The Kryptonite Boy

by Itzika

A boy named Ben comes to Smallville High. The only strange thing? He's got Kryptonite in him! The plot behind the boy leads to the revelation of secrets held by Lana, Chloe, Lois, and Pete! Set mid 4th season, but Clark knows Chloe knows about him.

1. Chapter 1

A/N: Okay, this chapter is pretty short, but I wanted to get it up. The other chapters will be longer. This is just the prologue.

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It was hard to say how it had started.

Chloe and Lois had grown inseparable. Lana had grown distant from everyone. Pete had returned. Clark had the sense that in the midst of all this, Lana and Lois had learned his secret, despite the fact that neither had confronted him. He was unsure about asking Chloe and Pete if they had told them. He was unsure about his family's safety. He had no idea where he stood anymore.

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"Hey, Clark," Chloe greeted her friend. Lois was, as always, right next to her. "What's up?"

Clark smiled. "Nothing much. How're things with you?"

"Same old, same old," Chloe answered.

Lana arrived just then, a young brunette boy in tow. "Hello, all," she said. "This is Ben. He just started as a freshman here, and I've been assigned to show him around."

"Hi," Chloe said with a smile. "I'm Chloe, and this is Lois and Clark."

Ben nodded. His face was clear of emotion; he said not a word.

Lois smiled a little, looking disconcerted. "Okay, can you talk?"

Ben nodded.

Lana hurried to explain. "He can talk, but he hasn't for years."

Clark swallowed hard. "Well," he said, trying not to choke on the words, "I have to get to class. See you guys." He turned and walked away, trying his hardest not to choke.

Ben's presence had made Clark feel faint… which meant the boy was carrying Kryptonite… but where? He wasn't wearing any jewelry; he didn't even have a backpack. He carried his few books under one arm.

Whatever the case, Clark had to find the Kryptonite and get rid of it.