and nearly everyone had lost interest in them. But not you. You said that they were lucky to be so free and wondered what it would feel like to fly.”

“I can’t believe you remember that.”

Without any warning he scooped her into his arms, causing her to let out a sound of alarm. Her protest died on her lips when she saw how seriously he was staring at her. For a moment she was lost in his gaze but when she felt like she was moving she looked down and found that they were above the trees.

She threw her arms around his neck, clinging to him like her life depended on it. “How…?”

“I told you… I’m not like other people.”

[SVsleuth]

That was an awesome chapter. Wonderful reveal! Loved it.

I'm still reading, just slow about getting to it, since I'm on vacation. Glad I found time. I hope you can keep writing & post more soon.

I'm wondering what happened to make Clark leave, & why things are so strained between Clark & Lana now.

PPMS!

[Nemu]

That was an awesome chapter. Wonderful reveal! Loved it.


I agree!!!



I'm wondering what happened to make Clark leave, & why things are so strained between Clark & Lana now.


Two words resume my thoughts about that... Lex Luthor...

Might be wrong though...

PPMS!!

[LetMeGo]

Well, I would apologize for taking forever but it seems like too little… so I won’t. I will however promise that I’ll finish this fic sooner or later. I’m hoping for sooner… So I hope you enjoy the update. Thanks for reading!
------------------------------------------------------------------

Lana had spent nearly an hour visiting with Mrs. Kent, carefully dancing around anything that might involve Clark, due to her own personal aversion to the subject. Finally her guilt won out and she decided it would be rude not to at least inquire about him. After all, he was very important to Martha.

“I’m worried about him.” Martha looked troubled when she answered Lana’s question. “He won’t talk at all about what happened before he left and won’t say much about what he’s done since then.”

“Maybe with a little more time…”

Martha nodded, trying to smile at Lana’s attempt at optimism. “Perhaps you’re right.”

“I best not keep you any longer, I know you’ve got plenty to do.”

Martha walked her to the door, thanking her for coming by. After a quick hug and goodbyes Lana was out on the porch. As she started down the steps she was surprised to see Clark leaning against the fence near where she’d left her buggy.

He watched her approach, his expression most amiable, quite the opposite of when she last saw him. She felt an unexpected flare of irritation course through her but quickly tried to reign it in. Having only marginal success in keeping her feelings from showing on her face.

“A buggy?” He asked with a skeptically arched eyebrow once she got closer. The Lana he’d left behind would have used any opportunity to ride her beloved mare, taking a buggy would have been her very last choice.

“I‘m not the same girl you remember.” She answered tightly, knowing exactly what he meant, unmoved by the teasing tone in his voice.

The truth was she missed riding and freedom it once offered her. It seemed like forever since she’d been, but there were rules and expectations that went with being the town’s school teacher; riding around the countryside in trousers was considered unbecoming of a woman in her position.

“That’s too bad.” He actually looked disappointed.

His seeming regret after his cool reception of her the other day was too much for her to take. Her back stiffened indignantly and she made no effort to hide her annoyance any longer. “Why did you come back here Clark?”

Taken back by the edge in her voice he didn’t have time to answer before she went on.

“You left without saying goodbye to me, which I can understand…after what happened… But your mother? All this time without any word from you when you’re never more than a moment away. Do you have any idea what that’s been like for her?”

“You think it’s been easy for me?” He asked roughly, his defenses up after her verbal attack.

“I don’t know Clark, has it been easy for you?” Her sarcastic question garnered no response from him. “You weren’t the only one hurting.”

“Maybe I was a coward for running but facing her after…” He paused as he looked toward the house and thought of his mother. “after I let pa die right in front of me…”

Lana’s anger was stifled upon hearing him reference his father’s death with such emotion, so much so that her next words came out gently. “What happened… it wasn‘t your fault.”

She touched his arm in an unconscious attempt to comfort him. His eyes, dark, troubled, and relentless bore into hers. The intense gaze sent her heart pounding wildly and her breathing suddenly became uneven.

He looked down to where her hand still rested on his forearm. It occurred to her that he might want her to move it but she stood still, paralyzed. His eyes lingered and she wondered what he was thinking. She waited for him to touch her but instead of a caress he pulled away; turning his back to her, he walked back to the barn.

“Clark…” She called after him plaintively.



“Wait…” She interrupted his narrative. “You can see through anything?”

“Well, anything but lead.” Clark answered trying not to smile too largely at her wide eyed wonder. “I also shoot fire out of my eyes.”

“Really?”

“I’ll have to demonstrate it for you sometime.” He said with a regretful glance at their surroundings. He’d come calling, as she’d so eagerly suggested, and they were now strolling through town. “Though you’ve seen me set something on fire once.”

“I think I’d remember that.”

“It was a couple of years ago, at school.” He prompted.

“You mean the fire you put out?”

“Yes, put out and started. It was the first time it had ever happened.” He said hoping she wouldn‘t ask too many questions about that particular ability, given the conditions of it‘s onset. “It took me a little while to get control over it. All of my abilities were that way.”

“They came without any kind of warning?”

“None. Some of them were harder to adjust to than others.”

“That must have been difficult; not knowing what bizarre thing was coming next.”

He slowed his step and looked at her questioningly, concerned that he was telling her too much too fast. “Are you sure all of this isn’t frightening you?”

“I’m in awe of you Clark, not frightened.”

He accepted her answer, though he wasn’t fully convinced. They continued walking in silence for a few moments as they approached main street, which was bustling as usual. Their conversation was about to get a little less private so Lana changed the subject to something slightly less personal.

“Have you told you father that you’ll go to Metropolis?”

“I did. At first he seemed a little suspicious at my change of heart but he’s happy enough now. How about you?”

“I’ve started to soften to the idea when Papa brings it up, I don’t want him to know how much I’m looking forward to going away to finishing school. Knowing him he‘d change his mind about sending me.”

“Is your aunt going to look at me the same way your mother did when I come to call on you?”

“Don’t let Mama get to you, she looks at all my suitors that way.”

“All? How many do you have?”

She laughed at his suspicious expression. “Believe me when I say that you have nothing to worry about.”

He was ginning like a fool when he looked up and spotted Lex ahead. The sight wiped the smile off of his face in a hurry.

“What’s wrong?” Lana asked, noticing the sudden change and followed his gaze.

“Mr. Luthor.”

“I don’t think he’s seen us.” Knowing of Clark‘s adverse reaction to Lex‘s ring she turned to look into the window of the shop they were in front of to stop their forward progress. She took a sideways glance.

Lex had come out of the hotel closely followed by Montgomery, his business associate, and the two appeared to be preoccupied by their conversation. Clark hesitated for a moment. Eavesdropping wasn’t something he normally did, but considering his general mistrust of Lex and that he possessed Clark’s only known weakness, gathering more information on the man seemed a good idea. So he listened in.

“Hubbard and McNally are as good as sold, it’s Kent that’s the hold out.” Montgomery’s voice was low.

“We’ll stop by his place once we’ve gotten done with the other two; see where we stand.”

“What if he won’t sign? Without his land this is all pointless.”

“He’s a reasonable man, he’ll sign… one way or another. Then we can get out of this one horse town.”

“The sooner the better, I don’t want to be here when they figure out what’s happened.”

“What do they have to complain about? Smallville will get the railroad…” Lex laughed “eventually.”

[SVsleuth]

Yay! An update! I'm so glad you plan to continue writing. I miss this fic.

Now I'm curious about how Jonathan died & why Clark couldn't save him. Seems he felt responsible for Jonathan's death, so just left - left Martha, left Lana. I'll bet Lex was responsible.

Clark & Lana still have deep feelings for each other. Both of them are suppressing it, each for their own reasons, but sooner or later, those feelings will have to be dealt with.

I hope you can update again really soon. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks for the continued interest SVsleuth. :) As long as someone takes the time to read I’ll make the effort to write. It should be easier now that summer is at a close.
------------------------------------------

The bartender slid a glass and a bottle of whiskey to him without a word. With all the time Clark had been spending at the saloon the past couple of weeks the man had stopped asking what he wanted since he always got the same reply. His fellow patrons also picked up on his routine and were now sure to leave Clark’s preferred table empty.

Once settled in at his table, he preferred it because it allowed for him to see everything that happened in the room, he poured himself a drink and began to brood.

His human emotions plagued him regardless of what he did to ignore them. Supposedly he could rise above his upbringing, becoming more like his Kryptonian forbearers, and set emotion aside. This was according to the voice of his birth father, a man who’d died long ago on a doomed planet.

When he’d left Smallville one of the few things he took with him was the crystal that was in his space craft. He’d taken it on a whim, not knowing what all of it‘s functions were. It wasn’t until later that he found out that the crystal served as the power source of his ship and stored all the knowledge of his home planet. It had also operated as a navigator of sorts, leading him to the artic in some metaphysical way. Which is where it fulfilled it’s ultimate purpose when the crystal formed the Fortress of Solitude; his own little piece of home.

Before it’s demise Krypton had been so much more advanced than Earth in ways that couldn’t even be imagined. Clark learned answers to questions that had been ask by humankind for centuries as well as his own questions of his origin. However, with this enlightenment came words like birthright and destiny which he wanted no part of.

The man who sent him to earth had had big plans for his future. Picking this third planet from a yellow sun, not only for the powers it would give Clark but more so for the potential of the people inhabiting it and his conviction that his son was the one to guide them to greatness. There may have been a time when Clark would have bought into such idealism but he’d seen first hand what greed and the thirst for power did to these humans.

It wasn’t even a year before he left that oversized igloo, going away with the feeling that he didn’t belong anywhere. That is when he started wandering from place to place, never staying long before moving on. His need of money started his career in bounty hunting and the fact that he was good at it kept him at it.

Clark had been tracking down wanted men for a couple years before he started getting recognized. His name was far from notorious though and he began going out of his way to keep a low profile, succeeding for the most part. Of course no matter how careful he was there were some who knew his name and wanted him to pay for ruining their collective fun.

“Clark Kent!”

Upon hearing his name being called from outside of the building he took a look through the wall and let out a heavy sigh. Aware that every eye in the saloon was watching him now he poured himself another shot and downed it before he pushed away from the table and made his way outside.

Necks craned while all remained silent, only the sound of Clark’s boots on the boardwalk and the sound of the swinging doors could be heard, no one wanted to miss what was about to transpire.

“Looking for me?” Clark asked, unruffled by the angry young man standing in the street.

Terrified boy would actually be a more accurate description. Clark pegged him for fifteen, maybe sixteen, and not very big for his age. There was hatred in his eyes, enough to explain why he’d called him out but not quiet enough to mask his nerves.

“Are you Clark Kent?”

“That I am.”

“Then you’re the one I’m looking for. You killed my brother.”

“Hmm…” Clark made a thoughtful face “What was his name?”

“Billy Garrett.” He answered through clenched teeth.

Clark did a quick visual sweep of the street, trying to get a feel for the situation, and saw Lana. She must have had just come out of Fordman’s dry good store across the street when the commotion had started. While the other townspeople scattered for cover she remained rooted in one spot, watching.

“I don’t recall him.” Clark said, turning his attention back to the boy, wishing that Lana would follow the example of those around her and get inside.

“Think back. Telluride, last October. The Holy Moses Saloon.”

“I don’t know where you got your information kid, but I didn’t kill your brother.” He saw doubt spring into the boy’s eyes and he stepped off the walk to join him on the street.

“You’re lying.” He spat out, his hand hovering over his gun.

“The man that killed your brother would have shot you by now.” Clark’s stance was still relaxed and unobtrusive.

“Why should I believe you?”

Clark shrugged. “I’d rather you didn’t die for nothing.”

The boy’s indecision played across his face for a moment and Clark thought he may have gotten through to him. But his hopes that he’d be able to talk him down vanished as a sudden resolution blazed in the kid’s eyes an instant before his hand dropped for the holster. However, an instant was all Clark needed.

Moving so fast that the human eye couldn’t pick up his actions Clark slipped the hammer thong- the thin loop of leather that went over the hammer of a gun to keep it securely in it’s holster when not in use- into place on the boy’s gun and returned to where he was standing.

The boy looked down in shock when his hand hit the butt of the gun and didn’t come up in it’s usual fluid movement. He looked back to Clark, expecting to be shot at any moment.

“It helps to undo that thing first.” Clark commented dryly, having not bothered to draw.

Clark walked over to the still stunned and completely shamed boy and took his gun before he could try again. “Do yourself a favor and go home kid, this quest of yours will get you killed.”

With the danger avoided people started coming out of their hiding places, trying to see what had happened, their hushed speculations buzzing in the air. The sheriff came rushing up a little too late to be good for much but made a good show of hauling the boy off to jail.

Clark looked up to where Lana still stood and met her gaze, which hadn‘t left him since the ordeal began. She looked relieved and yet at the same time a little troubled. It was like she was trying to read him but couldn’t quiet figure him out. Even though he knew he wasn‘t the same boy she remembered her looking at him like he was a puzzle she couldn’t put together left him feeling utterly empty.



He’d tried to usher her home but she had refused, Lana was definitely the most stubborn woman he’d ever met. Not that he wasn’t grateful for her assistance, though he would have felt better if she’d been safe at home. As per her argument she wasn’t really in any danger, nonetheless he felt a tug of guilt at involving her in something less than ethical.

After Lex had disappeared into the livery to get his horse Clark tried to explain in a hushed voice what he’d overheard. Lana, thanks to her father, knew all too well what the railroad meant to the town was incensed at the idea that Lex was planning on defrauding them. They agreed he need more proof than an offhanded comment so Clark decided he’d take a quick look in Lex’s room once he’d escorted Lana home. She didn’t care much for that plan.

So Lana was keeping watch outside of the hotel and was suppose to start humming The Girl I Left Behind Me if either of the men came back, which was the plan she had come up with. He chose to not argue with her about it, grateful she hadn‘t insisted on joining him.

Hearing nothing from Lana, Clark started in on Lex’s room. With his abilities it didn’t take long for him to narrow his search to one locked trunk. He broke the lock without a second thought, having already decided to invade Lex’s privacy. The top compartment held several rolled up maps as well as a number of correspondences from one Lionel Luthor. The other odds and ends in the trunk held nothing of consequence.

In the letters Lionel, who turned out to be Lex’s father, warned his son that this was his last chance to prove himself a worthy heir of the family business. He was to secure the land needed to complete the line by any means necessary, failure was not an option. The elder Luthor’s tone was so business like Clark almost felt sorry for Lex.

As informative as the letters were it was the maps that gave him what he was looking for. In the purposed line between Hutchinson and Dodge City there were many towns that it would run through and Smallville wasn’t one of them. Instead of turning south, which was the route everyone was expecting, the line gently veered northward to Grandville before it’s final southerly decent to Dodge. In order for it to work they needed the property of several farmers in the vicinity of Smallville.

After looking through everything he put things back the way he’d found them, not that it made much of a difference, once Lex found the broken lock he’d know someone had discovered his secret. Of course none of that would matter if he’d already gotten the signatures he was after.

“I need to get to my Pa.” Clark said when he returned to Lana moments later. “Maybe we can get to the neighbors before Lex does.”

“So it’s true.” She stated flatly.

“I’m afraid so.”

“What did you find?”

“A map that makes it clear they don’t plan on coming through here any time soon.”

“When Papa finds out… he’s going to be livid.”

“Along with everyone else in town.” He added as an uneasy look passed between them. “Let’s get you home.”

The walk back to her house was a quiet one, the lighthearted mood they had shared earlier was no longer there. Lana was thinking of her father and all that he had riding on the railroad. Clark was anxious to get home, sure his father would know the best course of action to take, hoping it wasn’t too late.

[CaptainObvious]

Nice update and nice story. I'm intrigued. Post soon please!!

[shortcircuit85]

I just found this story, and I must say. This is awsome. I really enjoy some of these period pieces. Please keep up the great work.

Thanks,

[SVsleuth]

Each chapter keeps creating more questions. I hope the answers come eventually.

I guess Jonathan's death happens very soon. The suspense is killing me. PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

New readers! :D Thanks to all of you for stopping in and leaving a comment!

The answers are coming… I swear. :)
-------------------------------------------------

Clark burst into the kitchen where Martha was busy kneading bread dough. She looked up, neither startled or surprised by his sudden appearance, for it was common for Clark to pop in unexpectedly. “Hello sweetheart.”

“Where’s Pa?” He asked without a hello.

“He and Pete went to work on the hay in the western pasture.” She answered and looked at him searchingly, unaccustomed to such abruptness from her son. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine Ma. I just need to talk to Pa. I swear I’ll explain everything to you later.”

Her brow furrowed in worry. “Are you in trouble?”

“No, but there’s going to be trouble.” He answered and strode to the door.

“Be careful!” She called after him, his ominous prediction ringing in her ears.



Gathering hay was a process. A couple days ago Clark had cut the grass but before it could be gathered and taken to the barn it had to dry out. To expedite that step Jonathan and Pete had come out with pitch forks to turn the hay, allowing it to dry faster. When Clark showed up they were taking a break.

“Just in time Clark, we saved that half for you.” Pete joked, unaware of Clark’s abilities, and handed the jug of water he’d been drinking from to Jonathan.

“You’re back earlier than expected.” Jonathan stated noticing that Clark’s usual lighthearted smile didn’t appear at Pete’s banter.

“I overheard something while I was in town, something about the railroad.”

“I thought I told you to stay away from Lex Luthor.”

“He didn’t even notice me Pa.” Jonathan gave him a unhappy look. “Lex said something about the railroad not coming through Smallville so… I sort of… searched his room.”

“You did what!?”

Clark looked to Pete for help but he didn’t want to get into the line of fire and gave Clark a look that clearly stated he was on his own.

“Pa…”

“I specifically tell you to keep clear of him and you go and break into his hotel room?”

“But he’s been lying to us! I found a map that shows the new line doesn’t go through Smallville at all. It goes through Grandville.”

Jonathan ran a hand over his face, trying to collect his thoughts. Fore most in his mind was his frustration with Clark for not listening to him. However, Lex Luthor’s deception didn’t set any better with Jonathan than it had Clark.

“We’re not going to sell to him now are we?”

“No son, we’re not.”

“He was on his way to talk to Jed McNally and Ben Hubbard, apparently they haven’t made a deal with him yet. If we hurry we may be able to change their minds about selling before it‘s too late.”

“I’ll go see what I can do, you stay here with Pete and finish with the hay.”

“Don’t make me stay, Pa. I don’t trust Luthor.”

“All the more reason for you to stay here.” Jonathan held up his hand when Clark was about to argue. “I mean it Clark. Stay here.”

With that final word on the matter Jonathan turned and grabbed the pitch fork he’d been using earlier and handed it to Clark. Clark didn’t immediately take it from him but with the sternness in his father’s eyes he knew he didn’t have any other choice. Once he took it Jonathan gave him a nod of approval then left to go saddle up his horse.

Nearly an hour later Clark was pushing the limits of what would be considered a normal pace with a pitch fork. He was so wrapped up in his frustrated thoughts that it took him a minute to notice Pete had stopped working and was trying to catch his breath.

“How do you do it, Clark?” He said between breaths, having tried to keep up with Clark had taken it out of him. “You’re not even sweating!”

“I guess I’m so distracted from fretting over Pa that I didn’t notice what I was doing.”

“I can’t say I blame you. A man like that Luthor can’t be trusted.”

“I would of felt a lot better if he’d let me go with him.”

“Well, I’m not telling you to disobey your pa but I’ve always believed a man ought to listen to his gut.”

Clark sighed, he was torn between doing as he was told and doing what he felt he needed to do. His pa wouldn’t be happy with him and would most likely give him the chewing out of a lifetime. On the other hand Lex was instructed to do whatever was necessary to get what he needed and Clark didn’t like the sound of that at all.



Jonathan had gone to Ben Hubbard’s first guessing that Lex would go straight to McNally’s place since it was closest to town. His assumption had been right and he spoke to Ben about Clark’s discoveries without bringing his son into it. Ben decided to ride to Grandville for more details while Jonathan rode to McNally’s to try to let him know what was happening before he made a deal with Lex.

He was pushing his horse, trying to make up time. It had been over an hour since Clark had seen Lex leave town, which was more than enough time for papers to be signed. When he saw two riders coming his way he slowed his horse to a trot and soon recognized them as Lex and Montgomery. He was too late to catch them at McNally‘s. He continued on, steeling himself for what was about to come.

“Mr. Kent! We were just on our way to see you.” Lex was in salesman mode, an insincere smile plastered across his face. “Perhaps we could go back to your place and discuss some business?”

“I’m afraid we don’t have any business together.”

“Come now Mr. Kent, don’t be hasty. Hear us out, I’m sure you’ll change your mind once you’ve heard our offer.”

“I doubt that Mr. Luthor, I don‘t deal with liars and cheats. I know you don’t intend on laying any track through Smallville.”

Lex blanched upon hearing Jonathan’s accusations. “I never said Smallville was part of our purposed line, that pompous Lewis Lang stated it as though it were fact.”

“Yet you let everyone believe it when it played right into your plans.”

“I’ve got a lot riding on this, I’m not going to let one hold out stop me.”

“Try two. I’ve talked to Ben Hubbard. I suggest you get out of town before Lang and his cronies hear that you‘re not giving them their railroad.”

At that moment Lex saw the life he’d become accustom to slipping through his fingers. After a misspent youth, where his father had bailed him out of trouble more than once, failing at what had been deemed a simple task meant being cut off once and for all. He wasn’t willing to lose what was rightfully his for anything. “Sorry Mr. Kent, I‘m not leaving until I get what I came for.”

Lex reached under his coat for the gun he kept concealed there at the same moment Clark came over the rise and saw what was going on. With only the thought of saving his father filling his head Clark sped onward as Lex brought the gun to bear on Jonathan.

Clark was only a few steps away when he saw the bullet coming out of the barrel of the gun. It didn’t alarm him, he was close and could easily catch it. He reached out just as his legs gave and he began to stumble. Bewildered, he watched the bullet graze his finger tips; leaving an unfamiliar sting. Unable to stop himself he fell, his eyes latched onto the face of the man who’d raised him, helpless to save him thanks to the ring Lex wore.

The appearance of Clark from thin air startled Lex’s horse, who reared up and threw Lex from the saddle. With a curse Lex quickly regained his feet and saw Clark crawling to the side of his fallen father.

“Where did you come from?” Lex asked, approaching Clark cautiously, his gun drawn and ready.

Clark looked up with murder in his eyes, ready to spring at Lex ring or no ring. All he needed was to get his hands around his scrawny little neck and squeeze. However Lex had decided he didn’t want a witness. Lex pulled the trigger as Clark clumsily lunged at him and took the bullet in the chest. With a smug indifference Lex watched Clark collapse next to Jonathan.

“Do you realize what you’ve done?” Montgomery demanded angrily.

“Let’s get back to town, we don’t have much time.” Lex said with surprising coolness. “If Kent knew that means others will find out soon enough.”

[shortcircuit85]

Great Chapter, but I'm not sure why Clark feels responsible for Jonathan's death. He tried to save his father? Lex thinks that both Kent's are dead, so do they go and tell Martha so she would sign over the farm to them? Can't wait for more.

Thanks,

[SVsleuth]

Hmm...so Lex thinks he killed both Jonathan and Clark - but I presume Clark will heal as soon as Lex goes away from him with the Kryptonite ring. So, then, Clark left, so Lex would still think he was dead. But everyone else assumed , when finding Jonathan dead, that Clark killed him and ran off? Or maybe Clark has felt guilty all this time for not being able to sve Jonathan, & for leaving him on the road while he chased after Lex, not wanting to lose the opportunity to stay on his tril while Lex thought he was dead. ? ? ? Or I might be all wrong.

Please update again soon. Love the story.

[LetMeGo]

Thanks!

Clark deals with survivor’s guilt as well as knowing he could have done things differently and gotten a different outcome.

Good speculation SVsleuth but there is more to Clark’s departure and his disdain for the townspeople.
------------------------------------------------------

Ever since the incident in the street Lana found herself unable to focus on much of anything. After going to dinner at her mother’s and having to listen to her go on about Clark being dangerous, she’d gone home to work on her lesson plans for the week with little success. Eventually she’d settled in with her favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice, with the hopes of losing herself in it’s pages as she often did. After reading the same page for the third time in a row she gave up, tossing the book aside.

She needed to clear her head. Taking a walk crossed her mind, the physical activity would help with her muddled thoughts. When she was younger she’d ride to work off her frustrations. Considering the hour neither were a real option. She was lamenting her situation when there was a knock on her door. It was a little late for visitors but with the promise of a distraction she didn’t question why someone would drop by.

The eagerness with which she’d opened the door dissipated when she found Clark on the other side.

“Evenin’ Lana.”

“Clark…” She stared at him in confusion, unable to fathom a reason for him to be on her doorstep.

“I was wondering if you’d like to go for a walk.”

“I’m not allowed to have gentlemen callers. It’s one of the school board’s rules.” This particular mandate, as groan worthy as she may have once found it, had come in handy in recent years when overzealous men would attempt to court her.

“Since when did you let rules stop you?” Seeing the same flash of irritation in her eyes that had been there when his question about the buggy had led to an argument he hurriedly tried another tact before she could say anything. “Please Lana, I just want to talk.”

He was so earnest, for a moment he looked like the Clark she’d known so well, and she found she couldn’t say no to his plea. “Alright, but lets go somewhere where no one will see us.”

“If that’s what you want.” He replied while a voice in his head told him she didn’t want to be seen with him because of the reputation he had and not merely because she wasn‘t suppose to have suitors. Since privacy suited him just fine he decided not to dwell on what her reasoning might be. He stepped aside, allowing room for her to join him on the small porch.

She came outside, warily looking around for any neighbor that may be watching, and shut the door behind her. There was a time that her last name may have gotten her favors in this town but those days had past and she didn’t want to lose her job.

“May I?” Clark asked for permission to touch her with an outstretched hand.

Lana consented with a nod and was swept up in his arms as everything around them turned into a blur. Trying to make sense of the world that streaked past them proved useless so she closed her eyes, buried her head against his chest, and held on.



After Clark had seen her safely home Lana debated on whether or not to tell her father that the railroad wasn’t coming. Deciding that she couldn’t keep it from him she ventured out again, heading for the bank. She found him in his office busy with paperwork but he was happy to see her.

“Lana, dear, what a pleasant surprise!” Lewis got up from his desk to greet her.

“Hello Papa.”

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” He asked, not noticing that she was less than cheerful in her greeting.

“Actually, what brings me here isn‘t good. Not at all.”

“What’s going on?” He motioned for her to take a seat in one of the chairs that sat in front of his desk.

“Well, Clark called on me earlier,” Upon hearing Clark’s name he tensed up. He was not very happy about the time she spent with him but saw little harm in it since Lana was going away to Metropolis soon. Not wanting him to assume anything bad of Clark she ignored his look. “We were walking down Main Street when we overheard Mr. Luthor make an odd comment to Mr. Montgomery about the railroad.”

That really got his attention and he shifted from thinking the Kent boy had done something to his little girl to being curious about what exactly was overheard. “What did he say?”

“He said that Smallville would get the railroad eventually and he laughed.”

Lewis’ expression turned hard as he considered the implications of Lex’s words.

“We weren’t sure what to make of that.” Lana continued. “Neither of us wanted to start throwing around accusations if it wasn’t due, so Clark searched his room for something more solid.”

“I take it he found what he was looking for.” He stated and she was surprised that he didn’t have anything to say about Clark letting her get involved.

“Yes, he found some maps of the planned railroad line and it isn‘t coming through Smallville. Once he saw me home he went to stop his father from selling to Mr. Luthor and hoped to stop his neighbors as well.”

He absently nodded his approval, sure that Jonathan Kent would do the right thing, and began plotting his next move. “Lana, you go on home. I’ll take care of this.”



Clark, covered in blood, led the horse bearing his father’s body into the barn yard. Numb with grief, he marched toward the house. His physical wounds had healed quickly once Lex left but seeing his pa lifeless and bloody hurt far more than getting shot had.

“No!” Was Martha’s strangled cry as she stepped off the porch. She’d seen Clark’s slow procession from the window and came outside hoping her eyes had been deceiving her.

Seeing that her worst nightmare was playing out she approached her beloved husband with tears streaming down her cheeks. Tenderly she caressed Jonathan’s still face, as though she expected him to open his eyes.

“It’s my fault… if I’d been thinking… that damned ring…” His words came out in a rush. “I could have used my heat vision, I could have stopped him as soon as I saw the gun… I should have thought it through… I should have saved him.”

Upon hearing his voice she looked at him for the first time since she’d come out of the house. The tumult of emotions playing across his face ranged anywhere from guilt to anger. She realized she needed to be strong for her son and reached to comfort him.

“I’m going to kill Luthor for this.” He told her, suddenly latching on to the idea, convinced it’d make him feel better.

“You’ll do no such thing!”

“He has to pay for what he‘s done.”

“Do you think that is what your father would have wanted?” She asked incredulously, scarcely believing it was her son who had uttered such words. “You go get the sheriff and let the law deal with Lex Luthor.”

It was with reluctance that he agreed to his mother‘s wishes but she was right about what his pa would have wanted. He had believed in truth and justice not vengeance and lawlessness. That was his legacy and Clark wouldn’t ruin it for his own selfish desire for retribution. Watching Lex hang would have to be enough for him.



Lex had split with Montgomery, giving him instructions to get supplies for a few days on the trail. They were to meet up after Lex gathered a few important papers and possessions from his hotel room and ride out before anyone was the wiser. When things had cooled off they’d come back, with both Kent men dead Lex didn’t see a problem getting the land from the widow. Then he’d lean on Hubbard until he broke.

His plan was thwarted when he opened the door to his room and found Lewis Lang and two other men, who’s names he didn’t know, waiting for him.

“I’ve been doing some interesting reading.” Lang said holding up a piece of paper and Lex noticed for the first time that his trunk was opened.

“Going through a man’s personal things is pretty low.”

“A snake like you accusing someone of underhanded behavior…” He clucked his tongue and slowly shook his head.

“Mr. Lang, everything I told you is true. In the near future every town of any consequence will be connected by rail. That includes Smallville.”

“Then how do you explain these?” He asked kicking the trunk.

“This particular line doesn’t include Smallville but in ten years time…”

“Ten years is too long!”

“If you’ve read my letters you know it’s not my decision. So, gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me…” Lex gestured to the door, excusing them.

“Boys,” Lewis addressed his companions, ignoring Lex’s words “why don’t you escort Mr. Luthor to my office, we‘ve got business to see to.”

[SVsleuth]

Is this the first time he's super-sped with her? I can't remember for sure, but I think it is. My mind gets different stories mixed up (yeah, I've actually read at least one other fic that is set in this time, & my brain tries to meld them together. Maybe I should do an entire re-read soon. That might help.)

So, if it IS the first time, maybe Clark is ready to tell Lana everything. If it isn't, and she already knew about him, then maybe he just wants to fill in the gaps in her knowledge about everything that has happened.

Ugh, I hate when I can't even remember what has happened already.

PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

It has taken me forever to write this so I can understand the confusion. She knows his secret but I didn't go into great detail of him explaining it to her. Just a little of him showing her by flying/floating with her and of him telling her of some of his other abilities and his weakness to Lex's Kyrptonite ring. So the superspeed wasn't completely unexpected for her.

He does want to fill in the gaps for her and for himself. So in the next update we'll find out what Lana did after he left and he'll let her in on things he hasn't talked about with anyone.

[shortcircuit85]

Another great chapter! I still wonder why the town's folk still think bad of Clark. Even back when they were younger Lewis had a negative outlook towards him.

If Lana knows all about him why is there so much indifference in her attitude towards him?

I can't wait for the next chapter.

Thanks,

[LetMeGo]

Well, for the town’s folk he seems like trouble, they think of themselves as a more civilized town than the western frontier. Lewis’ earlier opinion of Clark was mostly due to him wanting his daughter to marry a more socially ranked man that some dirt farmer. Nothing really against him on a personal level.

Lana’s current feelings for Clark are mostly due to her being hurt.

Sorry it’s taken so long.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lana could feel their speed drop off but she didn’t move until they came to a stop. When she did look up she wasn’t surprised to see he’d brought her to his favorite reading spot, which also happened to be the place where he’d first kissed her and told her his secrets.

She turned to look at him and found that his eyes were on her, searching for answers to questions he’d yet to ask. He still held her in his arms but he made no move to let her down. As the seconds slowly passed she sensed that he needed her to listen, to understand.

“Is this alright?” He asked once he set her on her feet.

She nodded her approval of the location and waited a moment for him to say something. After a few moments of silence, in which Clark seemed to be mulling over where he was going to start, she gently prodded him. “So, what‘s on your mind?”

For years Clark had been keeping a cold disconnect from any kind of human emotion. He was, after all, not human. Since returning to Smallville he‘d been having a hard time remaining cut off from his feelings. His struggle hit a breaking point in that lonely moment in the street when he felt so empty.

“Earlier, in the street… the way you were looking at me…” He fumbled, unsure of how to put his thoughts into words.

“Clark…” She started, remembering how she couldn’t make herself look away from the impending violence.

“You thought I was going to kill him.” He interrupted before she could make an excuse.

“I wasn’t sure what you were going to do.” She replied honestly. Any other man wouldn’t have had a choice but to draw on the boy. Clark, however, had more options.

He looked off into the distance as his voice took on a faraway quality. “Pa use to tell me that being stronger than the other boys didn’t mean I could bully them; he gave me plenty of lectures like that. I never gave them much more thought than I gave Ma’s reminders to keep my elbows off the table.

“Once, after my super hearing developed, I overheard the two of them discussing me. Pa had been riding me pretty hard for a prank I’d played on Whitney.” He almost smiled at the memory. “Whitney and the other boys from town always looked down their noses at me, a lowly farm boy. After one particularly snide remark I lit Whitney’s hat -which had been in his hand, not on his head- on fire with my heat vision. Unfortunately Pa came out of the store in time to see Whitney stomping on it to put it out and figured out what had happened. Ma thought he was being too rough on me but he told her that it was necessary, that I was different than other boys.”

Clark turned to Lana. “That was when I learned that Pa was concerned with what I might become. He told Ma that I had such potential to bring about good but that if left unchecked and I abused my abilities no one could stop me. He actually used the word carnage in reference to me. Of course Ma argued with him, saying I wasn’t capable of any such thing.

“After hearing that I started thinking about my powers differently. Instead of a burden they became a responsibility. I was determined not to disappoint Pa. Now, I may not have become the man he wanted me to be but I’ve never killed anyone.”

“I’m sorry I doubted you Clark.” She said, seeing how badly he wanted her to believe him. “I’d been telling myself that you hadn’t changed, not deep down at least, but when it came down to it I wasn’t sure.”

He let out a short humorless laugh. “Trust me, I’ve changed.”

“We both have.” She said thinking of how they’d both lost their innocence all those years ago. “We grew up, it doesn’t mean everything that we once were was lost along the way.”

“You believe that?”

“I do.” She was surprised that she actually meant it. A few weeks ago it would have been just lip service but Clark’s narrative had changed something in her.

Neither of them spoke while that sunk in.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t say goodbye.” He finally said after a moment.

“It’s alright, after what Papa did…”

“You think that’s why I didn’t …” He looked at her in surprise. “Lana, I didn’t tell you goodbye because I was afraid you’d talk me out of going.”

This revelation left her without a reply. She’d spent countless hours wondering why he’d disappeared without a word to her. The conclusion she’d come to time and again was that she was a reminder to him of her father and what he’d done and that his feelings for her would never be the same.

“I never meant to hurt you.” He said and wished for a way to make it all better but couldn’t come up with anything, so he decided to change the subject. “Ma told me that you spent a couple years in Metropolis.”

“I did.” Hearing the curiosity in his voice she went on. “Smallville wasn’t the same after everything that happened and with you gone I couldn’t find a reason to stay. So I went to my Aunt Nell’s finishing school as planned.”

“Was the city everything you thought it would be?”

“It wasn’t quiet what I’d envisioned.” Mostly because what she’d imagined had involved him in one way or another. At first she’d half expected for him to show up in Metropolis to be with her; it was months before she stopped looking for his face everywhere she went. “It grew on me though.”

“Why did you come back?”

“I rushed back when I got word that Papa had fallen ill. By the time I got here it was too late, he’d already passed.”

“I’m sorry, it must have been hard to not get to say goodbye.” He said knowing how if felt to lose a parent.

She accepted his condolences with a murmur, touched by his sincerity.

“Mother didn’t take his death well.” She continued. “So I decided to stay, at least for a little while. Then the teaching position opened up and I saw an opportunity to be there for my mother while being able to support myself. The children have kept me from leaving; I didn’t anticipate that I’d enjoy teaching them as much as I do.”

“They’re lucky to have you.”

She smiled at his compliment. “What about you Clark? What have you been doing since you left?”

“Well…” He sighed “some of it is difficult to explain… that‘s not the first time you‘ve heard that from me, is it?”

“I learned long ago to keep an open mind when it comes to you Clark Kent.”

“So you did.” He said thinking of how she’d accepted the things he’d told her about himself with an unexpected ease.

Trusting her claim of open mindedness, he started his story by telling her about the crystal that had been in his ship. She listened without interruption as he spoke of his journey northward and of the formation of the Fortress of Solitude; his vivid descriptions making her feel like she’d been there with him.

When he got to the part about being able to speak to his long dead father he saw her puzzled expression and explained how much more advanced Kryptonians had been than those on Earth. By the confusion on her face he figured he wasn’t doing a very good job of explaining and apologized.

“I suppose it isn’t important to know exactly how it works.” He said sheepishly, realizing all of the technicalities must of sounded like a foreign language to her.

Sensing that he was on the verge of the important part of his story she didn’t dwell on trying to understand how it was possible. “The specifics don’t seem as important as the fact that you got a chance to get answers from your birthfather.”

“Considering what he had to say I would have preferred sticking to the workings of the Fortress.”

“Was it that terrible?”

“At first it wasn’t bad, it was even exciting. I was getting answers; I found out where I was from and why I’d been sent here. Things I‘d always wanted to know, but he had plans for me.

“When Krypton was nearing destruction my father chose to send me to Earth because he saw potential in the people here. It was his belief that with my powers and Kryptonian ideals I would lead the world to greatness.

“At the time I didn’t really have much faith in the potential of people and I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one to show them the way.”

She looked at him with sympathetic eyes; his father had managed to put the weight of the world on Clark’s shoulders when he was still broken over the loss of the man who’d raised him.

“It wasn’t long after that that I left and started drifting place to place.”

“When did you decide to come back?”

“I was tracking a bounty and when it was all said and done I was in Grandville. Nostalgia got the better of me, being so close to home and all, and I decided it was time to face Ma. I’d put it off far too long.”

“I know it hasn’t seemed like it but I am glad you’ve returned.”

“That means a great deal to me, Lana.” He took one of her hands in what, even after so much time, was a familiar gesture. “I know there are rules about you consorting with men but I hope that won’t stop you from letting me see you again.”

“I never cared much for that rule anyway.” She said and found herself being gently pulled toward him.

“Good.” He answered softly, noting how perfectly she fit against him. As he bent to kiss her he finally felt like he was home.

[SVsleuth]

An update! Yay! Oh! So Clark had to go build the Fortress & learn from Jor-El. I love that he is opening up to Lana so much. And ending with a kiss = :D

PPMS! Thanks for the update.

[shortcircuit85]

Great update. I enjoyed the back story of Clark's leaving. Keep the updates coming.

Thanks,

[LetMeGo]

Thanks for reading! I know it isn't easy when it's so long between updates.
----------------------------------

Clark came in from doing the morning chores to find breakfast on the table, as it was every morning. Ever since he’d been back he’d gotten the impression that his mother enjoyed cooking for him and he’d been obliging her by eating his fill and then some every meal.

“Mornin’ Ma.” He said, smiling, as he took his seat at the heavily laden table.

“Good morning.” She greeted him as she set down a plate of biscuits, noticing how his smile actually reached his eyes; something she hadn’t seen since he’d gotten back. “You seem to be in good spirits today.”

He shouldn’t have been surprised that she could see a difference in him; he felt like a weight had been lifted from him and she had always been good at reading his various moods. “I talked to Lana last night.”

“You did?”

“She was reluctant at first; apparently it isn’t appropriate for the school teacher to associate with men, but she finally agreed to speak with me.”

“That is wonderful, Clark.” A pleased look spread across her face. “Lana has always been good for you.”

“So you approve of me secretly courting the school teacher?”

“Whole heartedly.”

“I may stay on longer than I thought, if you don‘t mind, that is.”

“Mind? This is your home, Son. You‘ll always have a place here.”

“Thanks Ma.” Never before had the warm feeling of being unconditionally loved hit him so strongly. The feeling, however, was marred by the guilt of being a less than perfect son.

“What’s troubling you?” She asked, seeing clouds of doubt filling his eyes.

“I ran when things got bad; left you when you needed me most… sorry doesn’t seem like enough but I don’t know what else to say.”

“Don’t do that to yourself.” She admonished, knowing that his feelings of guilt had undoubtedly played a large role in keeping him away for so long. “I understand why you left. It was a difficult time for both of us but it was worse for you. What matters is that you’re here now and that means the world to me.”

She smiled at him reassuringly and he felt his burden lighten a little. Between Lana and his mother he was beginning to experience a hope he hadn’t felt for a very long time.


Clark, still in shock, rode into town to find the sheriff as instructed by his mother. Grim faced he made his way down Main street, passing the alley where Montgomery was waiting for Lex, unbeknownst to Clark.

From his place in the shadows Montgomery couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d seen the Kent boy take a bullet to the chest and even if by some miracle he’d survived he’d be in no shape to ride, yet there he was. This didn’t bode well.

Lex was already taking much longer than he should have. With the appearance of Clark Montgomery decided that the time for waiting was over. There was nothing here he could do to help Lex now.


Lex dipped a pen into the inkwell with an unsteady hand.

“You remember what we agreed upon Luthor.” Lewis Lang warned, looming over him.

Lex didn’t reply; none was expected from him. After having his thugs rough him up Lewis laid out what he wanted Lex to write to his father. Acutely aware of his situation he was going along with it, hoping to satisfy them enough to let him loose. Once news of Jonathan and Clark Kent’s deaths got out getting out of town may become impossible.

So he wrote exactly what Lang wanted and then some. Knowing what his father’s reaction would be almost laughed but managed to keep it together as he amused himself with each new over the top sentence. He was busy composing his letter when someone knocked at the door.

“I thought I said I wasn’t to be interrupted?” Lewis called.

“Sir, you’ll want to hear this.” Came a muffled voice.

Lewis grumbled to himself and went to open the door. Lex strained to listen in on the murmured exchange unsuccessfully but it wasn’t long before he found out what the urgent news had been.


Clark expected they’d form a posse but the crowd forming in front of the jail looked more like a mob. The news of his father’s murder had spread like wildfire and now what looked like most of Smallville’s residents where waiting to see the man responsible brought in.

Clark had been surprised when the sheriff told him Lex was still in town. On his way in Clark had worried that Lex was long gone and catching him on horseback would be a lost cause. But Lex was more arrogant than he’d ever imagined. So he was left to wait while the sheriff and one of his deputies went to collect Lex, which was proving to be a difficult task. He’d much rather be moving, doing something, anything other than sitting.

He peered out the front window of the jail again but instead of seeing Lex and the sheriff he saw Lana pushing her way through the crowd. Without a second’s hesitation she stepped onto the boardwalk and right to the jail.

“Miss Lang, this really is no place for a woman.” Deputy Masterson, who had been left to wait with Clark, protested when Lana started through the door.

Ignoring the deputy’s objection she went to Clark. She hoped that the rumors were wrong but the look on his said otherwise. “Is what they’re saying true?”

“Yes. Lex killed Pa.” He answered, his emotions close enough to the surface that she could feel his anguish.

“Oh, Clark, I’m so sorry.” She said and wrapped her arms around him.

Holding her he felt a surprising sense of comfort. The last thing he wanted to do was let go of her but when Deputy Masterson uncomfortably cleared his throat Clark released her. “The deputy is right, Lana. Things could turn real ugly real quick.”

She nodded, knowing it wasn’t the time for it, she didn‘t put up an argument. “Is anyone with your mother?”

“No one was with her when I left.”

“I’ll go find the preacher and we’ll go out to your place. She shouldn’t be alone.”

“Thank you.” If they’d been alone he may have given in to his urge to gather her in his arms again. Looking down at her he said with his eyes what he couldn’t put into words.



It wasn’t long after Lana left when the sheriff and his other deputy started down Main street with Lex in tow. Lewis Lang had relinquished custody of Lex with a smile, deciding that this turn in events was definitely in his favor.

As they neared the jail the waiting crowd became more enlivened and soon there were voices calling for Lex’s head. The crowd began to close in on them, blocking off the path to the jail.

Putting himself between the mob and Lex the sheriff tried to use his rifle to push men out of the way. Making little progress, he began to shout out threats but his words were lost in the cries of the crowd. He started to raise his rifle to let off a warning shot when the crack of a gun that was not his own rang out and in the second of quiet confusion that followed a commanding voice filled the air.

“Let them pass!” All eyes turned to Clark who was standing in front of the jail with a rifle in his hands and a deadly expression on his face.

He looked from man to man. He had heard their hushed conversations since they’d started gathering together in the street; he knew some were here for vengeance for his pa and that others wanted pay back for the railroad. Either way it didn’t matter to Clark, all he wanted was to see things done right.

“What you’re doing here, it isn’t justice. It certainly isn’t what my Pa would have wanted.” Shamed, none of the men could meet his gaze. “Unless you’re willing to come through me, Luthor will have his trial.”

The tension that had been escalating was quickly evaporating and the tight knot of people around Lex began to loosen. As the crowd shifted he got his first clear view of Lex. He looked like he’d taken a beating but his battered face couldn’t hide his disbelief upon seeing Clark.

The sheriff roughly shoved Lex forward causing him to stumble. Even as he struggled to keep his feet he didn’t look away from Clark. His being there was impossible; when Lex had last seen him he’d been, without a doubt, dying.

Either Lex was hallucinating or Clark had come back from the dead. He couldn’t decide which one it was. Regardless of what was truly happening, Lex knew Clark’s unexpected and miraculous arrival was not a good sign.

[The Black Cat]

That was great!!! PPMS!!!

[shortcircuit85]

Another great chapter. I loved the conversation between Clark and Martha.

Thanks,

[LetMeGo]

Thanks again! I'm sorry it's taken so long. Good news is that it's close to the end!
--------------------------------

“You’re smiling again.”

“Am I not allow to smile?”

“Of course you are.” Chloe sighed at her sarcastic question. She’d been waiting for a couple weeks to talk to Lana about the subtle change in her demeanor. Not that it was a bad change, in fact it was quite the opposite. And she had her suspicious as to what, or more appropriately, who was responsible for Lana’s new outlook on life.

Clark Kent had also been noticeably different of late. He’d quit spending his time in the saloon and had stopped wearing his gun. Even the hostility he’d once fostered toward most folks in town had lessened considerably.

“Thank you.” Lana said, believing that Chloe would let it be.

Not one to give up though she couldn‘t stop herself from making one more comment. “I suppose it’s nothing to be alarmed about. After all, it’s just a harmless symptom of falling in love.”

“What?” Lana laughed, trying to sell the absurdity of such a notion.

“Don’t try that with me,” she smiled, shaking her head, “I know you far too well for it to work.”

“Do know how irritating that is?”

Chloe ignored the question, ready to move on to more interesting things. “Are you going to tell me about it or are you going to make me guess?”

She sighed in defeat. “Ever since Clark got back…”

“I knew it!” Chloe squealed, delighted at her deductive skills.

“We’re keeping it quiet for now.”

“How scandalous.” She said and got a warning look from Lana. “You have to be dying to talk about it.”

“I have been finding it difficult not to say anything to you.”

“You know I won’t tell a soul.”

A smile crept across her face as she thought of Clark. “When we were younger I never pictured it happening like it has but Clark was definitely worth the wait.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“Completely.” While it was true that their current courtship didn’t resemble her youthful fantasies it was far better than anything she could have wished for.

Having had once planned on a future that never came to pass, Lana was trying not to think too much about sharing a lifetime of tomorrows with Clark. Instead she was embracing a live in the moment philosophy. Which went against every thing she’d clung to since her dreams crashed, and she was loving every spontaneous turn that came along.

They never discussed what lay ahead for them, yet they always had something to talk about. Often their subject would be each other’s experiences while they were apart, Lana’s time in Metropolis and Clark’s travels, of the things she missed and of the places he wanted to show her.

One night he was recounting a trip to San Francisco where the bounty he’d been chasing had taken refuge in Chinatown. His descriptions of the sights and sounds fascinated her. Metropolis had a similar neighborhood of which she’d heard of but it wasn’t a part of the city a lady, with or without an escort, would venture into. When he offered to take her there that very evening she accepted without hesitation.

Being largely occupied by men Chinatown was full of places that catered to their vices, some of which made her blush. Clark insisted she try an array of exotic foods, which -to her great surprise- he ordered in fluent Chinese. It had been crowded and noisy and wonderful.

Being with Clark, breaking so many rules, brought back a part of herself she’d long forgotten. For years she’d been going through the motions, not truly living but conforming. The time she was spending with Clark was reawakening her soul.

Tonight they were meeting again and she couldn’t wait to see what adventure he had planned. He’d advised her to wear her nicest dress so it wasn’t likely they were taking another jaunt into the underbelly of society, though she wouldn’t have minded it. No matter where he took her being with him made anything fun and exciting.



Clark knocked and waited a moment, throwing a quick look around before entering the house. He always felt strange letting himself in but considering they were keeping their relationship under wraps they didn‘t want anyone catching him standing on her doorstep.

When he saw that she wasn’t in the front room he called to her and got a muffled answer from her bedroom that she’d be out in a minute. Knowing that when a woman said a minute it was likely to take a bit longer he sat down to wait it out.

Since letting down his guard and opening up to Lana there were moments when he could see a future for himself that didn’t involve him cooking his meals over a campfire or endless lonely hours in a saddle. However he hadn’t shared these thoughts with her, afraid of what her reaction might be.

She loved her job and spoke of it often, her eyes lighting up when recounting breakthroughs with her students. Getting married meant she’d no longer be eligible to teach. Asking her to give that up to be with him, especially when he had very little to offer her, seemed selfish.

There was the farm, which could support another family, but Clark got the distinct impression that Lana believed he was destined for more than plowing fields. He doubted she’d say anything but wondered if she’d let it keep her from accepting a proposal.

“What’s on your mind? You look so serious.” She said, having come out of her room and finding him deep in thought.

“It’s nothing.” He smiled as he got to his feet to meet her. “You look as pretty as a picture.”

She smiled back while he pulled her into his arms and proceeded to kiss her hello and, as often happened, their lips lingered longer than either had anticipated. Seeing one another around town, whether at church or at the dry goods store, and not being able to hint at the true nature of their relationship had it‘s effects on them. Their moments alone had an underlying urgency; each touch became more meaningful, each kiss something to savor.

“We could forget what I had planned and stay here.” He suggested.

“That does have it’s advantages,” She said, nestled against his chest, still encircled by his arms “but you did go to all the trouble of planning something.”

“It would be a shame for these to go to waste.” He said and proceeded to pull two tickets from his coat pocket for her to see.

“Romeo and Juliet?” Delight filled her eyes. “In Metropolis?”

“Well, you did say that you missed the culture Metropolis provided, the theater in particular.” Her excitement had him grinning ear to ear. “Shall we?”



“That was the best production of Romeo and Juliet I’ve seen!” She exclaimed as the left the theater hours later.

“Just how many times have you seen it?” He asked playfully and offered his arm to her, pleased that she’d enjoyed the play so much.

“A few but I‘ve read it countless times.” She responded, taking his arm. “It’s my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays. It breaks my heart every time.”

“Why would such a sad story be your favorite?”

“I guess it’s the romantic in me. I can’t help but root for them even when I know they’ll never get to live happily ever after.”

“Do you believe in happy endings Lana?” The lighthearted note had left his voice, and the implications of what he was truly asking weren’t lost on her.

She hesitated, afraid to believe. Afraid to be hurt. “I want to.”

Passing a bench, empty except for an abandoned copy of the Daily Planet carelessly left behind, Clark stopped and indicated that he’d like for them to sit. He grabbed the newspaper to clear a spot for himself, his mind on the things he wanted to say to her. But something caught his eye and stopped him from joining her on the bench.

“Clark?”

He didn’t move, he just continued to stare at the paper. Curious she craned her neck to see what had his attention and read the headline - Lex Luthor Announces His Bid for Senate Seat.


The honorable Judge Higgins, who had jurisdiction over Lowell County, was in Grandville presiding over a trial. Therefore Lex was awaiting his trial in the Smallville jail with no idea of when it would start. Though, each day that passed gave him a little more hope for his future.

With his life in danger of being forfeited at the end of a rope one would think that his mortality would be foremost on his mind but Lex was more troubled over his father‘s reaction than anything else. This cavalier attitude might have seemed strange but he’d been in tight spots before and had always walked away unscathed. Of course this time it was murder and there was a witness.

The Kent boy, who was unexplainably alive when he’d been badly wounded. No matter how he ran it through his head it didn‘t make sense. Perhaps the wound wasn’t as critical as it had appeared to be, that had to be it. There was no other reasonable explanation.

Still, there was something he was missing, he was sure of it, but putting it together was beyond him. He wasn’t in the position to ask questions about the Kent family and he couldn’t tell anyone what he’d seen without admitting his guilt.

With no sign of Montgomery, Lex supposed he’d gone for help. Once his father found out he’d do whatever it would take to get him off but Lex expected no sympathy from the man. Facing the gallows sounded more promising than facing Lionel Luthor.



Long before Lionel Luthor stepped off the stagecoach onto Smallville’s dusty Main Street he resented that he had to stop in this inconsequential town. This was yet another of Lex’s messes to clean up, luckily they hadn’t hung him yet.

Nearly a week had passed since Montgomery had shown up at Lionel’s offices in Metropolis, filthy and tired from the long trip, and delivered the news of Lex’s current predicament.

Initially he considered sending someone else to deal with Lex but decided to deal with his son himself. So now he was sitting in the office of some hick with an inflated ego who was making him wait. And worse Lionel needed something from the man, a position he never liked being in. This was the last straw, Lex wasn’t going to get anymore chances from his father.

“Mr. Luthor, I wish your visit to our town was under better circumstances.” Lewis Lang strode into the room. The forced sympathy plastered on his face couldn’t cover the self absorbed importance the man placed on himself.

“As do I Mr. Lang.”

“Have you seen your son yet?”

“I have not.” Lionel answered evenly.

“He’s accused of killing a good and honest man who happened to be highly respected by everyone in these parts. I’m afraid there is a very strong case against him. There’s a witness.”

“This is all a… misunderstanding.” Lionel leaned forward in his chair, an intent look on his face. “Much like the purposed route of the rail line, it‘s not too late for these misconceptions to be corrected.”

“The trial is tomorrow, he’ll have to face it.”

“I’m confident that Lex will be found not guilty, Mr. Lang. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I’d have to say his chances have improved substantially, Mr. Luthor. And as for the railroad…?”

“You should have trains running through Smallville by next spring if every thing goes as planned.”

“I assure you, Mr. Luthor, it will.” Lewis rose to shake hands to seal the deal.



Clark sat in the crowded court room, next to his mother, waiting with everyone else for the verdict. The past few days had been full of testimony, including his own, which had been difficult to get through without revealing his secret but he had managed.

The surprise had been when a witness came forward saying he’d been with Lex all that afternoon serving as a guide of the area and swore there was no way he could have killed Jonathan. Coming from Eddie Cole, the town drunk, the story didn’t hold much water. It was a ploy clear and simple; anyone could see that.

On his turn to testify Lex proved to be an excellent liar, which was no surprise all things considered. What sounded completely fabricated when Eddie had said it became much more plausible when it came out of Lex’s mouth. Regardless, the case against him was strong. Still, Clark was left with an unsettled feeling.

Maybe it was the self assured way Lex sat throughout the trial or the knowing smirk that Lex wore during Clark’s testimony but Clark couldn’t shake his misgivings.

When the jury came in with their verdict Clark held his breath. The foreman stood when called upon and read aloud their decision… not guilty.

The room exploded in cries of disbelief but Clark sat stone still, feeling as though his heart had stopped beating.

[LetMeGo]

Here’s an update for anyone still reading. ;)
---------------------------------

Since starting their secret courtship Lana’s weekly visits to the Kent farm had continued as usual, however with Martha’s blessing and encouragement she spent most of her time there with Clark.

Pulling her buggy to a stop in the barnyard she was disappointed that Clark didn’t come out to meet her. She had been worrying about him since their discovery of Lex Luthor’s political aspirations the other night. He didn’t take it well, becoming withdrawn for the rest of the evening. She hadn’t talked to him since.

It wasn’t unusual for them to go a day or two without seeing each other but given the circumstances she couldn’t help herself from fretting over it. Walking up to the house, still with no sign of him, her trepidation grew.

“Lana.” Martha smiled when she opened the door.

“Hello Mrs. Kent.” She said, managing a pleasant expression that didn’t quiet qualify as a smile.

“How are you dear?”

“I’m doing well. How have you been?”

“Other than Clark‘s dark mood of the past couple of days I‘ve been good.” Martha saw the concern in Lana‘s eyes and felt incredibly grateful to this woman who‘d broken through her son‘s emotional armor and hoped that she could get past it once again. “I believe Clark is in the barn; he could use someone to talk to.”



Clark was tending to the horses when he heard Lana’s buggy coming down their lane. He didn’t move to go meet her. It wasn’t that he was trying to avoid her, he just couldn’t bring himself to go out there and act like everything was fine. Listening to her approach he continued working, knowing that sooner or later she’d find him.

He was brushing down the last of the horses when she came in. Their eyes met for a moment and he continued working on horse’s flank without saying anything.

“Your mother said you’d be out here.”

“There were a few things that needed seeing to.” He said and she nodded her head like it made sense but he could tell she knew something was amiss.

“I haven’t seen you in a couple of days…”

He looked away, unsure of how to explain his absence of late. “All that stuff with Luthor, it brought everything back.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?”

He ran one final stroke over the horse’s side before setting the brush aside and giving her his full attention. He was reluctant to share his thoughts with her but knew that he couldn’t put it off, no matter how badly he wanted to.

“That day, when he got off, I followed him and his father out of town. I wasn’t going to let him walk away, and after hearing the old man chew him out over the deal he’d made I was of a mind to put an end to him as well.

“But as I listened to the lashing he was taking over what it was going to cost to redirect the railroad I thought of Pa. There were plenty of times that he was less than happy with me but he never cut me down until I felt like nothing. I almost felt sorry for Lex.

“I came close to killing two men that day. Guilty as the might have been, I couldn’t do it. I remembered that conversation between my parents about my powers and Pa‘s concern over me abusing them. I didn’t want to become the thing Pa had feared I’d become.”

“You did the right thing, not killing them.”

“I suppose.” He answered, his gut telling him the world would be a better place without either of the Luthors.

She understood his lack of conviction but she knew that he’d never have forgiven himself if he’d killed them, no matter how deserving they were of it. Whether he was aware of it or not he held himself to a higher standard, the one Jonathan Kent had expected of him.

“The day I left Smallville,” He said “I stopped believing that there was any justice in this world and that article the other night reaffirmed that feeling. A cold blooded murder in a place of power? It doesn’t seem right.”

“It’s not right, not by far.”

“He has to be stopped.”

“I completely agree with you. The question is how are we going to stop him?”

“We? There is no ‘we’ Lana, it’s too dangerous. I have to do this on my own.”

“He’s free because of my father. If anyone needs to take responsibility in stopping Lex Luthor it’s me, that burden rests on my shoulders.”

“Lana…” He started shaking his head but she wouldn’t have it and continued to make her case.

“After you left it didn’t take long for the truth to come out. I know you blame the townsfolk for letting it happen but no one was happy with what he did, though they were happy enough for the railroad to come through town. Papa lost everything.

“People stopped doing business with him and he lost the influence he‘d had around town. When I left for finishing school I wasn’t speaking to him. In the end he was a broken shell of the man I’d once looked up to, and I believe that’s what really killed him.

“When I came back people still looked at me with pity and disapproval, I couldn’t understand why Mama wanted to stay here. Our name had been tarnished.”

“I get that you feel honor bound to rectify the situation but I can’t protect you from him.”

“What about you? If he’s still wearing that ring you’re as vulnerable as anyone else.”

She could tell what he was thinking by the expression on his face. And while he may be willing to take that risk she knew she’d never have a moment’s peace not knowing if he was alright each night.

“I’ve already made some inquiries at The Daily Planet and I have an interview with the editor for a position there.”

“The Daily Planet?” She asked not sure how that fit into stopping Lex.

“As a reporter I’d have a platform to expose Luthor for what he is. It’s not a perfect plan.” He admitted before she said anything. “But between my abilities and the newspaper I think I have a chance of blowing his masquerade of the concerned public servant wide open.”

“So you’re going to leave again?”

“It’s the only way.”

“Then I’m going to Metropolis too.” She said with a determined nod. Seeing his jaw tighten as he set in to argue she added, “You’re not going to talk me out of it.”

“If anything happened to you…” he started shaking his head.

“It’s dangerous, I understand that, but I’m not staying here. I’ll go on my own if I must.”

He admired her spunk in spite of his frustration. “There is nothing I want more than to be with you but he took my father away from me, I’m not going to lose the woman I love to him too.”

“You love me?” She asked softly, this unprecedented profession of feelings brought every other thought in her head to a sudden, screeching halt.

“I do.” He said, taking a step toward her and placed his hands on her waist, gazing intently into her eyes. “Which is why your safety is more important to me than anything else.”

“There has to be a way, Clark. I’m not staying here while the man I love is off fighting for truth and justice.”

“You really mean that?”

“Every bit of it.” She said showing no signs of backing down.

“You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever run across.” Clark grumbled, not doubting for a second that she‘d be on the first train to Metropolis the day he left. He could argue with her further, he probably should, but it seemed fruitless. On top of that, she was saying the things he really wanted to hear, even if he had his misgivings over her safety.

His will was breaking under the unspoken beseeching in her hazel eyes. Maybe it was wrong or selfish but none of that mattered to him at the moment. He was holding what mattered most in his arms and he realized that he couldn’t give her up.

“We’ll find a way.” He heard himself promise, the wheels in his head already turning to find a solution that would work.

[Nemu]

Yeah they will find a way... lol Stubborn Lana is nice... Either bring her with him and have her close at hand to protect her... or she follows him and then he will be 1000x more stressed because she would be out there without him...

PPMS!!

[17GABRIELA17]

nice!

[smolex]

To start with LetMeGo this is a wonderful story that I am enjoying immensely. Keep up the excitment.

For the quote below you know she is just going to follow him when he tries to keep her away to make the story be interesting :). Just my guess.


Yeah they will find a way... lol Stubborn Lana is nice... Either bring her with him and have her close at hand to protect her... or she follows him and then he will be 1000x more stressed because she would be out there without him...

PPMS!!

[LetMeGo]

Thanks! :D

So here it is… the end! I always intended to end it at this point though I know it could go on following Clark and Lana’s experiences in Metropolis. However, I’m ready to move on to other projects.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read and hanging in there in between updates!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Clark listened to the sounds of civilization coming from the city sprawled out beneath him. Dusk was settling in and the gas street lamps were being lit one by one, giving Metropolis a warm beckoning glow. It had become one of his favorite moments of the day, second only to waking up next to the woman he loved each morning.

He’d had his doubts after agreeing to bring Lana with him to Metropolis. Her safety weighing on his mind but he’d changed his approach regarding Luthor. Before he had been ready to doggedly go after him without worrying over a confrontation, perhaps even hoping for one.

His adjustment in his plans was to use his position at the Daily Planet to find a fellow reporter who wouldn’t be afraid to go up against Lex. Once he’d found his man he’d then feed them what he was able to uncover while he wrote articles about more mundane stories that wouldn’t have a chance of making the front page or garnering the attention of one Lex Luthor.

His powers had presented a different challenge. Previously he’d planned on using his gifts as he always had, secretly. But as he and Lana discussed their plans they both wondered if one lone reporter would be enough to get the public to act. Metropolis was a cynical place and corruption in government was tolerated, if not expected to some degree.

With all of that on his mind Clark began to think of the things Jor-El had tried to teach him during his time at the Fortress.

People needed to be inspired; it was true throughout human history. Given something to believe in the citizens of Metropolis would stand against immorality and injustice and fight for their city. Of this he was sure.

Jor-El’s purpose in sending him here was to fulfill that role. The idea didn’t sit well with Clark. He had never wanted to be the one to show the way to greatness, a leader of men, a god among men. He didn’t want attention or the burden of it all and spent years running from it.

Jonathan Kent had taught him to be humble, to care about others, and to never shirk his duty. Both the man who’d given him life and the man who’d raised him had expected great things from him. By deciding to act against Lex, Clark knew he’d never be able to run again. He had finally accepted his birthright.

In order to have any kind of normal life with Lana he would become something other than Clark Kent, at least while he was doing his ‘guiding of humanity’ thing. With that in mind he went to his mother and asked her to help him come up with a disguise.

After sharing his idea with her he left most of the decisions about his costume up to her discretion, his only input being that he didn’t want to wear a mask. The finished product was something to behold. A blue body suit with red trunks on the outside and a red cape. The finishing touch was the El family crest that had been on the blanket he’d been wrapped in when sent to Earth stitched onto the chest.

Both Martha and Lana agreed that no one would be looking at his face. They were right, of course. He’d never seen a getup like it. It had been perfect and now it stood as a symbol for something greater than himself.

In a moment of inspiration Lana had given him her father’s old spectacles, suggesting that he might want to wear them while he was out and about in Metropolis as himself as an extra measure of security. In turn he’d given her a small derringer pistol, which could easily be carried in her garter. It only had one shot but after a little practice she had become very good with it.

Everything was falling together and he asked her one more time if she was sure about going with him. She assured him that there was no where else she’d rather be then by his side. That was when he officially proposed to her, he even got down on one knee.

Lana resigned shortly after that, causing a bit of a stir around town. Leaving in the middle of the term meant the children would go without schooling until a new teacher could be hired. That, however, wasn’t what got their tongues wagging. Her engagement to Clark caused all manner of speculation. Being the center of gossip was nothing new to either of them and they paid it little mind, willing to give the town something to talk about.

On her last day at the school Lana had found it hard to say goodbye. Her students had been one of the few bright spots in her life. However, the sadness of farewells was tempered by a future with Clark in Metropolis that was awaiting her.

They were wed in a simple ceremony with their mothers and a few friends in attendance. The next day, after promising to come back for an occasional visit and more goodbyes, they left for Metropolis.

They made their home in a row house in a relatively nice neighborhood considering their budget. Lana went out of her way to make it warm and welcoming, making it a sanctuary from the troubles he encountered while fighting Metropolis’ criminal element.

His crime fighting started small as he built the public’s trust in him. A rescue here a stopped burglary there. Before long the city was buzzing about their new red and blue hero.

While he was making a splash as his caped alter ego he hadn’t forgotten the reason he’d decided to come to Metropolis in the first place. He kept tabs on Lex Luthor and found that he was making payoffs and promises to anyone and everyone to get the senate seat. Some of it was perfectly legal but most of it was blatantly illegal. Politics as usual in Metropolis.

Lex would be the springboard for reform.

Finding a reporter for the job proved more difficult than he’d thought. Many of the reporters were puppets for those with money and power. Perry White, the editor of the paper, was a genuine news man and wanted to weed out those with agendas other than honest, factual reporting. So he didn’t worry about the story getting printed, he just needed to find someone to write it.

His solution came in the form of Lois Lane. She was an oddity in the male dominated profession of journalism. Many of their co-workers considered her a joke but she’d actually gotten a few articles printed with the byline L. J. Lane, an attempt to keep the focus on her work not her gender. Her drive to prove herself made her more willing and enthusiastic about a story that would make her the most hated reporter by some of the most powerful people in Metropolis.

Miss Lane got an exclusive interview with the city’s new superhero and the whole city was hanging on her every word. By the time Clark was giving her the information on Lex Luthor she had a big following. With her story the public was outraged, calling for punishment of those who‘d betrayed the public trust. Committees were formed to investigate and soon Lex, along with several others, had ruined reputations and were facing jail time.

While Clark was busy with beginning both of his careers Lana was filling her time as well. She was very involved with the women’s suffrage movement, becoming an early member of the National American Women Suffrage Association. Taking up the fight for a woman’s right to vote.

Collecting signatures, helping organize rallies, making pamphlets… there was plenty to do. A long road stretched out ahead of them but Lana and her associates believed that their work wouldn’t be done until there was an amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing the right to vote to women across the country.

Clark was incredibly proud of her and the work she was doing.

With their original objective reached, Lex would never hold public office now and his reputation was ruined, Clark was surprised that he was still getting so much satisfaction out of being Superman. That title, one that Lois had assigned him, still made him a little uncomfortable, though Lana insisted it fit him well.

Things at the Daily Planet were becoming more fulfilling as well. With Lex no longer a threat he’d begun to seek out bigger stories and Mr. White was showing more confidence in his writing ability. The month before he’d even given Clark a raise.

Life was good. He and Lana were happier than he could have imagined. And just when he thought it couldn’t get any better Lana had announced that she was in the family way. His surprise quickly turned to delight at the prospect of being a father.

He’d been hopeless for years, wandering without a purpose but Lana, and now their coming child, gave him promise for the future. The S on his chest, the Kryptonian symbol for hope, couldn’t be more appropriate. That message, the message of hope, was what he wanted to share with the world more than anything else because without it there would only be darkness.

[Nemu]

Well finally things are going good for them... great ending!!!

[The Black Cat]

I loved it!!! Thanks for sharing

[17GABRIELA17]

Sweet! I love it!
the s on his chest, the kryptonian symbol for hope, couldn’t be more appropriate:)