Chapter 5

The others had found the Kents' truck with the keys still in. They all loaded in and drove to the Kent farm at the highest speed the truck would go with this many people in. When they arrived, the Kents answered the door and Martha immediately took Clark to the sofa. She wanted to cry. Thank god they had found him in time.

"Clark." she whispered.

"I'm okay mom," he replied reassuringly, but he started to loose his balance and Martha directed him to the sofa.

* * * * * *

Clark was so relieved to be home that he hardly took in the others around him, talking in muffled voices. He had fallen asleep and the way the gestured suggested they had been trying not to wake him. He stood up and they all stopped to look his way.

"I want to know what's going on," he told them.

* * * * * *

Lex kicked the gate so hard it echoed through the hallway. He was beginning to regret having stayed behind. But it was too late now. Even as he spoke, the elevator door opened. But instead of lots of people coming in, it was just one, the shape shifter.

"Dad, I tried to stop them. I came here to tell you that I want to help you."

"How dumb do you think I am," he retorted, "I have eyes and ears everywhere," he glanced up at the camera, "I know you know."

Lex stood still, not knowing what to say. Then he turned around and ran but he wasn't fast enough. The shape shifter shot a dart filled with a memory erasing poison into his neck and he fell to the ground.

* * * * *

After hearing what everyone had to say, and thanking the new people several times for helping to save his life, Clark thought over what to do. Lex was still in there, and Lionel too. It was weird to think of wanting to help Lionel, he had been the object of his hate for days now and he had had to be told twice before believing that he wasn't responsible. They had to help them.

"I think we should go back for them. If we all club together, I'm sure we can figure out a plan," suggested Kyle.

Most of the group seemed to agree, and even Jonathon murmured a sound that could be taken as approval. Clark, however, didn't say a word. The thought of going back was too terrifying.

* * * * *

Grianne watched Clark cower as the compound was mentioned. He looked terrified. When she began to read him, she realised that this was an understatement. He was so scared that she wanted to just tell him didn't have to do anything else. Inside, he could just curl up in a ball and hope his problems just went away.

"Maybe Clark shouldn't be a part of this," she suggested, desperately wanting the look on his face to stop, "He's been through enough."

Clark took a second to reflect.

She could see that he wanted this with every fibre of his being and yet he said "No. Lex was trying to help me, the least I can do is the same for him."

It was weird, because as soon as he'd turned down the opportunity, he seemed less afraid. As though he had gained a bit of self control by proving to himself that he was still strong. For the rest of the evening they devised their plan.

* * * * * *