Chapter 36 [An Hour Later—Lady Grey Inn]

Lana reclined in her bed somberly. What did we do wrong? If she'd had Clark's heat vision, she would've burned holes into the ceiling with her moods. She sighed with disappointment.

The weather was perfect….

They couldn't ask any more of the scenery, people or, in Winter's case, animals….

Clark wasn't being secretive as per his promise to her….

Miranda finally had her family back….

So why did everything have to go south like this?

Is this what Clark goes through? She studied the scar on her right hand. No wonder he keeps everything to himself.

Not everything, Lana Lang, Jor-El interjected. You may not believe this but I am glad you are unharmed.

Thanks. I think. She arched an eyebrow at the assessment. I just wish we didn't have so much to deal with. Everything went so well before Mr. Luthor and Mr. Arighatto got involved.

Unfortunately, that is the way with your race. You humans lust for what others have. Others are damaged just trying to hold onto what they have. You see what overreaching oneself can do. Your ancestor did much the same centuries ago setting things in motion, Jor-El pointed out.

My ancestor? This great-aunt everyone keeps referring to? She rubbed her head while trying to stop the headache therein.

I know not of that one. I speak of one across the Great Sea to your east. She tried to usurp dark sorcery and combine it with Kryptonian knowledge and power. She even tore the fabric of time itself before she was stopped by your friend's uncle, Jor-El continued.

Wow. I'm sorry I…. She grimaced. So was she the one who combined our families then?

Yes. As you humans might say, that was a silver lining to the affair. I have faith in you, Lana Lang. Master your own issues as you stand beside Kal-El, he pressed on.

She nodded and reached for an apple. Biting into it, she savored its tartness. I won't betray Clark or you as my ancestor did. I'd rather die than hurt Clark.

I do realize that. I thank you for reaffirming your duty however. Much as Louise has done, I have been watching. You inspire much, Lana Lang. Even as you strive to enjoy, your insight allows you to feel the weight of your family's deeds. Do not judge yourself by them, he expressed.

Well…I'm not. It feels like we just stepped into this situation. I wish Nell or my Mom could've told me. But Miri…Miranda…she knew about this? she queried.

About which details? Your ancestors? She knew of the sorceress close to you. She knew of her Uncle's curse. But she did not know of your links to them. One reason I allowed Kal-El and you to accompany Lachlan's descendant to this place was for you to learn a valuable lesson. One should never crave power for its own sake. In addition the pain from such activities extends far beyond our years. For tonight, be strong. Share in the celebrations with an open heart. Be aware of our lineages, however. Be watchful, he advised before raising his voice, KAL-EL, YOU MAY ENTER. DO NOT SPY ON OTHERS!

Clark slowly opened the door and walked in with a slightly annoyed look on his face. "It's kind of difficult when you two are having this discussion on our shared link." He shut the door and held up some freshly cut white roses and lilacs. "Found some of your favorites. Hope they'd make you feel better."

"Thanks, Clark. I really appreciate this." She smiled broadly as she sniffed deeply of the blooms. She floated on the fragrant scents therein. Jor-El was catching me up on my family's role in what's going on out there. It's really heavy."

"Yeah. Sorry, Lana. I wish we could have a better time. Lex and the others are concerned," Clark apologized.

You have done nothing to apologize for, my Son…at least not on this day. I was relaying to Lana Lang about her family's history in terms of our culture and today's events. As I told her, share in the celebrations with an open heart yet a mindful eye. Do not invite trouble where there is none yet be ready if it does appear, Jor-El assured him.

"If it appears? If what? Mr. Arighatto? Lionel Luthor? This ghost? Mr. Dubois' dark side?" Clark supposed incredulously.

Dubois and his alter ego will not harm you, Kal-El, unless you provoke them. I was speaking to the threats tied to your current surroundings. Use your senses. Rely on your allies as well. That is all, my Children, Jor-El concluded before going silent.

"I wish things would lighten up," Clark groused while sitting on her bed.

"Clark, I want that too. Everyone does. Problem is it's kind of like what Mrs. Bauman said to me earlier. There's bad stuff around here to go with all of the great stuff. Let's focus on the good and keep the bad away," she reminded him.

"We shouldn't just ignore the bad stuff. Mr. Arighatto and Lex's Dad are still out there," Clark pointed out.

"Everyone knows that, Clark. And guess what? You don't have to be the Lone Ranger. You've got us. You've got me." She grabbed onto his jacket and tugged him closer to herself. "It's going to be okay."

"Lana, don't be so sure. It's…" he started to argue.

Her lips clamped tightly onto his mouth shutting any and all arguments down in their tracks. For a dozen heartbeats or more, she pressed her point. When she released him, she smirked confidently. "Any questions?"

"Uh…no."

"Good." She bit into the apple rather loudly before tossing the remains in a trash can. "Mom and Dad managed to enjoy themselves up here, Clark. Lex has great memories despite the dark stuff. Why can't we? If we're careful, we can do it."

"And if it follows us back there?" he queried in exasperation. "Lana, I…."

"Sounds like it already has," she supposed. "Clark, we're never going to be normal. All right? We can't just hide from the world on your folks' farm…as much as they'd want us to. Let's enjoy life. Granted we can watch for trouble. Still we can celebrate. You have an article to write for the Torch as well." Her eyes flashed 'Gotcha!' into his. "I wouldn't think you'd want to disappoint Principal Reynolds."

"Why is everyone bringing him up?" Clark queried in exasperation.

"Just keeping you on the straight and narrow, Mr. Kent." She rubbed his arm. "I'm going to take a shower. Meet me in half an hour? Then we can meet the others." She sighed. "I wish Chloe could be here with us."

"Yeah. Me too. We can give her the highlights though." He kissed her cheek before letting himself back out. "Thanks, Lana." He grinned at her.

"Don't mention it. Hey, Clark."

"Yeah?"

She smiled dreamily and let her eyes sparkle. "I love you."

"And I love you." With that he closed the door and headed for his own room.

Lana sighed deeply. She held her hand up considering the scar for a minute. Then she imagined how her mother went ahead with things despite the inherent dangers. I'll be watchful but I won't stop living! With that, she headed for the shower.

Life wasn't about to wait….