Chapter 17 [Cowache Caves]

Clark skidded to a stop within the caves' central cavern. The screeching still rang in his ears. His temples pounded. He supported himself against one of the granite walls. He rasped for air. "OKAY, I'M HERE! WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

TELEPATHY, KAL-EL! Jor-El's voice resounded throughout his already aching brain. LOOK AT YOU! A TRUE KRYPTONIAN WOULD BE READY! YOU COWER LIKE A HUMAN!

"I am one of them." Clark ground his teeth. "Krypton is gone! Deal with that!"

NO! IT LIVES THROUGH YOU, MY SON! FROM YOUR REFUGE COMES THE SEEDS OF THE NEW KRYPTONIAN RACE! THERE ARE THOSE WHO WOULD THREATEN THAT!

"Jor-El." Clark rubbed his brow. Frustration and Impatience burned within him. "We're really busy!"

BUSY WITH HUMAN ACTIVITIES! BUT I SPEAK OF THEM AS WELL! FOR ONCE, WE HAVE A COMMON PURPOSE! BOTH SEEK TO PROTECT LEGACIES!

"Protect…what?" Clark grimaced. "I'm just helping some interns next week. Maybe Lana and I can…."

YES. THE GIRL. A shaft of light stabbed through the open hole in the cavern's roof. It coalesced into a glowing figure more energy than mortal. I WILL NOT SEEK TO HARM THAT ONE. SHE IS…FOR YOU.

Clark stared. Did he just admit he's wrong? Disbelief stunned him.

I WAS RIGHT TO TAKE CAUTION, KAL-EL. IT IS SOMETHING YOU MIGHT WISH TO LEARN FOR YOURSELF! Jor-El hissed. LACHLAN LUTHOR'S PROGENY SPREAD FURTHER DISCORD. ALREADY TWO OF HIS AGENTS HAVE FACED EACH OTHER IN YOUR TOWN. IT IS BUT THE FIRST PART.

"Lionel and Lex?" Clark realized. "What do they do?"

The figure's eyes glowed crimson. LACHLAN'S SON SENT A HUMAN WITH METAL ARMS TO DESTROY WHAT HIS OWN SON WOULD BUILD. ALREADY THE VIBRATIONS REVERBERATE FORWARD. THE PROTECTIVE MEASURES HAVE FAILED. THE DARKNESS RETURNS. YOUR INTENDED'S LINEAGE WILL APPEAR SOON. IT IS FOR HER AND YOU TO FACE IT TOGETHER. YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE!

"Lex's friend! The one he searches for…." Realization hit Clark.

THE ONE BURIED HAS EMERGED ONCE MORE. YOUR ALLIES THERE WILL HELP YOU AS WELL? COULD YOU NOT FEEL IT EARLIER? KAL-EL, YOU ARE OVERDUE FOR YOUR EDUCATION! Jor-El lectured.

Clark dismissed that notion with a wave of his hand. "What do you mean feel it? I was at the farm."

YOUR TELEPATHY, KAL-EL. YOU SHOULD HAVE FELT HIS REEMERGENCE IN YOUR TOWN. HE IS YOUR ALLY. HE WILL GUIDE YOU AS MUCH AS AN EARTHER HUMAN CAN! THE GIRL'S ANCESTORS. WATCH FOR THEM! AND ONE OF THE YOUNGER LUTHOR'S RECRUITS! WATCH FOR HIM AS WELL! DO YOU HAVE THE BRACELET?

"Yes. Why? I am supposed to protect it until…." Clark gasped. His heart skipped a beat. "I can give it to Lana?"

DID I NOT JUST SAY SHE WAS YOUR INTENDED, KAL-EL? PRESENT IT TO HER. STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND. BEFRIEND THE ONE WHO HAS RETURNED. HE HAS PROTECTED YOU IN THE PAST. GO ON. WE WILL SPEAK AGAIN SOON! Silence and Darkness enveloped the cavern once again.

Great! Another puzzle! Clark shook his head. Hearing his phone buzz, he answered it. "Mom?"

"Clark, oh thank heavens! Are you all right?" Martha demanded.

"I'm fine now. Jor-El told me some things about this week. We've got things to watch out for." Clark leaned against the cave wall. "And, Mom? Your friend's alive. He's here. Lex got him back here."

"Are you sure? Clark, is Jor-El sure?" Martha pressed.

"He's sure. Mom, I have to get over to the Talon. I'll be back to finish at the farm. I want to see for myself. Guess you're doing that ham extra special now?" Clark supposed.

Martha wiped a tear from her eye. "No question. Clark, remember, he helped us after the meteor shower. Whatever happens, don't think the worst of him."

"Jor-El told me to trust him. And now you are too. That's pretty good as far as I'm concerned. I'm going to the Talon. See you soon." Clark disconnected the call. He stuffed the phone back in his pocket. Then he ran at super speed from the caves and toward town.

The two sides actually agreed. Would wonders never cease?