Beyond Smallville: All's Fair in Love...

[madcloisfan]

ppms

[gardy1]

All's Fair In Love... continues

Clark was about to check on Laura, attracted by all of the noise coming from the other end of the fairway, when a young woman came up to him. “Hi Clark.” She glanced around nervously. The woman had shoulder length blonde hair, and brown eyes.

He took a moment to recall her face. Clark’s memory seemed to be improving every day along with his physical stature. Apparently, his physiology was still growing, adapting to the bright yellow sun from which he’d drawn his power over the years.

“Abigail!” Clark smiled. “You remembered!” She briefly hugged him. Clark felt a bit woozy with the contact, but tried to tough it out. Abigail Fine must’ve continued her meteor rock enhanced cosmetic treatments, he guessed. “Its just Abby, for you!” She grinned.

“Uh…is Lana around?” Abby ruined Clark’s day. “No. Lana and I are no longer together.” He frowned. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. I never did properly apologize to her for that stunt I pulled a few years ago.” Abby said earnestly.

“How’re you doing?” Clark quickly changed the subject. “Okay. I’m a senior at Metropolis University, majoring in Cosmetology.” Abby snickered. “Don’t worry, Clark, I only use the refined meteor rocks for my own treatments. Everything else is legal, by the book.”

“My mom is still serving time, though.” Abby admitted as they walked across the thoroughfare. “I’m sorry Abby, but your mother has to pay for her crimes.” Clark stated. “I understand, Clark. It hasn’t been too bad though. I’ve managed to get on with my life.”

“I actually got two hundred hours of community service for my involvement in her scheme. I found that it inspired me to move forward.” Abby sidled in a little closer to Clark, making him dizzy. He discreetly edged away far enough to limit the effect.

“You’re still taking the treatments, Abby.” He began sternly. “You should remember that a person should love you for who you are, not what you look like on the outside.” Abby nodded. “I know, Clark, but I want to build a good life for myself before I look for a significant other anyway.” He could relate to that, Clark considered.

“I have the meteor rock enhanced treatments strictly controlled by my doctor, Emil Hamilton.” Abby escorted him to a nearby table. He slid on the seat a few feet away from her. “Dr. Hamilton?” Clark’s eyes widened. That guy sure gets around, he mused.

“Yes. Dr. Hamilton is an expert on the properties of the meteor rocks.” Abby informed him. “Check this out, Clark.” Abby smirked as she closed her eyes, and concentrated. She quickly reverted to her plain looking self on command. “I can turn it on and off like a faucet.”

“That’s not all.” Abby took a moment to return to her clean, skin damage-free self. Glancing around cautiously, she made sure that no one was paying them any mind. Abby took a deep breath, and simply became invisible. Clark couldn’t even see her with his enhanced vision.

“Wow! Abby?” Clark immediately became worried, given his late girlfriend Alicia’s amazing ability to appear or disappear at will. She took another hard swallow, and Abby became visible again. She was extremely tired after the event. “Isn’t that amazing?” She boasted.

“I can’t do it too often, because it uses up too much of my energy.” Abby yawned as proof, stretching leisurely. Clark recognized Abby’s potential danger. Should she choose to use her ability for evil, she could be formidable indeed.

“Abby, listen to me.” Clark was upset. “You shouldn’t use that ability at all. The temptation to do wrong will be too great.” Abby shrugged. “I’m just glad that I have it if I need it.” Clark got the impression that she didn’t fully understand the implications.

“Abby, people will want to use you for your unusual power.” He lectured. “I know Clark.” She defended calmly. “I didn’t just fall off a Smallville vegetable truck. In fact, there have been people that hang around Met U. asking all kinds of bizarre questions.”

“Such as?” Clark prodded the naïve beauty. “There’s this one guy, clean cut, cropped blonde hair, who has a webpage linked to Met U called ‘Different Folks’. He’s gotten some hits that freak me out. Tales of strange beings from another planet with superior abilities.”

Abby continued. “We all thought that he was a crackpot who watched too much Science Fiction on TV. Yet people still insist on contacting him. To each their own, I guess.” Before Clark could question Abby further, Lois came over and interrupted them. “Hey Smallville! What’s all the fuss…?”

Abby glanced up at her. “Oh, hi there.” She greeted Lois coldly. “Lois, you remember Abby from Smallville High?” Clark inquired.

“Oh yeah. Still over baking those cookies I see.” Lois sniped. “Huh?” Abby had missed the point. Clark flushed. “Lois. Don’t be petty!” He admonished his new partner at the Daily Planet. Abby frowned, but said nothing. “Anyway, good to see you again, Clark.”

Abby got up and left without any further comment to Lois. “You are a piece of work, Lois.” Clark shook his head. “What?” She folded her arms expectantly. “By the way, Smallville, while you were hangin’ with your old schoolmate, I was working.”

“Doing what, exactly?” Clark sighed as Lois sat beside him. “Helping Kara get set up for the Talon Coffee Taste Testing, and manning the Daily Planet promotions booth. I could use your help. There’s also some kind of a commotion going on at the far end of the pleasance.”

“Your reporter instincts kicking in already?” Clark gently teased her. “Either that or I’m on a major sugar buzz from all of the lemonades I’ve been drinking.” Lois smiled, easing Clark’s mild annoyance with her. “Olsen! It’s about time!” Lois spied Jimmy’s approach.

Jimmy casually walked up with his full camera gear. “I don’t know, Lois. I doubt if we’re going to hit on a major front page lead for the Daily Planet out here in the boonies.” Jimmy whined. “No offense, CK.” Clark was ignoring him for the moment. An uttered phrase had caught the attention of his super sensitive hearing.

He’d heard the words ‘Red and Blue Blur’, from across the thoroughfare. “Jimbo, why don’t you check on the hubbub at the other end of the fair? I smell a story.” Lois suggested. “That’s not what I smell.” Jimmy joked as he wrinkled his nose. “Nice!” Clark smirked.

Jimmy dutifully made his way across the fairgrounds, and sure enough, he stumbled across Laura’s Gold Wing stunt. The young photojournalist gawked, hurriedly setting his camera up for an exclusive Gold Wing promo. “Hey now!” Laura snapped.

“Read the sign, camera bug!” She pointed to her list of prices. “It’s a five spot for every picture of Gold Wing you snag.” Jimmy chuckled. “I’m from the Daily Planet.” Laura shrugged. “Then I assume you’re getting a paycheck?” She challenged.

“Fine!” Jimmy reached into his pocket and pulled out a five, slapping it on the booth’s counter. Laura walked out from behind the booth and struck a pose. Jimmy snapped three pictures in a row. “Hey! One per customer, buddy!” Laura quickly resumed her post, lining up the next round of teenage boys for her kissing booth.

“Do you take two dollars in change?” Jimmy grinned. “Sure, all legit money is appreciated.” Laura responded. Three boys were ahead of him. Jimmy grabbed his cell and speed dialed Lois, explaining the situation. “She did what?” The young reporter was surprised.

“What?” Clark prodded worriedly. “Jimmy says that there’s a girl in a kissing booth dressed up in a costume that says she knows the Red and Blue Blur.” Lois flipped off her cell phone excitedly. Crap! Clark knew exactly who that was. “You believe her?” He scoffed.

“At this point, here in Smallville, I’d believe anything.” Lois stood up, and fumbled around in her purse for a steno pad and pen. “C’mon Smallville, let’s check it out!” Lois encouraged. Clark reluctantly followed her down the pleasance.

“It’s probably just a publicity stunt.” He downplayed the event. “Maybe it would make a fine human interest story.” Lois countered. They located Jimmy, receiving his kiss from Laura. Clark chuckled as Lois cast him a sidelong glance. She gave Laura a good once over.

“I like the costume.” Lois remarked as she cut in line ahead of two college age boys. “Hey! No cuts, lady!” One complained, as Lois ignored him. Clark rolled his eyes. “Gold Wing, is it?” She began, and scribbled something on her steno pad. “Lois Lane, Daily Planet.”

Laura reddened. This would be a good test of her ability to lead a double life. Could she fool Lois? “Miss Lane.” Laura tried to deepen her voice to disguise it. “I hadn’t really planned for this occasion, but it is the twenty first century after all. Miss Lane, if you want a kiss it will cost you the same as everybody else, two dollars.” Laura couldn’t resist giving Lois some grief.

Clark and Jimmy laughed raucously, and the other boys joined in soon after. Lois flushed a bright red. “Now him I would kiss for free.” Laura playfully flirted with Clark.

“What’s your game, Gold Wing?” Lois asked, all business again. “Is this a publicity stunt, or something more substantial?” Laura shrugged. “I decided to do something for charity, and yes, for publicity.” Lois hurriedly scrawled that down.

“Do you, in fact, know the Red and Blue Blur?” Lois hit her with the tough question. “Yes.” Laura kept her answers short as Clark shifted his weight uncomfortably. “Care to elaborate?” Lois probed. “No.” Laura grinned. “When the Red and Blue Blur decides the time is right, he or she, will reveal themselves to us.”

Nice cover. Clark silently praised his unintended protégée. “Do you have any special abilities?” Lois kept digging. “Sure. My devastating smile.” Laura quipped. “Show her!” The boys began yelling from the back of the line. “Lady, get a move on!” Another teen in line grumbled. “Fine.” Laura smirked as she dashed away.

Lois glanced around nervously. “Whoa! Where’d she go?” The persistent reporter quickly checked behind the booth for a trap door, or some other way of making a quick escape. She found nothing. “See Lois, you scared away your only lead!” Clark gibed.

continues

[gardy1]

All's Fair, continues

Chapter 8:

Laura zipped back to the Kent farm and changed into her royal blue swimsuit, returning swiftly, just as Kara waltzed up to the Miss Cream Corn staging area in her bright orange red bikini. “There you are!” Kara exclaimed. “I thought that I was going out there alone.”

“Hey K Girl.” Laura’s eyes narrowed. “Ready to do the walk of shame?” Kara nodded, though she wasn’t entirely sure what Laura meant. Old Ed Wood, the current president of Ross Creamed Corn, announced the beginning of the contest.

The first girl, Sharon, wearing a black and silver bikini did her pageant walk, amid hoots and hollers from the mostly male audience. Lois and Clark had edged their way near the stage, as Jimmy snapped a multitude of photos. He was clearly enjoying this event.
“This is so lame. Beauty pageants set women’s lib back fifty years.” Lois grumbled. “What’s the matter Lois? Disappointed that no one suggested that you go up there?” Clark rode her. “Hardly, Smallville.” Lois replied. “They should have a mature woman in their contest.”

Clark held back a snicker. Giving Lois a hard time would just make working together that much more difficult for them. “I seem to recall someone wearing a nice red, white, and blue bikini at one time.” Clark teased her as Jimmy’s eyes lit up. “Do tell!” He encouraged.

“Olsen! Focus on the photos for the Planet, will you?” Lois snapped. “Besides, Smallville, that was business.” She immediately realized how that sounded. “Dish the dirt, CK!” Jimmy taunted. “No chance Jimmy. I like my face right where it is!” Clark joked.

Lois smirked. “See Clark, you’re learning. Growing in wisdom by leaps and bounds.” She needled. “Here’s Kara.” Jimmy gawked as the young super girl flashed a great smile as she did her walk for the audience and the honorary judges, all male, of course.

Laura walked on stage next. Clark couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Partially because he expected her to do something dumb, and partially because he wondered what might have been. “Oh pu-lease!” Lois argued with a typical local farmer standing next to her.

“These girls wouldn’t give most of the men here the time of day.” She sniped, as Jimmy winced. Clark knew that he’d already dated Laura, and if not for Chloe, Jimmy likely would’ve dated Kara. That would have brought it’s own set of problems, he mused.

“Lois! Relax and have fun, will you?” Clark complained. “Yeah, well I don’t see any Mr. Creamed Corn contestants up there.” Lois countered. Clark shrugged. “You can always suggest that to Mr. Wood.”

Laura finished her walk through and headed off to the side of the stage. She came face to face with Dick Grayson and Barbara. As of yet, Mr. Wayne hadn’t returned. “That was interesting.” Dick greeted her. Barbara scowled. “For whom?”

Laura grinned thinly. “Is that a good interesting or a bad interesting, Richard?” Nightwing smiled. “A good interesting.” Barbara rolled her eyes. Mr. Wood was explaining the balloting procedures to the mildly amused audience.

“The lady with the highest amount of dollar votes wins the coveted title of Miss Creamed Corn. Of course, all of the dollars will be given to Ross Canning local charities.” The elderly man walked off, as the girls got ready for the next phase of the contest, the talent show.

“Talent show, or lack thereof.” Lois remarked cynically. Clark tried to remain positive. “Lois, last year they had a pretty good girl who could sing and fiddle.” Lois put her finger down her throat in the ‘you make me nauseous’ gesture.

“She actually received a music scholarship for Met U.” He added, but by now Lois’s attention span had wavered as she spotted Bruce Wayne in the background. “Okay, Smallville, you can sit here and cheer your cousin and ex girlfriend on, I’m going to snag a major interview.”

Lois got up and began trailing Mr. Wayne as he skulked around backstage, purposely avoiding the crowds that most likely would’ve recognized him. Dick and Barbara intercepted her. “Are you lost, Miss Lane?” Barbara challenged.

“What? No. Who are you again?” Lois readied a spray can of mace, which she carried in her purse. “We’re associates of Mr. Wayne.” Robin / Nightwing explained menacingly. “Part of our assignment is to keep unwarranted press away from him.” Barbara added.

“Yeah, well I’m not exactly the Paparazzi. Lois Lane, Daily Planet.” She showed them her press card. “We know who you are, Miss Lane.” Dick continued. “Mr. Wayne will issue a statement and give a speech at an appointed time, not before.” Barbara moved in closer.

Lois suddenly felt threatened. “Back off, Missy.” She stared at Batgirl. “We don’t want any trouble, Miss Lane.” Dick said calmly. “Mr. Wayne’s rules are explicit.” Lois had to swallow her pride and move on. She hated to walk away from a fight.

Lois grumbled and headed back towards the front of the stage. Dick and Barbara bumped fists, and continued to shadow Bruce. He was engaged in a conversation with Kara and Laura. The girls were to relocate to the Kent Farm, and go over their gown fitting session.

Bruce Wayne had an ulterior motive, of course. He and the teen superheroes had been doing some research into the strange stories that had gone on in Smallville and now Metropolis. Chloe’s Wall of Weird Com, and Isis Foundation had piqued the Batman’s curiosity.

Clark Kent’s name had come up often enough to warrant the Gotham City crime fighter’s interest. The Batman was always one step ahead of his opponents, and was very good at threat assessment. His mission was to find out exactly how Clark Kent, Chloe Sullivan, and Lex Luthor, all fit together. He hadn’t counted on Kara Kent’s involvement either.

Add to that the fact that Senator Martha Kent was related to both of the young people, and Bruce figured he had the makings of a new mystery, and a possible security threat. Though Chloe had referred to her clientele as ‘meteor infected’, Bruce had a different name for them: Metahumans.

Strictly defined by Bruce, Metahumans were any humans that possessed unusual or amplified abilities. They were also referred to as mutants, genetic manips, or beings of unknown origin.

The Batman had encountered such genetic aberrations as the Manbat, Killer Croc, and even Barbara Gordon’s former best friend, Pamela Isley, commonly known as Poison Ivy.
Bruce’s manservant, Alfred, had brought the Wayne Co limousine around in back of the stage. Dick, Barbara, Kara, and Laura all piled in. Bruce, oddly enough rode up front beside Alfred. They took off for the Kent Farm before the crowd could gather.

Lois stomped her foot in frustration as she watched the limo depart. Clark was extremely curious as to why the young billionaire picked up Kara and Laura. Kara had called her Aunt Martha ahead of time, to warn of the dressmaker’s and Bruce’s approach.

Jimmy had found Chloe and they joined Lois and Clark beside the stage. “Wait until you see these pics, CK.” Jimmy boasted. “Jimmy, I know what my cousin and Laura look like.” Clark muttered. “No, not those. The ones I took of that Gold Wing in action.”

“Oh? What did she do?” Clark was almost afraid to ask. “She crushed some boulders with her bare hands.” He replied. Chloe and Clark exchanged glances. Laura had come out of the closet, so to speak. Lois scowled. “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating, Jimbo?”

“No, I swear, Lois.” Jimmy waved the digital camera at her. “If that’s true, then her claim that she knows the elusive Red and Blue Blur could also be true.” Lois hurriedly scribbled some thoughts down on her steno pad. Chloe glanced at Clark who shrugged.

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[madcloisfan]

ppms

[gardy1]

All's Fair...

PG-13 Chapter 9

Clark, Lois, Jimmy, and Chloe all casually checked out the fair, which was in full swing by now. Every booth had someone beside it or in front of it. “Hey Clark!” A female’s voice called from behind them. A medium sized young woman with sandy brown hair waved.

Lois glanced at Clark disapprovingly. “Isn’t there anyone here that you don’t know, Smallville?” She teased. “Well it is a fairly small community, Lois.” Clark defended. Jimmy checked this newcomer out, and Chloe took a moment to recall who she was.

“Sara? Sara Conroy?” Clark grinned as he approached her. “Hi!” Sara glanced behind him. “Where’s Lana?” Lois rolled her eyes. Chloe and Jimmy initiated their own discussion. Most likely, Chloe was informing him about Sara and Clark’s history, minus some detail of course.

“Hey Sara. Um…Lana and I ultimately didn’t work out.” Clark was growing tired of answering that very question, time and time again. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Sara said honestly. “I liked Lana.” Clark swallowed hard and introduced Sara to them formally.

“Okay Clark, where do you know this one from?” Lois sighed. “Clark and I slept together!” Sara quipped. Apparently, she’d developed a cynical sense of humor over the last few years. Clark reddened as Sara hugged him playfully. “Too much information.” Lois grumbled.

“Way to go, CK!” Jimmy butted in. Chloe elbowed him sharply in the ribs. “Actually, we literally did sleep together.” Sara explained about the bizarre dream sharing that they’d experienced. “Chloe, you were so right when you said that this town was weird.” Lois said tiredly.

“If someone invaded my dreams, well, I’d say you must be over eighteen to enter.” Lois joked. “Now that’s too much information.” Clark ribbed his good friend and coworker. Sara smiled politely, but had something else on her mind. “Clark? Do you have a minute?” She asked warily.

“Sure.” Clark let Sara lead him away from the others, and towards the beer tent. Chloe and Jimmy held hands and wandered away from Lois to check out the snacks. An empty, irritated feeling entered Lois’s stomach. Though she didn’t know why, Clark seemed to be aggravating her today.

“What’s up, Sara?” Clark asked with concern. “Remember when we went through all that with my nasty uncle? Since then, he’s been in jail, and I’ve done alright for myself, but the dreams had some kind of lasting effect.” Sara began evasively. “Like what?” Clark wondered.

“I can sometimes see people’s thoughts.” Sara admitted worriedly. “Sara, how could you know that the people were thinking about whatever for sure?” Clark inquired. “I’ve had myself tested by some reputable mental health experts.” Sara appeared to be nervous as she spoke.

“At first I thought that I was going crazy, and then I thought that maybe the drugs my uncle had me on, may have some long term health risks.” Sara took a breath. “You know, like a recovering drug addict would have.” Clark nodded. “You mean withdrawal symptoms?”

“Maybe.” Sara wasn’t convinced. “Like I said, I’ve had experts check me out over and over. They say that my system has no addictive qualities. Meaning, I have no physical symptoms from the drug dependency. I guessed that it was closer to a flashback type of thing, like soldiers have when they’ve returned from battle.” Clark nodded. “Post traumatic stress syndrome.”

“Exactly.” Sara agreed. “I wish I could help.” Clark said sincerely. “I know. I’m at the end of my rope, here Clark. I have good medical coverage, but I’ve also spent a considerable amount of my family fortune on a variety of treatments. Nothing seems to help.”

“I have to stop putting out all of that money.” Sara shook her head. “What funds I have left, I intend to use to pay off my educational loans, buy a house, and start my own business one day. I’ve majored in Clinical Psychology for obvious reasons.”

“Maybe you just have to accept that you’ll always have these abilities.” Clark offered, only realizing now that with Sara’s ‘talent’, she would probably learn of his secret. “Can you read my mind?” He asked. Sara concentrated hard. “No. You’re still a mystery to me, Clark Kent.”

She smiled broadly, as Clark breathed a sigh of relief. “Lois, on the other hand…” Sara winced. “Lois loves you, Clark.” He gulped. “I’m sorry. You didn’t want to know that, did you?” Sara wished that she could take it all back. “Uh…Lois doesn’t really know what she wants.” He flushed. “That may be true, but her heart and mind aren’t lying.” Sara sighed.

“I’m more worried about you.” Clark deflected. “Can you live with these powers? I mean, can you control them at all?” Sara shrugged. “So far, so good. I’ve been disciplining my thoughts as much as I can. As you might imagine, big crowds like this, tend to freak me out.”

Clark and Sara skirted the beer tent, and edged near the live music stage. “I’ve learned to listen with my mind. It helps me to get used to the onslaught of random thoughts around me. I can usually block them out…” Sara suddenly silenced, and slowed to a stop.

“Sara?” Clark stopped alongside her. “Are you okay?” Sara paled as she turned towards him. “Someone nearby is thinking about murder.” She glanced around nervously. Clark swallowed hard. How could we ever know who that would be? He silently considered.

“It’s happened before.” Sara shuddered. “I realize that just because someone is thinking about murder, that doesn’t mean they’ll follow through. It also could be that someone read a good murder mystery, and was thinking about it, or even a TV show or movie.”

Clark calmed slightly. “Yeah, I see how that could get confusing. We can’t arrest a person for thinking about murder, anyway.” Sara edged forward. “They’ve passed us by.” She announced. Clark was fascinated. “Sara, do you have any idea how far out your thought range can go?”

“Not really.” She admitted. “It seems to be limited to my local area, maybe within a few dozen yards or so.” Clark didn’t quite know how to help the mysterious Sara. I wonder if Oliver has any ideas? He mused. Or would Oliver turn Sara’s gift into a weapon?

Lois wandered aimlessly towards the beer tent. Since she’d been elevated to Cub Reporter at the Daily Planet, she hadn’t really had much time to just kick back and relax with a cold one. Just as she entered the beer tent, showing a guard her ID, a familiar voice said. “Hi Lois.”

She turned and saw Oliver Queen. The young billionaire smiled brightly at the sight of his ex lover. “Ollie!” Lois shook her head and proceeded to grab a seat near the edge of the tent that looked over the main thoroughfare. “I thought that my day couldn’t get any worse.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Lois.” Oliver returned sarcastically. “Where’s your better half?” He sniped. “What better half?” She growled. “Aren’t you here with the Boy Scout?” Ollie continued to irk her. “Clark? He’s off shucking corn with one or more of his ex girlfriends, why?”

“That doesn’t sound like my Clark.” Oliver gibed. “Would you two like some quality alone time?” Lois snarled as she took a large gulp of her beer. “Ew! It’s watered down.” She complained. Oliver gulped down about half a cup as well. “I concur.” He quipped.

“Maybe I should give up saving the world, and open a brewery?” Oliver tried to cheer Lois up with some playful banter. “I’d appreciate it if you could save me from this flat witches brew. You’d think that out here in Podunk, the brew would be fresh and potent. You know, amber waves of grain and all that.”

“Wrong climate, wrong time of year, but I get your point.” Oliver nodded as he gulped down the rest of the beer. “Anyway, what’s up with Farmer Kent? You two have a lovers quarrel?” Oliver pried. “No, and no.” Lois groaned. “I don’t know, Ollie. At times I just want to take him in my arms and kiss him, others I want to take him in my arms and strangle him.”

Oliver laughed raucously. “Sounds like true love to me.” Lois finished her beer and grabbed for another. “How’s he doing at the Planet?” He asked. “Good enough. Clark’s helpful, but not very aggressive.” Lois replied. “Preaching to the choir, babe.” Ollie grabbed a beer and tapped her cup.

“I’m in the Boy Scout’s corner, Lois.” Oliver admitted. “He’s good people, and I think you two would be great together.” She nodded absently. “Either that, or I’ll join a nunnery.” Lois remarked, as her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Now that, I’d like to see.” Oliver laughed. “On second thought, no I wouldn’t.” Lois managed a thin smile. “Amen to that.”

Chloe and Jimmy joined them next, helping themselves to some brew as well. “You know, Olsen, you haven’t responded to my job offer yet.” Oliver admonished him as Chloe paled. He wouldn’t dare invite Jimmy to join his band of merry men, would he? She mused.

“Yes. I know.” Jimmy packed away his telephoto camera. “Chloe and I have talked, and we’ve agreed that I should join the Daily Planet’s staff full time.” Oliver nodded. “A wise choice, since I still have some controlling interest in the paper. Welcome aboard, Jimmy.”

Lois was daydreaming about Clark just as he appeared beside them. “Hi everyone.” Jimmy jumped. “Geez CK, wear a bell or something. I didn’t hear you come up behind me.” Clark snickered. “Sorry Jimmy, but maybe you should cut back on your coffee intake a bit.”

“Hey Clark.” Oliver smiled and crossed his arms. “I guess that I’m curious as to why a young billionaire named Bruce Wayne is on his way to your house, with Kara and Laura as well.” Lois was fuming. “Wayne is at your house this very minute?”

“I suppose.” Clark downplayed it. “Maybe he’s on his way to talk with my mom.” Chloe and Jimmy exchanged glances. “Oh! I could just hang you, Smallville!” Lois spat. Just then, her cell phone rang. “Perry White! Terrific!” Lois grumbled as she took the call.

“Yes, I know, Perry.” Lois said angrily. “I’m on it! Bye!” Oliver cast her a questioning look. “You don’t approve of your new boss?” Lois shook her head, calming down a bit. “He wants to know how the Planet’s promotional booth is doing.” Chloe grinned. “Oops!”

Lois agreed. “Yeah, oops! I guess I’d better get out there.” She slurped her brew and stood up. “Are you coming, Smallville?” Clark nodded. “Yes. I’ll be along in a minute. I have a question for Oliver.” Lois sighed. “Oh, are you two planning a date?” She sniped, and walked away.

“She’s a bit over wound, isn’t she?” Oliver joked. “That’s my cousin.” Chloe added. “Come on, Jimmy, I’m starved.” She took Clark’s hint that Oliver and Clark had to discuss something. “Olsen! Why don’t you grab some pictures of the local color, for the paper?” Ollie suggested.

“Will do, chief.” Jimmy quipped. After they were out of earshot, Clark told Oliver about Maddie, Abby, and Sara. He seemed interested, but not overly impressed with their abilities. “I’m more intrigued by what Wayne’s doing here.” Oliver continued.

[lane06]

woo hoo!! cant wait for bruce wayne!! PPMS!! =)

[madcloisfan]

ppms

[amandaa125]

great story! ppms!!

[smallville_is_awesome]

Awesome story! Please Update Soon!

[gardy1]

Having Faith

Chapter 10 of All's Fair...

Having Faith

Faith is not related to the DC Comics character, or the rogue vampire slayer from Buffy and Angel.

Lois and Jimmy hung out at the Daily Planet Promotions Booth. “Are you sure that your Gold Wing buddy crushed the rocks in front of you?” Lois had double-checked Jimmy’s story. “Yes, I swear, Lois.” He replied as he handed a young man a pen to fill out a raffle ticket.

Lois handed the customer some preprinted promotional literature as he left. “That young girl smashed a real boulder?” She was understandably skeptical. “Yeah. I even gave her another rock to crunch personally.” Jimmy defended. “She’s no fluke. Gold Wing’s the real deal.”

“She also claimed to know the Red and Blue Blur.” Jimmy added. “Sure Jimbo. Was she adjusting her cleavage at the time of this alleged statement?” Lois sniped. “What does that have to do with anything?” Jimmy scoffed. “You didn’t look in her eyes to see if she was lying?” Lois prodded. “Duh Lois, she was wearing a gold mask.” He countered.

“Maybe she knows the Red and Blue Blur, maybe she doesn’t.” Jimmy grumbled. “That doesn’t change what I saw her do.” Lois nodded, finally accepting his observation. “Sounds like a classic case of Chloe’s meteor freaks, inc. She also could be trying to ride the Red and Blue Blur’s cape tail.” Jimmy sighed. “True. Does that make her less of a story?”

“It stands to reason, though.” Lois began thoughtfully. “The Red and Blue Blur blasts into town, saves a number of more or less upstanding citizens, and now the wanna bee superheroes are coming out of the woodwork, to catch some of his thunder.”

“Now, said superhero just happens to show up here in Podunk, Smallville, and flaunts her alleged superpowers at a bumpkin county fair.” Lois continued cynically. “I remember someone dressing up as Stiletto…” Jimmy taunted. “Don’t start, Jimbo!” Lois snapped. “What if there are a whole legion of super powered beings around?” Jimmy said hopefully.

“Chloe’s been talking about meteor freaks for years.” He added, as another customer began to fill out a raffle ticket. Her head suddenly snapped up, facing Lois. She made eye contact. The left-handed young woman was wearing dark black eye shadow, applied heavily, had stringy long black hair, and wore bright apple red lipstick.

Her fingernails were painted black, and partially hidden beneath her spaghetti strap black top was a tattoo of a religious cross, bathed in a bright gold light. “The Daily Planet ought to cover what’s really going on in the world.” The Goth Girl said to them without an introduction.

“Excuse me?” Lois challenged. “You heard me.” The Goth Girl snapped. “Now, the best paper I’ve ever read was the Smallville High Torch. Sullivan had real news to print, aside from all of the fluff about jocks and cheerleaders.”

Lois narrowed her eyes as she spoke: “I’ll have to tell my cousin that.” Lois sniped. “Get out! Chloe Sullivan is your cousin?” Goth Girl was thrilled and incredulous. Jimmy whistled. “Is there a problem, James?” She growled. “Have we met?” Jimmy scoffed.

“No, but I am familiar with your Daily Planet photos. My fav is the one of the Red and Blue Blur.” She stuffed the raffle ticket into the jar beside Lois. “I immediately slapped that pic into my Raspberry PDA, and made a screen saver out of it.”

Goth Girl’s mood seemed to lighten a bit. She extended a hand to Jimmy. “Allison Cur.” She shook his hand. Immediately, her eyes closed for a few seconds, and opened again. “Hand?” Jimmy began to pull back. “Oh, sorry. My friends call me Faith.” She sneered at Lois. “Mostly because I have none.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jimmy said politely. Faith forced herself to shake Lois’s hand as well, and her eyes again rapidly flicked open and closed. “Miss Lane.” Faith pulled back. “Have you read any of my articles?” Lois probed.

“Just the ones about the Red and Blue Blur.” Faith admitted. “I especially liked your open invitation to him for an interview. Ballsy move, Lane. How’d that work out for you?” Lois rolled her eyes. “I got a response from him.” Lois confessed vaguely.

“How could you know that it was a him?” Jimmy grilled Faith. “Because it stands to reason, doesn’t it?” She toyed with them. “Did you guys see Gold Wing earlier?” Jimmy nodded. “She’s awesome as well.” Faith praised. “I don’t suppose either of you snagged an interview?”

“No.” Lois said sheepishly. “I suppose we still could.” Faith sneered. “Great reporting, you two. Sullivan would’ve had them both sitting in her office by now.” Faith hit them with the dig.

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[smallville_is_awesome]

Fantastic!! PPMS!!

[madcloisfan]

ppms

[gardy1]

Having Faith...

Faith moved to the side as more customers arrived to fill out the raffle tickets. Jimmy edged away from her, practically ending up in Lois’s lap. “It’s all true, you know.” Faith began without preamble.

“What is?” Jimmy asked warily. “The things that they say. About shadow governments, secret societies, and multilayered conspiracies.”

Faith absently glanced at the nearly cloudless, blue Kansas sky. Lois slowly turned to face her. “Whoa! When did we take a left wing turn into black helicopter land?” She quipped. “I suppose the Chupacabra, Bigfoot, and UFOs really exist?”

Faith snickered. “The Chupacabra is simply a large gray wolf with a penchant for goat meat, and Bigfoot is a well done, yet antiquated hoax.” She countered Lois’s barb. “Now UFOs...they truly exist.” Faith narrowed her eyes and shielded them from the sunlight.

“How do you know?” Jimmy queried nervously. “Can’t you just feel it, James?” Faith sounded sure of her off the wall convictions. “No.” Jimmy gulped. “The world is a mess...the end is coming.” Faith lowered her voice menacingly. “Unless, of course, someone saves us.” She added.

Faith threw back her head and laughed, allowing her stringy, matted black hair free reign. Lois and Jimmy exchanged worried glances. “Chloe Sullivan was onto something...something big.” Faith continued as a chill ran up and down Lois’s spine.

“Naturally, I followed her career throughout the years after high school. I read about her creation of the Isis Foundation, and before that, the Wall of Weird.Com website.” Faith wandered closer to the front of the Daily Planet display booth. “Actually, Lana Lang created the foundation.” Lois corrected. “Perhaps.” Faith agreed. “Chloe Sullivan was her inspiration.”

“We can’t just all sit around and wait for someone to save us.” Jimmy contributed. “True.” Lois agreed. “Even the Red and Blue Blur can’t save everyone.” She admitted with disdain. “We’ll see.” Faith sneered. “We can always ask the Traveler.” Lois cast her a sidelong glance.

As if on cue, Clark Kent strolled up behind them, and eyed Faith suspiciously. He’d heard her revelations and the word, ‘Traveler’ of course. “Oh my gawd! It’s you!” Faith exclaimed excitedly, as her dark eyes widened. “This is like, too great!” Faith gushed as she hurriedly shook Clark’s hand.

Instantly, Faith flew backwards a few feet, landing on her backside. “What a rush!” She grumbled. From Lois and Jimmy’s point of view, it appeared as though Clark had pushed her away. “Easy Smallville!” Lois yelled. “She’s a potential customer, not a linebacker!”

Faith dismissed Lois’s comment with a wave of her hand. “It’s totally my fault.” Clark warily helped her to her feet. This time Faith was ready for the intense contact, and it didn’t faze her. Faith felt as though she’d stuck her finger in a light socket. Clark’s inherent power had caught her off guard.

“Sometimes that happens when I meet people.” Faith tried to downplay the event. Clark made a mental note to question her further, once they were out of Lois and Jimmy’s earshot. “Do I know you?” He inquired, as Faith clumsily stood next to him. “No, we’ve never met, but I know all about you from Chloe Sullivan’s stories, and a few newspaper articles.”

“Really?” Clark scowled, as Lois followed their conversation closely. Jimmy had lost interest in pursuing Faith’s perceived awkwardness. He watched the three girls he’d seen Clark with earlier, Maddie, Sara, and Abby. The young women were engaged in a debate of some sort, based on their body language, and hand gestures.

“Sure, you’re Clark Kent.” Faith smiled brightly, which began to annoy Lois. “You are way cuter in person.” The Goth Girl’s attitude had suddenly changed. Lois rolled her eyes. “Uh...thanks.” Clark reddened. He observed Faith’s other arm tattoo. This one portrayed a golden sword with the letters KAC (KAC) written into it, in the old English manner of printing.

“Nice tattoo. What do the letters stand for?” Clark wondered aloud. “It has a dual meaning.” Faith explained. “KAC are my mother’s initials. They stand for Kari Anne Cur. She died when I was young. In my particular social network, it also means ‘kill the anti-christ.’”

“Um...that’s nice.” Clark made pleasant conversation. “So, you’re a fan of Chloe’s? Did you ever meet her?” Faith shook her head. “No.” Clark grinned thinly. “Would you like to?” Faith’s eyes widened again. “Would I? Heck yes!” Lois snorted. “Smallville, aren’t you supposed to be helping me run the Daily Planet booth?” Jimmy eyed her angrily. “What am I, chopped liver?”

“Lois, you and Jimmy are doing fine.” Clark smirked, certain that it would piss Lois off even more. “C’mon Faith, let me introduce you.” He urged as they quickly located Chloe. Faith was thrilled as she listened to a rehash of a few of the more unusual meteor freak tales.

Satisfied that Chloe would keep Faith occupied, Clark excused himself, and zipped back to the Kent Farm to check on Bruce Wayne and the girls. He hadn’t been careful enough with his exit. Two sets of young eyes witnessed his shift into hyper speed.

Barb and Dick gawked, unsure of whether to be amazed or fearful. “Did you see that, Barb? Kent just disappeared into thin air.” Dick tried to keep the excitement out of his voice. “Did I see that? I have no idea! How could someone simply vanish?” Barb gulped, wishing that she’d had a Bat camera trained on the young farm boy. “We’d better call Bruce!” Dick flipped on his cell phone.

[madcloisfan]

post rest now please

[gardy1]

Chapter 10 cont'd

Clark slowed as he reached the edge of the Kent Farm driveway. There was a shiny black limousine, and a sleek black sports car parked on the normally deserted gravel parkway. He casually walked up the front steps and walked in. It was quite a sight to behold.

Kara and Laura were standing on chairs, with three well dressed tailors, two male and one female, pinning, cutting, and measuring bright pastel colored gowns against the girls. It was ironic to think that the two most powerful young women on the planet were at heart, simple teenage girls.

Kara looked scared to death. She’d rarely ever let total strangers get so close to her. Laura looked impatient and bored as she spotted Clark’s entrance. “Hey CK!” Laura snickered, borrowing Jimmy Olsen’s pet name for him. Kara was afraid to move, but she acknowledged him with her eyes.

Meanwhile, near the back of the den, Martha Kent and Bruce Wayne were perusing the mantle of Kent family photographs. Senator Kent proudly boasted about her two favorite men in the world. Clark was a bit uncomfortable, knowing that another strange young billionaire was in his house.

From what Clark knew of Mr. Wayne, he wasn’t necessarily a bad person like Lex, or a flamboyant wealthy entrepreneur like Marcus Worthington, but there had been stories in the media, portraying Wayne as a no account party boy with too much time on his hands.

Clark was suspicious as he passed the girls, and the frantic dress fitters, to join them in the living room, which was their next stop. “Oh Clark, I’d like you to meet Mr. Bruce Wayne.” Martha ushered their guest towards him. “Mr. Wayne.” Clark shook his hand carefully.

“Call me Bruce.” Wayne smiled broadly. “Your mother has told me all about you.” Bruce said cordially. I sincerely hope not, Clark thought sourly. “There’s not much to tell.” He humbly led Bruce to the family couch, Martha right on his heels. “Thanks for helping my cousin and our friend out.” Clark began modestly. “I assume that we’ll pay you back for the dresses.”

“That won’t be necessary, Clark, if I may call you that.” Bruce deflected as Clark nodded. Wayne was about twenty eight or so, by Clark’s estimation. He had short cropped black hair, bright steely green eyes, and looked to be in top physical shape, despite being an executive.

“Before you protest, I’ve been all through this with your cousin, and again with your mother.” Bruce smirked. “The girls will be taking the gowns on consignment. They can return them to Metropolis’s Finest Clothery after the fair. The tailors owe me a favor, and I’ve purchased several unique items from them before.” That explanation seemed to satisfy Clark.

“Bruce has decided to finance a few of Smallville’s private schools to help out the local economy.” Martha informed them. “He’ll also be making a substantial donation to local law enforcement, and give us a speech to close out tonight’s festival.” Clark nodded warily, as Laura yelped. Apparently she’d been stuck with a pin. Truth be told, she’d faked the pinch to give her some credibility.

“Bruce, what brings you to Smallville anyway?” Clark tried unsuccessfully to not sound like he was prying. “I have some business deals in Metropolis with Queen Industries, perhaps you’ve heard of them?” The Gotham detective gave Clark the standard line. “Yes, I know Oliver Queen.” He admitted.

Bruce, of course, already knew that Clark and Oliver were friends. He’d been digging into both their backgrounds in recent memory. The Batman also knew that there was more to Queen than most people understood. Bruce had opened a series of Bat Files about Queen and a few other unusual associates of Clark’s.

“Clark, I heard that you just landed a job at the Daily Planet?” Bruce threw out there. “I don’t suppose I can dissuade you from garnering an interview?” Clark honestly hadn’t thought of formally interviewing Wayne. He chided himself for not being on the ball.

“Actually, Bruce, my best friend Lois Lane, might be interested in an interview if you have the time. She’s back at the fair.” Clark stared ahead. “I can only do assigned stories for the Planet at the moment.” Bruce nodded. “A word of advice, Clark. Don’t put too many limits on yourself. You’ll never get anywhere by not being aggressive.”

Clark was a bit offended by Bruce’s criticism, but chalked it up to experience. The cell phone on Bruce’s belt sounded a strange ring tone, which cut into the awkward silence.
“Excuse me, I have to take this.” Bruce smiled politely, and quickly walked outside.

Laura and Kara followed the strange young billionaire’s exodus, exchanging glances. Martha patted Clark on the thigh, as if to reassure him that Bruce was a good man, and not to be off put by his critique.

“You’re kidding!” Bruce’s eyes widened. “Are you sure, Dick? Did Barb see that, too?” The young billionaire shook his head in disbelief. “A mild mannered farm boy like Kent? I just got through taking him to task for not being aggressive. Kent just made number one on my interest list.”

Clark took a moment to freshen up, and by the time he’d come back downstairs, the girls were ready to head out to the fair. The tailors had completed their assigned duties excellently. The woman had also redone the teen beauties hair.

Laura was stunning, with her raven black hair piled high atop her head in a sophisticated looking bun. Her gold highlights had been accented, and the strands of unusual colored hair had been curled, and framed her thin face. Even Clark was impressed.

Kara was dazzling, allowing her blonde locks to be curled substantially, the super teen could have graced the cover of a world class magazine. She nervously flipped her hair behind her shoulders. The woman was still fussing with Kara’s makeup, frowning as the alien beauty fidgeted.

Martha, like any proud parent would, photographed her niece and her best friend several times. Bruce worked his way back into the scene, complimenting the girls first, and than the tailors. They beamed with the praise heaped on them by the young billionaire.

As he spotted Clark, Bruce’s eyes narrowed, as he digested what his two most trusted sidekicks had told him. He quickly played it off, forcing a gleaming smile upon his face. He elegantly escorted Kara down from the chair, as she carefully took his elbow.

Clark, feeling outdone by Bruce, made it a point to escort Laura down from the chair. Martha snapped some more photos of Clark and Laura, but hesitated to catch Bruce. “Bruce, do you mind if I grab a couple of pictures?” Martha asked. “I don’t want to see you and my niece dragged through the myriad of tabloids.” Bruce nodded. “That’s fine. Just don’t post them on the net!” He quipped.

Bruce dismissed the tailoring crew, and the house returned to a semblance of normality. By now, Barb and Dick had mounted their Bat cycles and joined them at the farm. After introductions were made, Dick eyed both girls appreciatively. Barb complimented them as well, but quickly focused on Clark.

Martha was reminded by a ring tone from her Senatorial Raspberry that she had some calls to make to the Hill. Many important votes were coming up on the Senate floor. She excused herself, saying goodbyes to all. An elderly gentleman, whom Clark recognized as Bruce’s limo driver knocked lightly on the door. Kara let him in.

“Alfred, aren’t the girls a vision of loveliness?” Bruce beamed as both Kara and Laura reddened. “I should say they are, Master Bruce. Are we ready to exit this charming abode?” Alfred grinned. “Ladies? Shall we?” Bruce pretended to be full of himself.

He held out both arms. Kara took one, Laura the other. Clark rolled his eyes, after reassuring himself that no one had seen him. Dick followed them out, never taking his eyes off of Kara. Barb, on the other hand, had dropped back into the den, quickly viewing the family photos.

“You were a quarterback, Clark?” She asked him, aware that he was watching her like the proverbial hawk. “Yes, but it seems so long ago.” He added wistfully. In reality, he’d only been out of high school for six years. He and Lana had briefly attended their five year reunion.

“I took up gymnastics, swimming, and even tennis over the years.” Barb struck up a conversation with the young alien. She closed in on Clark, and he shifted uneasily. He quickly led her outside behind the others. Barb wasn’t quite sure what to make of the pleasant farm boy with the secretive speedy ability.

Alfred held the limo doors open for Bruce and the girls. “Come on in Clark.” Bruce kindly offered. Dick and Barb mounted their cycles and revved them up, startling the dozing chickens nearby. Clark was going to decline, but he still had to keep up appearances. Besides, Bruce had done a lot for them and the community already in the short time that he’d been in Smallville.

Clark insisted on riding up front with Alfred. Laura lounged inside the limo, and Kara sat rigidly, unsure of what to do next. It would be a short trip to the fair. Laura stretched leisurely, and fussed with the tightly clinging spring green colored gown. “Yup, I could get used to this.” She remarked playfully, bringing a smile to Bruce’s face.

Kara’s gown was royal blue, with a bright red sash draped across her shoulders to waist. She smiled politely, but still seemed out of sorts to Clark. Maybe all this attention wasn’t good for her, he postulated. The girls thanked Bruce repeatedly for his efforts.

Clark thought that he saw something different near the limo’s in dash CD player. He used his x-ray vision to check out his theory. He was amazed to see a whole other collection of controls and gadgets behind the stereo system. Clearly, this was no ordinary limo, and Bruce was no ordinary billionaire.

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