Watershed Anew Chapter 20: Big Reveals, a smallville fanfic

Chapter 20 [A Few Minutes Earlier]

[A/N: And now, the divergences are going to take a real hard turn. For more on this stuff, read my Dubois Chronicles series.]

Jonathan watched Guests' Vehicles parking one by one beside Pete's car. Anxiety had built inside of himself. His efforts in Distraction's Service included Barn Projects, Checking over his Work Bench and Tools, a Long Walk in the Back Forty and Raking Hay in the field. Drive around Smallville and Granville granted him Respite as well. Instinct screamed at him to call Dinner off and lock Clark away tighter. Inspiration fired up further from a glance across the room.

Besides, Martha had her mind made up. Nothing was going to change that….

He gazed out the window. Concern churned Tempest within his heart and soul. Trust dimmed within his mind. "They're talking outside. Hope Clark's not saying anything."

Incredulity elicited a long sigh from Martha. "People do greet guests when they pull in, Jonathan. It's going to be all right. We can trust them." She sucked in a deep breath. Just don't let me down, Kids! She noted Table Settings' accuracy. She peered into Crock Pot on the Counter. "That ham's almost ready."

Clark opened the door. "Mom? Dad? Everyone's here!" He almost crept in. Cooking's Scents tickled his Nostrils. He pushed it open further. "Come on in, Everyone! Miranda, you remember my Mom? This is my Dad, Jonathan Kent."

Miranda took off her own shoes. She looked about Dining and Living Rooms. "This is very nice. Thank you for allowing me to join them, Mr. and Mrs. Kent." She extended her hand to Jonathan. "Very nice to meet you, Sir. I'm Miranda Arighatto."

Jonathan nodded. Firm Shake struck Welcome's accord between them. "Thank you, Miranda…?" He looked her over. "You seem familiar. Do you have family around here?"

"My stepfather, Hansei Arighatto, travels a lot for business. I live by myself. Lana and I work at the Talon together. My…umm…uncle liked it out here years ago." Miranda shook off Sorrow's chill. "He talked a lot about people around here. That was a long time ago though. Sorry. My birth family's name was Dubois."

"Dubois?" Lex straightened right up. "As in Dave Dubois? He's your uncle?" He stared at Miranda. "Unbelievable! Why didn't I see it before?" He nodded. "Now I see the resemblance." Smirk spread across her face. "You bet he was out here. Mr. and Mrs. Kent?"

Chloe sniffed. "I bet that must be some story. Miranda, I thought you didn't know who your family was?"

"I knew them. It is not a pleasant tale. Uncle Dave visited here?" Miranda walked about the area. Vibrations strummed across Psychic Sensitivity. Faint Echoes kicked across her senses.

Martha nodded. "Indeed, he did, Miranda. He'd come out here and do chores for meals. I know we're here for Clark tonight, Sweetie. Maybe some time, you can stop by? I have pictures from back then. Lex has some with his mother and him." Smile spread across his face. "He had issues but he was an excellent friend."

"The Talon's standing because of him…" Jonathan turned toward Lex. Admission pushed him onward. "I know how hard that was for you both."

"My father at his worst once again." Consternation threatened Major Headache for Lex. "Oh, that is a story. Miranda, I agree with Mr. and Mrs. Kent. We should talk further. I wish I had known! We'll definitely need to look at those pictures and discuss this. One thing, Everyone, since we're discussing secrets, do not talk about that in the open. My father and Mr. Arighatto know each other. He could kill you for knowing about that. So please. Let's just keep it amongst ourselves."

"Come on!" Scoff came from Chloe's mouth. "So, we know who her original family was? That's not…"

"Chloe, don't go there. Mr. Luthor's right. He would." Miranda glanced at everyone. Purpose lit up her eyes. "I don't want any of you hurt. Promise you'll keep this between us." She put her hand on Chloe's arm. "I know you want the truth. It's just like why we're here."

"That's an excellent point. Your Uncle was one of the first to know about Clark." Jonathan put his hand on Miranda's shoulder. "He took that knowledge with him. You sum up why such secrets are a matter of life and death. Yours is one such secret. Clark's situation is another. Just as you asked of us, Mrs. Kent and I have to ask you all to keep his situation private. Nobody can know. Just this past year, we've had investigators and blackmailers trying to take advantage of Clark. Before we go any farther, can I have your word on that?"

"Why don't we let them sit down?" Martha motioned toward the chairs. "We have fifteen minutes before dinner. We can talk about this now. It can carry over to the table if needed."

"Wow! A pledge and a secret handshake too? Clark, I never knew you were holding out on us. What are you packing? The holy grail?" Sass prompted rejoinder from Chloe.

"Chloe, this is serious." Consternation hissed Response from Clark. "Yeah, it's the reason I've kept things to myself." He sat down on Maple Chair. "I just hope you can understand."

"Guys, it's no picnic keeping this to ourselves. Trust me on that." Pete nodded to Clark. "I've had my man's back for months now." He held his hand out to Clark. "I've always got your back."

"Thanks, Pete." Clark grabbed Pete's hand. "Well, Everyone?"

Miranda offered her hand. "I swore as much last night. We have our secrets to protect, Clark." She turned to him. On all levels, Captain Plaid. Remember that.

I got it. Clark stiffened at Telepathic Reminder. I'll keep your secret too. Thanks, Miranda.

"You know I'm here for you, Clark. The truth does make it easier to be that way. Thank you for trusting me. I promise to keep your secret." Lana squeezed his hand in hers. Commitment blazed in her eyes as well.

Lex rubbed his chin. And now they're trying to bind me with an oath? This has got to be the Big Kent Secret all right. "Just be honest with me, Mr. and Mrs. Kent…Clark. As Lana said, knowing the truth does make it easier. You tell me the truth. You have my secrecy." Lex got up from his chair. He read Seriousness' Expression across Jonathan's and Martha's faces. "Shake on it?"

"Thank you, Lex." Martha shook his hand first. "I appreciate this."

Jonathan's eyes narrowed. Trust didn't exactly present itself in huge amounts for him at that moment. He slowly raised his hand. With Efforted and Small Movements, he pushed it toward Lex. You remember that, Lex. He grabbed onto Lex's hand. "Be very careful."

"Trust me, Mr. Kent. I am quite serious. Clark's my friend. I'm ready to protect him." Lex squeezed Jonathan's hand firmer still. "Miranda's Uncle Dave taught me about my father's capabilities. I am well aware of what he would do."

"Thanks, Lex." Clark expressed. He relaxed slightly. His eyes exchanged looks with Pete and Lana. "Chloe?"

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "You're all acting like this is The Major Headline in Smallville in forever." Disbelief spread across her face. "Clark, in all seriousness, yes, I can keep a secret. I know I have The Torch. You know we're friends. I swear I can keep this secret."

"I appreciate that, Chloe. Thanks. It's a really big deal." Clark bit his lip. He bowed his head. I just hope they feel the same way after they find out. Trepidation quaked through him.

"What's the matter, Clark? Can't deal with other people knowing this secret?" Chloe jabbed. She'd seen Discomfort take him at points such as that one.

"It is serious, Chloe." Clark shook his head. "I can't believe Mom and Dad are doing this myself."

"As I told you last night, Clark, we're doing this because certain matters have come to light. We discovered that having an extra set of eyes is a good thing." Jonathan rubbed Pete on the shoulder. "To be honest, yes, some of you are putting the pieces together for yourselves." He made his way across the room. "As you all know, Clark is very special to Mrs. Kent and me. He always has been and always will be." He lifted Rifle from its holder in the Gun Case.

"What's…the deal with the gun, Mr. Kent? We promised." Chloe stared at the others.

"Dad? What are you doing?" Clark stiffened. He looked around at everyone else in the room. Questions popped up over Jonathan's sanity in that moment.

"Mr. Kent, surely there's no need…" Lex shook his head. "I know we've had our differences but…"

"Relax, Lex. We may not always agree. I'm not going to kill anyone." Jonathan checked Rifle over once again. "But as we know, there's more to Clark than meets the eye." He aimed. Finger pulled Trigger twice seconds apart. Two Shots rang out.

Clark rolled his eyes. We're really doing this? Did he…? Shock paralyzed him for a breath. First Bullet struck him Mid-Chest throwing him backward. Super Speed enabled him to side step Second Shot. Hand stabbed out and caught Projectile Mid-Flight. Then, he crashed to the floor.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?" Chloe stared wide-eyed at Jonathan. "You just…just…like shot Clark?" Shock froze her in place. Even Glib Tongue locked down from the event.

"CLARK?" Lana gasped. Panic and Fear seized her heart. She grabbed onto Clark. "I know you wanted to be honest! I know you all wanted to show me and…." Then, she stopped short. "Wait! Where's the blood? There's no blood!"

"I'm fine, Lana. Really." Clark winced. "I knew Dad was going to show you guys. I just didn't think he'd shoot me." He stood up and dusted himself off. He held Crumpled Bullet up for Consideration. "That's the second one."

"You've got a bullet proof vest under there! There's just no way!" Chloe's jaw dropped further and further. She noticed Pete shaking his head. "Wait! You knew, didn't you?"

"Yeah. And no, Clark's not wearing a vest." Pete picked up the first dented bullet. "There's the other one." He handed it to Clark. "I think you're looking for this."

"Incredible." Lex shook his head. "You took a rifle shot in the chest. Then, you moved so fast! No wonder you can get by my security. Kind of makes me wonder if you have fire vision too?" He raised an eyebrow at him.

"Come on, Mr. Luthor! Surely…," Miranda picked on Concentration and Heat in Clark's mind. "You've…got to be kidding me." She stared at the Farm Boy.

Clark held up Candle. Focus made Eyes glow Orange. Heat Beams jumped toward Wick. Flame sprouted up from Wax Base. "Yeah, I have that."

"You…you started those fires! Are you kidding me?" Realization widened Chloe's eyes still further. She tried to grasp onto Stability's remaining embers within herself. Luck rendered her with little more result than holding onto Jell-O.

"Good thing Dad doesn't know about this, Clark." Cough escaped Lex's lips. "So far, we've seen invulnerability, super speed and heat vision. I don't suppose you have super strength too? I remember you pulling your Dad's farm hand and me back up onto the catwalk unassisted. I can't believe I didn't see it before. So, tell me, Clark, did I or did I not hit you on the bridge?"

"You hit me with your car. Sorry." Apology reddened Clark's face. "I did save your life. Lana, I did save you from the twisters and get you to the emergency room. There's the bee invasion at the Talon and Tina's putting you in the crypt. Chloe, I saved you from being buried alive. Lex, I stopped Desiree at your mansion."

Lana nodded. She wrapped her head around those events. "Lex said it. I've kind of suspected since the twisters. I'm really grateful for the saves. I think we've all benefitted from that, Clark. Who knows what else you can do?" Lana rubbed his arm. "Well, there is the floating thing."

"Floating thing? Clark, you can fly? Is there no end to it?" Lex leaned back in his seat. Imagination drew up Mental Image of Clark flying through the air. "I'm…speechless."

"Lex, remember…." Jonathan cleared his throat.

"Relax, Mr. Kent. I'm just putting together all of the things Clark can do. As I said before, it's truly incredible. I'm glad you trust me with this now." Lex fought down Indignation's unsettling effects. He maintained the smile on his face. "We just have to keep each other safe now."

"Exactly, Lex. Well, shall we move this discussion to the table? Miranda, I'm glad you shared that information about your family. We're having Dijon ham. Your uncle introduced it to us. He mentioned that your Great Grandmother had a recipe like it."

Lex nodded. "Ms. Janet…sorry, Miranda, your Great Grandmother Dubois used to make turkey with a Dijon glaze. I remember your uncle adapted it for ham. This is really good, Guys. Mom and I had it right here decades ago."

"Yes we did." Martha nodded to Lex. "She'd be glad that you let us know, Miranda. Even if tonight's about Clark's Secret, we respect you too."

"I just think it's great that you can find out more." Lana hugged Miranda's shoulders. "Just as I did tonight." Grin sparkled for Clark's benefit. "Now we can watch out for one another." She took Clark's hand and walk with him toward the table.

Clark had to smile. Disaster skirted the Farm on that evening. Acceptance seemed to make (some) headway in one form or another. Adjustment would be required but that was expected. He looked around the table at them all. Truth indeed set him free with this group. He could be himself for the first time. Freedom exhilarated him and everyone else.

Fellowship was now founded….