Actions Made,

Consequences Paid

Disclaimer: Set after 'Phoenix' and is one particular idea I've gotten recently where Principal Reynolds is concerned.

"You uhh… You wanted to see me, Mr. Reynolds?" Asked a hesitant Clark as he made his way into the Principal's office.

Said Principal looked up from his work. "Ah, yes, have a seat, Mr. Kent."

The trepidation Clark already felt over having to come to the Principal's office, only increased as he sat down in the chair. Almost feeling like he was headed for the big chair or something to that effect. Principal Reynolds stared at the young man for a long moment, which only made the Last Son more nervous then what he already was. "I'm going to get right down to it, Mr. Kent, and tell you how disappointed I am with you." Began the man, his words causing Clark to wince as this was never a good thing when he heard it from Reynolds.

"I am disappointed that you ran off to Metropolis instead of facing up to your problems like I thought you would have considering how you rise up to so many other things."

Even if it did bother him that young Mr. Kent got himself involved in business probably best left to the Police. Clark lowered his eyes, unable to look at the man as he brought up his running off like a coward with disappointment laced all through his voice. Wanting nothing more than to super speed away but not doing so as he didn't want to give himself away. Or make himself look more like a coward in the older man's eyes. "And given how you are pushing away Ms. Lang instead of allowing her into your life is another thing I find both disappointing and strange. Yet, the thing I am most disappointed about, Mr. Kent? Is that you misused your gifts while you were in Metropolis for things I would have just as soon as accused Lex Luthor of doing."

Clark looked up at the man in confusion and perhaps fear, hoping he wasn't hearing the Principal right. "What… What do you mean?"

"I witnessed you use your gifts to steal from ATMs and other manner of foolish things. I would have thought your parents had taught you better then that, Mr. Kent. Its clear to me you had been using these gifts of yours to help out here and yet, in Metropolis, you did not. Which only serves to further my disappointment in you." Informed the man.

"Umm, sir, I don't, I don't know what you think you saw, but I wasn't doing anything like you say." Clark told him while trying and failing not to be nervous about it.

Reynolds narrowed his eyes at the young man before him. "I may be older, but I know what I saw where you are concerned, Mr. Kent. I witnessed your incredible strength and speed. Such things that would make Man and Animal insanely jealous of. And you needn't worry, I am not like the Luthors or anyone else who would seek to use your gifts for personal gain, Mr. Kent."

That didn't exactly make Clark relieved thanks to how freaked out he already was over the fact Mr. Reynolds had seen him use his gifts while on that Red K binge of his. "Look… Mr. Reynolds… I, I really wasn't in a good place while I was in Metropolis, okay? I did things I'm not proud of and the last thing, and no offense to you, I need is being reminded of that. As I'm trying to move past it." Clark told him unhappily.

Not even bothering with trying to deny what the older man had seen and figuring he'd deal with whatever came of it come what may. His parents on the other hand would be damned unhappy once he told them about this. "Something tells me this relates to why you keep Ms. Lang at arm's length then despite the pain it clearly causes you." Noted the Principal.

Even though he tried not to involve himself in such affairs but it was hard to miss where this young man and Ms. Lang was concerned. Clark just let out a sad sigh, confirming what Reynolds was thinking. "I'm, I'm not worthy of her, Mr. Reynolds. Plus, she'd never want anything to do with me if she knew what I could do."

"Frankly, I feel you aren't giving the young lady enough credit and that I suspect would be greatly insulting to her if she knew."

"I can't risk it, Mr. Reynolds. My parents wouldn't let me anyway." Clark explained sadly.

"Sometimes, one has to take a risk or they will never know what could truly be. And while I understand your parents have concerns, this secret of yours, is yours to do with at the end of the day. Not theirs."

Yeah, I'm sure they'd love being told that. Especially dad.

But ultimately, Clark knew the older man was right about everything. It was just a matter of overcoming his fears that had long been with him thanks to his gifts and his parents' own fears. "Now, I didn't just call for you to come to my office to be lectured." Said Reynolds after a moment's silence.

Clark looked up at him at his words with a hint of curiousity written on his features. "You didn't?"

"No. As I feel I've come up with a way for you to face the consequences of your actions and earn some redemption for yourself at the same time, Mr. Kent."

Confused, the Last Son watched as Mr. Reynolds pulled out a folder and handed it to him and he quickly leafed through it. Said folder containing information on several students that each possessed an ability of some kind. Once that was done, he looked up at the older man. "How'd you find out about all this?"

"I'm the Principal, its my job to keep an eye on my students, Mr. Kent. And besides, not every student is as careful as they like to think they are."

That makes sense. Wait… Does that mean others besides Phelan, Nixon, and Mr. Reynolds have probably seen me do things? Oh crap!

But man did he hope he was wrong! Deciding to get back on track, Clark asked a question. "I don't exactly see what this has to do with me?" Surely his Principal didn't want him keeping an eye on these people, right?

"That's because I want you organize a group with these individuals, Mr. Kent. Help guide them to use their gifts responsibly and earn yourself redemption for your actions in Metropolis as you do so." Replied Reynolds seriously and watching as his student's eyes widened.

"Further more, I've already discussed the matter with them, though they have no idea you will be the one to guide them."

A number of those students had been highly alarmed by the fact he had known but thankfully, he'd been able to ensure they realized he meant no harm. Of course, he had to go chasing after Ms. Baker thanks to her ability to teleport herself but thankfully, like with the others, he got through to her. "Mr. Reynolds, I… I can't do this. I barely handle my own issues all that well." Tried the young son in the hopes he'd actually be listened too.

Sadly, it didn't work to his dismay! "I'm sure that you will find you're more capable then you know by actually trying instead of choosing to be inactive." Came the calm reply.

Seeing no way out of it as Mr. Reynolds was like a dog with a bone, the young Kent let out a sigh of defeat. "Chin up, Mr. Kent, this isn't a life or death matter."

"Easy for you to say, I've fought more than been friends with a lot of the Meteor Infected I've come across." Clark told him sourly.

"All the more that your assignment is a serious matter then in an effort to see that the misuse of abilities is curbed."

Mom and dad are gonna be seriously unhappy about this.

"You will meet with the others for your first meeting in classroom 10 after school. You are of course welcome to speak with those you will be working with through out the school day if you so wish." Reynolds informed him helpfully.

"Thanks, I guess."

This is gonna end badly. I just know it.

"You're quite welcome, I look forward to hearing of your progress. Remember, Mr, Kent, the goal of this is to earn redemption and to help your fellow classmates learn responsibility."

"Right, so no pressure then."

Reynolds cracked a smile at his sarcasm and gave him the okay to make his leave from his office.

Author's Notes: I'll be doing more with this at some point, but probably not until after I've finished a few other projects.