Note: Gosh I am so sorry! I know, I know, I promised you guys that Chapter
14's Superman and Supergirl's battle. But you see, I have to insert these
scenes so the story would make sense and would appear complete. Sorry
again! I promise Clark Kent VS Linda Danvers is in Chapter 15. I swear!
Sorry to disappoint you. (
Chapter Fourteen
Linda Danvers woke up the following morning feeling utterly terrible. This is the day that she'd chosen to confront Clark ones and for all. Actually, it's not just the confronting she's worried and gutted about, but it's the fact that she has to get rid of him. For the good of everyone living in Smallville, she's decided that Clark must be stop.
That morning, Linda heard Clark talking to his parents downstairs, they were having breakfast already.
"The freakin' bastard's here." She thought, rising up from her bed.
Linda proceeded to her bathroom to take a warm shower, hoping that somehow all her feelings for Clark would be washed off. It's hard to kill someone you've fallen in love with.
To no avail, after the shower, it's still there. Though love wasn't the only emotions that lingered on her mind now, there's anger and disappointment. Linda promised to herself to kick out love in the mix and replace it with hatred, just before the confrontation.
She dried her damped body with a towel, wrapped the towel around her body, then stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed
"I'm not gonna let you down." Linda told her reflection on the mirror above her sink. Looking back at her from the mirror is a young blonde girl with the saddest blue eyes.
Linda didn't came down until she's certain that Clark's out of the house. She's aware that by doing this, she'll probably be late for school. Then she thought that it's a small price to pay anyway. Seeing Clark that morning all cute and ravishingly charming, and riding the bus with him to school, is not gonna help her to want to crush and destroy him.
Keeping a good distance between her and her target is a good idea for Linda. This way she wouldn't be distracted by them, or in this case Clark's incredible smile and sweet as a nut personality.
Linda left the house about 15 minutes after Clark. Mr. Kent suggested that he'd drive her to school but Linda disapproved. She felt guilt to the nice couple, who she thought are clueless about their son's evil ways.
Riding the next bus that passed by the farm on the way to school, Linda noticed that she forgot her 'magical' bracelet at her other bag. She wanted to step out of the bus and retrieve the darn thing, but chose not to.
"What for?" Linda told herself, staring outside the bus window. "I already know that Clark's got a piece of the Omegahedron."
Smallville High:
Clark arrived in school and headed straight to his locker by the hallways. He was thinking of two things. There's his problem with Nick Adler, who they still cannot track down, and of course there's the thing about Linda.
Lex was right when he said that Clark should go tell Linda how he feels. He's right about the part that Clark should give himself and his love a chance.
"Clark." Someone said his name. He looked up and saw that it was Pete. "Where's Lyn?"
The students in Smallville had associated the name Clark Kent and Linda Danvers, together. Since Monday morning, Clark and Linda always arrives in school together, and now that he's alone, it's natural for some people to ask about Clark's 'other half'.
"I don't think she's coming to school today." Clark muttered closing his locker. "My mom said she seemed to be a bit upset last night when she came home."
"Maybe because of Lena."
"Why what's with Lena?" He immediately inquired when he saw Pete had that look.
"She's in the hospital. The students said that she got attacked by some animal." Pete relayed.
"An animal?" Clark uttered, eyebrows furrowed.
"Yeah. Some of the members of the cheering squad visited her last night and according to them, Lena said she was attacked by a bear."
"A bear?" He reckoned obviously bewildered by the information. Clark basically grew up in Smallville and he's never heard of anyone being attacked by a wild bear. Hell, he reckoned there are no wild bears in Smallville. Clark made a mental note to give Lex a call after his first period. Maybe he's still unaware that his half sister's confined at the hospital.
Pete smacked him gently on his chest then followed it with a nod towards Clark's back, as if to tell him that someone's coming. He looked over his shoulder to see who it is.
Linda walked the locker filled hallway of the school with her chin slightly raised. She was attired in the official, red, black and yellow uniform of the Smallville High cheering squad. With backpack slung over one shoulder while carrying some books within her right hand, she strutted like she owns the entire school.
She stopped dead on her tracks when she finally got to Clark and Pete's location. Clark instantly regarded something different about Linda. He could sense a change in her.
"Hi Lyn." Pete chimed in with a sincere smile. Linda stared at him for a couple of seconds with out saying anything.
She transferred her gaze to Clark, who managed to give a smile even if he's still fidgety at the sight of her. He was hoping for the smile to be returned but to his disappointment, he got nothing. Linda had a blank expression on her face.
Placing her free right hand on her hip, Linda continued to walk off probably heading to her first class.
Clark doubted if it's really Linda. She's so cold, so different. Using his X Ray vision he checked for proof. To his surprise, it was the real Linda. He found nothing peculiar with her body and bone composition.
"What's up with her?" Pete asked Clark, fazed.
"I dunno." Clark managed to mumble, eyes still fixed on Linda's back.
When first period ended, the principal's voice came into the speaker for an important announcement about the anticipated party on Friday evening. He advised to the students that the teachers committee and the student body have decided that the party will be a costume party.
The students were enraged. Some had already chosen something to wear for Friday night. And now they're left with the task of coming up with a costume! But what can they do? The decision's been made. They have no choice but to follow.
After Clark's fourth period class, he headed for the drinking fountain and fortunately caught up with Lana Lang. She was garbed in the cheering squad's uniform, exactly like the one he saw Linda had on earlier.
"Hey." Lana greeted him, accompanied by her superb smile.
"Lana." Said Clark, gesturing Lana to use the fountain first. Ones Lana's thirst was quenched, it was his turn to drink. Lana waited for him to finish.
"Haven't seen you in a while Clark." She muttered looking up at him.
Clark wiped his lips dry using the sleeve of his shirt. "Yeah. Been doing a lot of research for The Torch's issue for next week."
"How 'bout you? What have you been up to?" He asked, walking with Lana towards the indoor school gymnasium.
"Um, I've been busy the past couple of days looking for an after school job." Lana informed.
"Cool."
"Yeah. I figured, since I'm quitting the squad, I might as well do something productive with my time, like a job."
"Again?" Clark inquired, surprised with Lana's decision. This isn't the first time Lana quitted the squad to pursue something else. She has worked at the Smallville beanery before and just recently at the Talon. Then she quitted and went back with the squad.
"Yes!" She laughed at Clark's surprised tone. "Look, I know I pretty much screwed up every after school job that I've had previously. I wasn't ready back then. But now I'm really decided."
"Good luck." He told her, beaming.
"Thanks." Lana answered as they continued walking. "I just thought that there's something more to life that memorizing routines, shaking pompoms and cheering."
"Hmm, why do feel like I've heard that one before?" Clark joked to Lana. Every time she would quit the squad to go after some plan, Lana would always deliver that 'more to life' speech.
Lana giggled when Clark said those words. She thought that Clark must probably be sick and tired from hearing the same reason over and over. Then again Clark's not like that kind of person.
It suddenly got to Clark's attention that he's not feeling drowsy walking beside Lana. He checked for her necklace and it wasn't there.
"Where's your necklace?" He mumbled, eyes darting on Lana's neck.
"I took it off. For some strange reason, Linda said it distracted her so I left it home."
"Oh." Was the word that came out of Clark's mouth, bewildered. Why would a girl like Linda be distracted over Lana's necklace?
"So have you heard about Lena?" She spoke afterwards, her face turning serious.
"Yeah. Pete just told me this morning. She was attacked by a wild bear?"
Lana nodded, "Poor Lena. What I don't understand is that bear part. I don't recall anyone being attacked by a wild bear before."
"Same thing I asked myself when I heard the news. It's weird."
"Well, in a town like Smallville, nothing's impossible anymore." She pointed out, raking some of her hair away from her lovely face, with the use of her fingers.
Clark just nodded to that comment.
"I'm worried about Linda though. I can tell that she's deeply affected." Mumbled Lana, looking down at her shoes.
The incident that happened that morning by the hallway flashed back into Clark's mind. He thought that maybe Linda's acting strange because of Lena's accident. She must be really devastated and sad thus her reaction earlier. Clark felt guilty for not being there for her.
"We tried talking to her, convince her to let her feelings out but she insisted that she's fine, that she's ok." Lana added as they got in the spacious gymnasium. "D'you think you can do something about it Clark? Like talk to her and stuff?"
"Yeah. I've been wanting to talk to her all day." Clark stated following Lana to the location where the squads are. They were assembled in front of the bleachers at one side of the gymnasium.
Some of the girls practicing some dance routines, the others memorizing and belting out cheers while some of them sat on the floor gossiping. Pompoms were scattered everywhere.
Clark instantly spotted Linda at the far side of the room, practicing cheering routines with a few other girls, giggling. Linda pivoted her head and met Clark's eyes accidentally. The weak grin she had on faded so soon. He waved at her with a smile and sauntered for her.
Revolted by the sight of Clark, Linda stopped what she's doing and started for Lana, who by this time sat on the floor with the other squad members.
"Lana would it be ok if I leave now?" She queried kneeling next to Lana, ignoring Clark who was approaching them.
"Why?" Lana said eyeing Clark, worried.
"I don't feel quite that good, suddenly." Linda lied. Because the truth is she doesn't want to see or talk to Clark.
"Ok." Lana had no choice but say it. Somewhat disappointed that Linda's leaving without having a talk with Clark first.
"Thanks." Linda rose from her feet, collected her backpack and pompoms on the bleachers and marched for the gymnasium door, in a hurry.
Clark gazed at Lana and she just shrugged in reply.
"Linda, wait." He called out, jogging for her.
Linda pushed the doors open and exited the gymnasium. Luckily, Clark caught up with her in the hallway.
"Linda, wait." Clark placed a hand on her shoulder to prevent her from walking away. She stopped without turning around. "I've been looking for you all day."
"Strange," She let out, with a certain coldness in her voice. Linda looked over her shoulder and finished. "I've been trying to avoid you all day."
Linda walked off leaving a crushed Clark. He couldn't come up with any reason as to why she's acting like this. What's wrong? What did I do? Were the questions that lingered on Clark's troubled thoughts.
At the Smallville Hospital:
"How would you make him come to the abandoned foundry?" Lena asked, sitting up on her hospital bed with pillows propped behind her back for support.
She had long scratches on her face and neck and a small cut on her forehead that had bled quite a bit. Lena hissed in pain when she reached to touch it.
"I'll think of something." Uttered Linda sitting at the foot of Lena's bed.
They were talking about Clark Kent. It's been almost an hour since Linda came into the room and from that time, the two had been devising a plan to destroy Clark. So far, Linda settled for the abandoned foundry by the woods for their battleground.
That same foundry where Clark and Greg Arkin (Bug Boy) used to play as kids. Clark told Linda all about it. He said that it was near the tree fort they built.
"Bait." Muttered Lena.
"What?"
"Get a bait." Lena expounded, excited by the idea she came up with. "Someone close to him, someone he values more than anything."
"Right. A bait." She agreed, standing up. Linda paced around the room to keep her mind working.
"What about his parents? For sure he'd go berserk!" Lena suggested.
"NO!" Linda promptly objected the offer. She wouldn't want anything to happen to Mr. and Mrs. Kent. "No, Not them."
"You're left with Chloe and Pete then."
"No."
"Linda, don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. Don't let it affect your duty." Lena pointed, realizing that her friend had developed some kind of emotional attachment to these people. "Gawd, I hope you're not in love with Clark. Because that would make things worst."
Lena watched her friend stopped pacing at the mention of Clark.
"Are you in love with Clark?" She automatically fired the question.
"No!" Linda forced herself to say it. She turned away and glanced outside the window, confused with her feelings. Clark is all she thinks about.
"I hope you're telling me the truth, Lyn. Let me just remind you that the guy almost killed me. Clark doesn't deserve your love. He's a monster." Said Lena.
"I know." Linda whispered, a small teardrop rolling down her right cheek. She had already set herself into slaying Clark, so what's happening to her now?
"I've got it." Linda continued after a while, wiping the tear. "I've chosen my bait."
"Who?"
Linda took off her gaze at the window to face Lena. She sighed heavily and said, "Lana Lang."
An evil grin played at the corners of Lena's mouth.
Linda returned to Smallville High later that afternoon to execute the kidnapping plan of Lana. As far as she can remember, Lana informed her that the squad will be staying at the gymnasium until six in the evening.
When she arrived at the gymnasium, most of the squad members were gone. A few were left loitering around the campus.
"Izzy, hey" Linda recognized one of the squad members, as she came near her. "Have you seen Lana?"
"Yeah, she was heading to the parking lot to meet Whitney."
"Thanks." Linda sprinted for the parking lot.
She was nervous because this is the first time she'd kidnap and use anyone as bait to her enemy. Linda knew that what she's doing's wrong, but she has to do this for the greater good of the people.
Immediately, Linda spotted Lana walking alone. Like Izzy just said, she was heading for the parking lot to meet Whitney. This is her chance.
Using her power of flight, she levitated at least 5 feet from the ground to stalk Lana. Doing this prevented Lana from ever suspecting that someone's following her.
With one quick blow at the back of Lana's head, Linda was able to make her unconscious. She picked her up in her arms from the ground, as they took flight for the foundry. Linda whispered an apology to Lana. The whole thing's totally against her will.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark stayed at the Torch's office to work on some of the articles that he had typed the previous afternoon. He deleted some of the lines and proof read the article while he's at it. A few more adjustments and Clark's done working for the day.
He took off his eyes from the computer monitor and closed them, again his thoughts were haunted by Linda Danvers. Clark finally confirmed to himself that he loves her. If only he could find a way to tell her that.
Clark used to feel this way for Lana. Though after the conversation they had earlier, Clark realized that that feelings are not there anymore. Talking to Lana is just like talking to Chloe. The moment's not magical, unlike before.
Clark left the Torch's office to grab some of his books from his locker. The dimly lit and now empty corridors sent shivers down his spine. It's just like a scene from one of those horror movies his mom loved to watch. Where the killer would appear out of nowhere and run after you with a huge knife in one hand.
He punched his locker combination and the door snapped open. A small note fell to the floor and it got Clark's attention.
Clark picked it up and the note reads, "Lana. With me. Abandoned foundry. Be there."
Someone's got Lana. But who? The first name that came to his mind is Nick Adler.
"This is a trap." He thought, crumpling the note in one hand. "He's got Lana and he's using her as bait."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark rushed to the foundry without delay, making a short stop at the tree fort where he used to play in with Dick Arkin. It brought back memories, both sad and happy ones.
Now, Clark stood before the rusty and old abandoned foundry with fear in his heart. He's not afraid of death or anything. He fears for Lana's life.
Clark worries though, recalling that the place is filled with that green meteor rock that makes him weak and vulnerable. Those meteor rocks that could possibly cause his death.
Staring at the foundry with the dark sky as it's background, Clark encouraged himself to get on with it and save Lana. With the mild wind blowing his hair, he braced himself, hands shoved inside his jacket's pockets, and started towards the entrance.
(Next: The Teen of Steel VS The Maiden of Might - Chapter 15)
Chapter Fourteen
Linda Danvers woke up the following morning feeling utterly terrible. This is the day that she'd chosen to confront Clark ones and for all. Actually, it's not just the confronting she's worried and gutted about, but it's the fact that she has to get rid of him. For the good of everyone living in Smallville, she's decided that Clark must be stop.
That morning, Linda heard Clark talking to his parents downstairs, they were having breakfast already.
"The freakin' bastard's here." She thought, rising up from her bed.
Linda proceeded to her bathroom to take a warm shower, hoping that somehow all her feelings for Clark would be washed off. It's hard to kill someone you've fallen in love with.
To no avail, after the shower, it's still there. Though love wasn't the only emotions that lingered on her mind now, there's anger and disappointment. Linda promised to herself to kick out love in the mix and replace it with hatred, just before the confrontation.
She dried her damped body with a towel, wrapped the towel around her body, then stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed
"I'm not gonna let you down." Linda told her reflection on the mirror above her sink. Looking back at her from the mirror is a young blonde girl with the saddest blue eyes.
Linda didn't came down until she's certain that Clark's out of the house. She's aware that by doing this, she'll probably be late for school. Then she thought that it's a small price to pay anyway. Seeing Clark that morning all cute and ravishingly charming, and riding the bus with him to school, is not gonna help her to want to crush and destroy him.
Keeping a good distance between her and her target is a good idea for Linda. This way she wouldn't be distracted by them, or in this case Clark's incredible smile and sweet as a nut personality.
Linda left the house about 15 minutes after Clark. Mr. Kent suggested that he'd drive her to school but Linda disapproved. She felt guilt to the nice couple, who she thought are clueless about their son's evil ways.
Riding the next bus that passed by the farm on the way to school, Linda noticed that she forgot her 'magical' bracelet at her other bag. She wanted to step out of the bus and retrieve the darn thing, but chose not to.
"What for?" Linda told herself, staring outside the bus window. "I already know that Clark's got a piece of the Omegahedron."
Smallville High:
Clark arrived in school and headed straight to his locker by the hallways. He was thinking of two things. There's his problem with Nick Adler, who they still cannot track down, and of course there's the thing about Linda.
Lex was right when he said that Clark should go tell Linda how he feels. He's right about the part that Clark should give himself and his love a chance.
"Clark." Someone said his name. He looked up and saw that it was Pete. "Where's Lyn?"
The students in Smallville had associated the name Clark Kent and Linda Danvers, together. Since Monday morning, Clark and Linda always arrives in school together, and now that he's alone, it's natural for some people to ask about Clark's 'other half'.
"I don't think she's coming to school today." Clark muttered closing his locker. "My mom said she seemed to be a bit upset last night when she came home."
"Maybe because of Lena."
"Why what's with Lena?" He immediately inquired when he saw Pete had that look.
"She's in the hospital. The students said that she got attacked by some animal." Pete relayed.
"An animal?" Clark uttered, eyebrows furrowed.
"Yeah. Some of the members of the cheering squad visited her last night and according to them, Lena said she was attacked by a bear."
"A bear?" He reckoned obviously bewildered by the information. Clark basically grew up in Smallville and he's never heard of anyone being attacked by a wild bear. Hell, he reckoned there are no wild bears in Smallville. Clark made a mental note to give Lex a call after his first period. Maybe he's still unaware that his half sister's confined at the hospital.
Pete smacked him gently on his chest then followed it with a nod towards Clark's back, as if to tell him that someone's coming. He looked over his shoulder to see who it is.
Linda walked the locker filled hallway of the school with her chin slightly raised. She was attired in the official, red, black and yellow uniform of the Smallville High cheering squad. With backpack slung over one shoulder while carrying some books within her right hand, she strutted like she owns the entire school.
She stopped dead on her tracks when she finally got to Clark and Pete's location. Clark instantly regarded something different about Linda. He could sense a change in her.
"Hi Lyn." Pete chimed in with a sincere smile. Linda stared at him for a couple of seconds with out saying anything.
She transferred her gaze to Clark, who managed to give a smile even if he's still fidgety at the sight of her. He was hoping for the smile to be returned but to his disappointment, he got nothing. Linda had a blank expression on her face.
Placing her free right hand on her hip, Linda continued to walk off probably heading to her first class.
Clark doubted if it's really Linda. She's so cold, so different. Using his X Ray vision he checked for proof. To his surprise, it was the real Linda. He found nothing peculiar with her body and bone composition.
"What's up with her?" Pete asked Clark, fazed.
"I dunno." Clark managed to mumble, eyes still fixed on Linda's back.
When first period ended, the principal's voice came into the speaker for an important announcement about the anticipated party on Friday evening. He advised to the students that the teachers committee and the student body have decided that the party will be a costume party.
The students were enraged. Some had already chosen something to wear for Friday night. And now they're left with the task of coming up with a costume! But what can they do? The decision's been made. They have no choice but to follow.
After Clark's fourth period class, he headed for the drinking fountain and fortunately caught up with Lana Lang. She was garbed in the cheering squad's uniform, exactly like the one he saw Linda had on earlier.
"Hey." Lana greeted him, accompanied by her superb smile.
"Lana." Said Clark, gesturing Lana to use the fountain first. Ones Lana's thirst was quenched, it was his turn to drink. Lana waited for him to finish.
"Haven't seen you in a while Clark." She muttered looking up at him.
Clark wiped his lips dry using the sleeve of his shirt. "Yeah. Been doing a lot of research for The Torch's issue for next week."
"How 'bout you? What have you been up to?" He asked, walking with Lana towards the indoor school gymnasium.
"Um, I've been busy the past couple of days looking for an after school job." Lana informed.
"Cool."
"Yeah. I figured, since I'm quitting the squad, I might as well do something productive with my time, like a job."
"Again?" Clark inquired, surprised with Lana's decision. This isn't the first time Lana quitted the squad to pursue something else. She has worked at the Smallville beanery before and just recently at the Talon. Then she quitted and went back with the squad.
"Yes!" She laughed at Clark's surprised tone. "Look, I know I pretty much screwed up every after school job that I've had previously. I wasn't ready back then. But now I'm really decided."
"Good luck." He told her, beaming.
"Thanks." Lana answered as they continued walking. "I just thought that there's something more to life that memorizing routines, shaking pompoms and cheering."
"Hmm, why do feel like I've heard that one before?" Clark joked to Lana. Every time she would quit the squad to go after some plan, Lana would always deliver that 'more to life' speech.
Lana giggled when Clark said those words. She thought that Clark must probably be sick and tired from hearing the same reason over and over. Then again Clark's not like that kind of person.
It suddenly got to Clark's attention that he's not feeling drowsy walking beside Lana. He checked for her necklace and it wasn't there.
"Where's your necklace?" He mumbled, eyes darting on Lana's neck.
"I took it off. For some strange reason, Linda said it distracted her so I left it home."
"Oh." Was the word that came out of Clark's mouth, bewildered. Why would a girl like Linda be distracted over Lana's necklace?
"So have you heard about Lena?" She spoke afterwards, her face turning serious.
"Yeah. Pete just told me this morning. She was attacked by a wild bear?"
Lana nodded, "Poor Lena. What I don't understand is that bear part. I don't recall anyone being attacked by a wild bear before."
"Same thing I asked myself when I heard the news. It's weird."
"Well, in a town like Smallville, nothing's impossible anymore." She pointed out, raking some of her hair away from her lovely face, with the use of her fingers.
Clark just nodded to that comment.
"I'm worried about Linda though. I can tell that she's deeply affected." Mumbled Lana, looking down at her shoes.
The incident that happened that morning by the hallway flashed back into Clark's mind. He thought that maybe Linda's acting strange because of Lena's accident. She must be really devastated and sad thus her reaction earlier. Clark felt guilty for not being there for her.
"We tried talking to her, convince her to let her feelings out but she insisted that she's fine, that she's ok." Lana added as they got in the spacious gymnasium. "D'you think you can do something about it Clark? Like talk to her and stuff?"
"Yeah. I've been wanting to talk to her all day." Clark stated following Lana to the location where the squads are. They were assembled in front of the bleachers at one side of the gymnasium.
Some of the girls practicing some dance routines, the others memorizing and belting out cheers while some of them sat on the floor gossiping. Pompoms were scattered everywhere.
Clark instantly spotted Linda at the far side of the room, practicing cheering routines with a few other girls, giggling. Linda pivoted her head and met Clark's eyes accidentally. The weak grin she had on faded so soon. He waved at her with a smile and sauntered for her.
Revolted by the sight of Clark, Linda stopped what she's doing and started for Lana, who by this time sat on the floor with the other squad members.
"Lana would it be ok if I leave now?" She queried kneeling next to Lana, ignoring Clark who was approaching them.
"Why?" Lana said eyeing Clark, worried.
"I don't feel quite that good, suddenly." Linda lied. Because the truth is she doesn't want to see or talk to Clark.
"Ok." Lana had no choice but say it. Somewhat disappointed that Linda's leaving without having a talk with Clark first.
"Thanks." Linda rose from her feet, collected her backpack and pompoms on the bleachers and marched for the gymnasium door, in a hurry.
Clark gazed at Lana and she just shrugged in reply.
"Linda, wait." He called out, jogging for her.
Linda pushed the doors open and exited the gymnasium. Luckily, Clark caught up with her in the hallway.
"Linda, wait." Clark placed a hand on her shoulder to prevent her from walking away. She stopped without turning around. "I've been looking for you all day."
"Strange," She let out, with a certain coldness in her voice. Linda looked over her shoulder and finished. "I've been trying to avoid you all day."
Linda walked off leaving a crushed Clark. He couldn't come up with any reason as to why she's acting like this. What's wrong? What did I do? Were the questions that lingered on Clark's troubled thoughts.
At the Smallville Hospital:
"How would you make him come to the abandoned foundry?" Lena asked, sitting up on her hospital bed with pillows propped behind her back for support.
She had long scratches on her face and neck and a small cut on her forehead that had bled quite a bit. Lena hissed in pain when she reached to touch it.
"I'll think of something." Uttered Linda sitting at the foot of Lena's bed.
They were talking about Clark Kent. It's been almost an hour since Linda came into the room and from that time, the two had been devising a plan to destroy Clark. So far, Linda settled for the abandoned foundry by the woods for their battleground.
That same foundry where Clark and Greg Arkin (Bug Boy) used to play as kids. Clark told Linda all about it. He said that it was near the tree fort they built.
"Bait." Muttered Lena.
"What?"
"Get a bait." Lena expounded, excited by the idea she came up with. "Someone close to him, someone he values more than anything."
"Right. A bait." She agreed, standing up. Linda paced around the room to keep her mind working.
"What about his parents? For sure he'd go berserk!" Lena suggested.
"NO!" Linda promptly objected the offer. She wouldn't want anything to happen to Mr. and Mrs. Kent. "No, Not them."
"You're left with Chloe and Pete then."
"No."
"Linda, don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. Don't let it affect your duty." Lena pointed, realizing that her friend had developed some kind of emotional attachment to these people. "Gawd, I hope you're not in love with Clark. Because that would make things worst."
Lena watched her friend stopped pacing at the mention of Clark.
"Are you in love with Clark?" She automatically fired the question.
"No!" Linda forced herself to say it. She turned away and glanced outside the window, confused with her feelings. Clark is all she thinks about.
"I hope you're telling me the truth, Lyn. Let me just remind you that the guy almost killed me. Clark doesn't deserve your love. He's a monster." Said Lena.
"I know." Linda whispered, a small teardrop rolling down her right cheek. She had already set herself into slaying Clark, so what's happening to her now?
"I've got it." Linda continued after a while, wiping the tear. "I've chosen my bait."
"Who?"
Linda took off her gaze at the window to face Lena. She sighed heavily and said, "Lana Lang."
An evil grin played at the corners of Lena's mouth.
Linda returned to Smallville High later that afternoon to execute the kidnapping plan of Lana. As far as she can remember, Lana informed her that the squad will be staying at the gymnasium until six in the evening.
When she arrived at the gymnasium, most of the squad members were gone. A few were left loitering around the campus.
"Izzy, hey" Linda recognized one of the squad members, as she came near her. "Have you seen Lana?"
"Yeah, she was heading to the parking lot to meet Whitney."
"Thanks." Linda sprinted for the parking lot.
She was nervous because this is the first time she'd kidnap and use anyone as bait to her enemy. Linda knew that what she's doing's wrong, but she has to do this for the greater good of the people.
Immediately, Linda spotted Lana walking alone. Like Izzy just said, she was heading for the parking lot to meet Whitney. This is her chance.
Using her power of flight, she levitated at least 5 feet from the ground to stalk Lana. Doing this prevented Lana from ever suspecting that someone's following her.
With one quick blow at the back of Lana's head, Linda was able to make her unconscious. She picked her up in her arms from the ground, as they took flight for the foundry. Linda whispered an apology to Lana. The whole thing's totally against her will.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark stayed at the Torch's office to work on some of the articles that he had typed the previous afternoon. He deleted some of the lines and proof read the article while he's at it. A few more adjustments and Clark's done working for the day.
He took off his eyes from the computer monitor and closed them, again his thoughts were haunted by Linda Danvers. Clark finally confirmed to himself that he loves her. If only he could find a way to tell her that.
Clark used to feel this way for Lana. Though after the conversation they had earlier, Clark realized that that feelings are not there anymore. Talking to Lana is just like talking to Chloe. The moment's not magical, unlike before.
Clark left the Torch's office to grab some of his books from his locker. The dimly lit and now empty corridors sent shivers down his spine. It's just like a scene from one of those horror movies his mom loved to watch. Where the killer would appear out of nowhere and run after you with a huge knife in one hand.
He punched his locker combination and the door snapped open. A small note fell to the floor and it got Clark's attention.
Clark picked it up and the note reads, "Lana. With me. Abandoned foundry. Be there."
Someone's got Lana. But who? The first name that came to his mind is Nick Adler.
"This is a trap." He thought, crumpling the note in one hand. "He's got Lana and he's using her as bait."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark rushed to the foundry without delay, making a short stop at the tree fort where he used to play in with Dick Arkin. It brought back memories, both sad and happy ones.
Now, Clark stood before the rusty and old abandoned foundry with fear in his heart. He's not afraid of death or anything. He fears for Lana's life.
Clark worries though, recalling that the place is filled with that green meteor rock that makes him weak and vulnerable. Those meteor rocks that could possibly cause his death.
Staring at the foundry with the dark sky as it's background, Clark encouraged himself to get on with it and save Lana. With the mild wind blowing his hair, he braced himself, hands shoved inside his jacket's pockets, and started towards the entrance.
(Next: The Teen of Steel VS The Maiden of Might - Chapter 15)