Title: A Hero Arrives (6/?): Sequel to 'A Fallen Hero'
Author: DCForever
Contact: dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
Author's Note: Please, let me know what you like or hate about the story. I would also like to hear suggestions on which direction I should take the story. Ideas people... ideas. Hey, what can I say...the story is un-beta-ed and short.
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On the car ride back to the dorms, Clark had time to chat with the Thomas's. They told story after story involving their daughter, Danielle, and her friends and previous boyfriends and adventures. He learned that their daughter was a well-rounded individual. She not only was smart and beautiful, but lettered in three sports in high school and had both an academic and sports scholarship to attend Metropolis University. He breath a sigh of relief when he learned that at no time did she consider journalism as a major or even thought about being a cheerleader.
Those two types of girls, in the past, had caused more problems for his growth as a person and as the person he will one day become. He always wondered what it would have been like if he hadn't have gone through a growth spurt and got hit by the handsome bug. How would life have been different? How would he have adjusted with Pete Ross as his only friend? What if he had picked up on the clues of his powers sooner in life? These questions seemed to be a thing that was constantly visiting his nightly dreams since leaving Smallville in a search to find himself...to find his destiny. It would be those very dreams that could come back to haunt his very existence. At the moment, Clark Kent, aka Christopher K. Clark had no idea of what was to come in life...or how soon it would come. No, he was clueless and just enjoying the laughter that filled the Thomas's SUV as they rolled to a stop by a very crowded sidewalk that seemed to be the gateway to knowledge, food, games, and housing.
Exiting the vehicle, Clark turned back towards the Thomas's. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for allowing me to ride back to campus with you. I can honestly say that I learned quite a bit about you family and it was nothing less than entertaining. Thank you. And don't worry, I won't mention to Danielle all the things you told me about her."
"Ah, don't worry about that. We've embarrassed her far worse. We didn't even tell you about the mud hole." Mrs. Thomas gave her husband 'the look' before saying, "Honey, don't even go there. As hilarious as it was...she would kill us. Remember...we promised we would never bring it up again...we did promise." Turning to face Clark's confused face. "It's just the last time we told that story...it was to her boyfriend at the time. Next thing we knew, she was kissing a girl before us and holding hands. Things later settled down, but spending a year living with my sister is what we believe healed what emotional scar we had given her. So we promised that story and a few others would never leave our lips again. And my husband here seemed to have forgotten that period in our life. The period where he thought about giving up his idea of being a scholarly man and going to work for Lionel Luthor and Luthor Corp." Clark's eyes grew in size at Mrs. Thomas' comment. "He wasn't thinking straight. I told him working for that evil would be the end of our marriage...he reconsidered his career plans." With a concerned look on her face, "Are you okay, Chris?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I mentioned the Luthor name and you seemed shocked. Do you know the Luthors?"
Lying through his teeth...clenched teeth at that. "Just from reading the papers, ma'am. I'm sorry, but really need to get going...have some cleaning and laundry to get done."
"Aw yes, I remember the days of being on my own. Okay, Chris, it was nice seeing you again and I hope to see you more often."
Mr. Thomas chimed in. "What she is trying to say is that she hopes to see you round and about campus...right honey?"
"Yeah, dear...that's all I was saying."
Clark chuckled at the underlying meaning of the conversation. "I like your daughter and I would like to come around more often, but it will be her decision...don't push it. Hey, we just met." Danielle's parents watched as the young man gathered up his book bag and closed the door. As Clark turned to walk towards his dorm he was met with bewildered and wandering eyes from his fellow students. It didn't even take the time for the SUV to drive off before many of the students standing around began chattering and spreading news about what a few were lucky enough to overhear between Clark and Danielle's parents. By the time Clark's dorm building was in view, he had already heard at least six different views of what he and the Thomas's had talked about. Many of the rumors not only had Clark and Danielle as a couple, but also even went as far as having them already getting caught having sex by her parents. Clark could only hang his head and chuckle at the absurdity of the whole situation. He brushed off the comments and headed towards his dorm.
Coming out of a nearby building was Clark's new friend, X-Ray. He spotted Clark making his way towards the dorms and took off running in his direction. In his mad dash he intercepted a few of the bogus rumors that he knew would give him some ammo for Clark.
Clark was clueless to X-Ray's nearing presence, but the weight of his body on Clark's back was a waking alert that he wasn't expecting. Instinctively, Clark quickly dropped his shoulder causing his buddy to go flying off his back and onto the hard concrete walk. Turning towards his fallen friend and offering him a free hand. "Is jumping on people's back really your normal hello? Cause if it is...I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to break your nasty habit."
Clark's friend accepted the hand and pulled himself to his feet, but kept a hand on his aching hip. "Consider it broken."
"What, the habit or the hip?" Clark couldn't let him off without some kind of sarcastic comment.
Breaking out into a fit of laughter. "Both...I think. Having you around makes the phrase 'just keeping it real'...more realistic than I care to handle. That was a sweet move. Can we say football anyone?"
"My dad wouldn't approve in high school so I seriously doubt he would approve now. Plus, I'm too sure I would care to beat up on people week after week. Before long, I would be the only standing and a one man show gets boring after a while...trust me, I would know. Much of my life has been of the lonely sort."
Smirking, "Well from what I hear...you sure aren't lonely anymore." Clark expression changed in a heartbeat...a heartbeat that X-Ray seemed to have lost as he looked at Clark's expression. "Dude, I was just kidding. I know the rumor isn't true, but man, what a rumor."
"Don't you mean rumors? You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Have you forgotten that I know everything? How do you think I get my info? Man, I am the king of seeing through facts and fiction and you and Danielle...at least at the moment...is fiction. You just met her, right? But say after a week, who knows...as quick as you grew on Sandra...the realism of you and Danielle could outweigh the fiction mill."
Approaching his friend with a cold, stern face. "Just one question X-Ray. Do you value your life? If you do, you would stop while I'm still in a pretty good mood."
"Okay, I can see we really need to work on this 'keeping it real' type of friendship. See there is one little thing you need to know...it doesn't involve any physical pain...well, it's not supposed to." The aching young man grabbed for his hip again. "So I guess what I heard was right...you went to see Danielle Thomas this morning...with a certain bosom buddy nonetheless."
"Okay, so I went with Sandra to see her friend. And that relationship is none of your business; so don't even start with me. And don't look at me like that...we're not a thing. We're just two people enjoying a newfound friendship. And before you go back to it, yes I met Danielle and nothing happened. We met, she left the hospital and I got a ride back to campus by her parents. She wanted some time with Sandra."
"Sure...I know all about those relationships...and before long, they miraculously turn into another type of relationship. No prob my friend, no prob from this peanut gallery. You can friend all the girls you want. So, my friend, how would you like to go see Sandra later tonight?"
Now walking up the steps leading into the dorms. "As tempting as that sounds...I'm going to have to decline. I'm sorry, but I was planning on going and seeing Rachel."
"Did you say Rachel? Man, you must be one smooth worker when it comes to women. My goodness. So how did you do it? Danielle doesn't just let anyone call her Rachel. I've known her for a while and I'm still on Danielle...not Danny or Elle like some...just Danielle. I don't know what it is, but for some reason I don't think she takes to kindly to me. Women. Wow...so she's already letting you call her Rachel. I guess I need to hang around with you more often, if you wouldn't mind? I need to experience for myself just how you do it. You're not even here for a week and you got two of the hottest and available women pawing at you already. This might be a pretty fun semester after all. Oh yeah, can't wait for the next trick you pull out of your hat. So are you sure none of those rumors are true? Hehe...just kidding...I'm hurting enough as it is."
"Again...though a different female...nothing like that...yet." Clark got a small gleam in his eye. He knew he had made a connection with Rachel, but how or what kind he was still unsure. "I don't know why she told me to call her that. I don't see the big deal...it's just a name."
"Speaking of names...I'm still working on a nick for ya."
"Don't wait your time...Sandra beat you to the punch."
"She did? Let me guess, something as lame as Clark or say CK?"
"Lame? CK is not lame; actually, I kind of like it. Brings back some pretty cool memories. So, do you really have a problem calling me CK? hmmm."
"It's cool; if you like it, then who am I to take that right away from you. All right, CK it is. Well CK, you up to seeing Sandra?"
"Man, I told you I was going to see Rachel...as soon as I find out where it is she is staying. I figured I could find out from Mrs. Thomas."
"That you could, or your new best buddy could tell you."
"So where then?"
"Have you tried Fordman's room? Oh yeah, guess I must have forgotten to tell you that Danielle Thomas and Sandra Fordman are not only best friends...they are dorm mates as well."
"Haha...thanks for making me look so bad."
Slapping Clark on the shoulder, "What are friends for? So, are we going to see the girls? Oh wait, don't answer that. Let me rephrase that a bit. So, are we going to see...your girls?"
Clark raised his lips forming a huge grin and nodded his head. "Yeah, we're going."
A few hours later, X-Ray was walking through Clark's open dorm room door. "So dude, you ready? Whoa. Please tell me you aren't wearing that...please? Is flannel and plaid all that your wardrobe consists of? If so, we got some shopping to do."
"Hold up there, bub. This student isn't doing any kind of shopping until he finds a way to pay for said shopping items."
"Hehe...just leave the shopping up to me. If there is one thing I know...girls love to shop. And if we tell the girls that you need some new clothes, all will be taken care of...no worries and no hassles. All we have to do is tell them that they can have you for a whole day of shopping and I'm pretty sure they will let their dads foot the bill."
"But X, that isn't me. That isn't how I do things. I don't try and cheat or manipulate people." Unless I'm forced to, thought Clark. "I can't do what you are asking of me. I just can't."
"I don't get your point. Sorry, just don't see it. So you telling me that you want to take away the joy that is shopping from these two fine looking ladies? I know I'm trying to rope you into this, but trust me...it won't be you having the fun. Not when you're constantly changing clothes and having hands pawing at you all day, being judged by the girls and having to tote all the boxes and bags. Okay, the pawing and staring even I could deal with, but the rest of it...not on this planet."
"Yeah, this planet. Hey, maybe we can fly to the moon and go shopping. Don't look at me like that. One day, it could be possible."
"You just keep dreaming my friend, but for the mean time lets just go."
"So my outfit isn't going to bother you?"
"Bother me, yes...distract me, possibly...do I have any other choice, your empty closet says no. So, lets just go."
Ten minutes later the two guys found themselves outside of dorm room number LL23. Clark chuckled at seeing the dorm number. "I just can't get away from double 'L's," thought Clark.
"CK, you want to knock or shall I?" X-Ray didn't wait for an answer as he banged on the newly installed aluminum door. "Ouch, this door is hard."
"Yeah, aluminum I believe." "But still penetrable by my eyes." whispered Clark to himself.
"Her old man must have had it installed for security reasons."
"Yeah...that or...to keep you out."
X-Ray didn't have a chance to reply before hearing someone unlocking the chains from the inside. He was still rubbing his sore hand.
"Good evening, guys. I can't say that we were expecting you, but by all means come in." As the two walked passed Danielle, she greeted them individually. "Ray. Clark." Yelling to Sandra who was taking a shower in the bathroom. "Sandy, hurry up and get your butt out here. There are two fine looking gentlemen here to see us."
Yelling back over the sound of the running water and through the closed door. "So who's with Clark?"
Ray just hung his head in shame. Danielle saw his reaction to her roommate's question and felt sorry for the poor guy. Walking over, she put an arm around him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I'm sure she will feel just as bad when she sees you, Ray." Ray's cheeks were set on fire as his blush set in. Clark just stood back feigning from laughing.
"So what brings you two guys here tonight?" As Danielle waited on a response, she allowed her eyes to drift over their clothes and bodies. For all she knew of Clark's wonderful abilities, it was a shame she couldn't be just as impressed with his style in clothes. Thinking to herself, 'this guys so needs a girl to accompany him shopping. He is too fine to dress like someone that just left the farm. Come on; blue plaid shirt and faded, wrinkled khaki pants. Hasn't he ever heard of an iron? And those old hiking boots need to go...flaming inferno kind of gone. Oh my, he really needs a girl's touch."
She could hear the guys answering her previous question, but she tuned them out as she further examined the two specimens; 'Well, at least the hair kind of works. It's obvious from the way it's laying that it used to be quite curly, but I kind of like the short, slicked back style. Now look at those two...just chatting away as if I was part of their on-going conversation. I'll get back to them in a bit."
Now looking X over, "Well, maybe some of Ray's night style will rub off on Chris. Why on earth does that name just sound so wrong for him? It's like it doesn't belong...like it's out of place or something, but why can't I figure this out? I know we linked because we shared the vision...more like I controlled the vision, but either way we connected. I saw parts of the innocent in the alley, but still some of the vision was blurry. How was that possible? It's as if he knew I was there and he started blocking me out of his memories. I guess if I can see visions, then there is a chance that maybe he can control his thoughts and memory. Clark you are definitely a mystery. Wait, Clark. Now for some reason that sounds right. Could he have changed his name at some time? Could Clark actually be his first name.? Concentrate girl...find his inner being...find the good stuff. Damn it...it just isn't there. He's so busy talking to Ray that his thoughts are all over the place."
Clark and X-Ray soon figured out that Danielle was keeping herself at a distance so they went on with their own conversation. Though somewhere in the middle of Ray's talking, Clark felt his mind starting to drift, but it wasn't his own doing. All of a sudden, he wasn't in the girls' dorm room, but seemed to be on a bus and then walking down road and finally he saw the large welcome sign on the outskirts of Smallville. It was at the moment, that he realized that Danielle was playing with his mind again and if he didn't do something soon there would be no way of stopping her insistent brain scan.
Turning and looking over at the close-eyed young woman, he concentrated on her body to the point that all his mind consisted of at that moment was her body. She opened her eyes when her visions no longer consisted of roads and cornfields, but of her naked, panty-less legs. She smiled at him before he turned back to his friend took up the conversation again. As long as he kept his mind occupied with current stuff, he was able to keep himself from being forced to relive past events.
Meanwhile, across the big city, an email was being sent over the interlacing phone lines that occupied the enormous city. The email was directed to a one Lionel Luthor.
Lionel's computer chimed as a new message appeared in his company inbox. Lionel had been working late in attempts to find out who was the mole in his company. Not only was his company losing stock, but many of their previous assets were being bought up as well by a new company. As the older man returned from his private bathroom, he sat down at his desk and acknowledged the waiting email. He clicked his mouse on the incoming message and read it aloud.
'To: LuthorLionel@LuthorCorp.com
From: Someonewiththeknowledgeyouseek@youdonthavetheresourcestofindme.net
Mr. Luthor
You don't know me, but I know you. I can't say that I'm a fan. In fact I used to think you were the true essence of evil, but due to resent information and events I'm having to rethink my previous judgment. As much as I hate to help you, it's something that needs to be done. You have a mole. If you are reading this then you probably already know of this mole. Don't look too hard...the mole really isn't a mole. He's worse. He's close...very close to you, almost like family. I have privileged information that confirms that this person is no mole...he is in fact your opposition. Loosing stocks and assets for a thousand. Siminex is new, but ran and owned by a familiar. People are starting to fear them more than they ever feared you and your company. I once assessed you as being evil...well, if that is the case, then your opposition is the devil himself. If you can't nip Siminex's increasing power in the city, then Metropolis is doomed. Your son, Lex, is quite simply the devil in disguise.
The X-Man'
Upon reading the e-mail's climax ending, Lionel Luthor's head weightlessly dropped to the surface of his desk; eyes still wide open and directed towards the bright, illuminating screen. His body was drained of all life; his heart beating no more.
(To be continued in part 7)
Author: DCForever
Contact: dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
Author's Note: Please, let me know what you like or hate about the story. I would also like to hear suggestions on which direction I should take the story. Ideas people... ideas. Hey, what can I say...the story is un-beta-ed and short.
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On the car ride back to the dorms, Clark had time to chat with the Thomas's. They told story after story involving their daughter, Danielle, and her friends and previous boyfriends and adventures. He learned that their daughter was a well-rounded individual. She not only was smart and beautiful, but lettered in three sports in high school and had both an academic and sports scholarship to attend Metropolis University. He breath a sigh of relief when he learned that at no time did she consider journalism as a major or even thought about being a cheerleader.
Those two types of girls, in the past, had caused more problems for his growth as a person and as the person he will one day become. He always wondered what it would have been like if he hadn't have gone through a growth spurt and got hit by the handsome bug. How would life have been different? How would he have adjusted with Pete Ross as his only friend? What if he had picked up on the clues of his powers sooner in life? These questions seemed to be a thing that was constantly visiting his nightly dreams since leaving Smallville in a search to find himself...to find his destiny. It would be those very dreams that could come back to haunt his very existence. At the moment, Clark Kent, aka Christopher K. Clark had no idea of what was to come in life...or how soon it would come. No, he was clueless and just enjoying the laughter that filled the Thomas's SUV as they rolled to a stop by a very crowded sidewalk that seemed to be the gateway to knowledge, food, games, and housing.
Exiting the vehicle, Clark turned back towards the Thomas's. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for allowing me to ride back to campus with you. I can honestly say that I learned quite a bit about you family and it was nothing less than entertaining. Thank you. And don't worry, I won't mention to Danielle all the things you told me about her."
"Ah, don't worry about that. We've embarrassed her far worse. We didn't even tell you about the mud hole." Mrs. Thomas gave her husband 'the look' before saying, "Honey, don't even go there. As hilarious as it was...she would kill us. Remember...we promised we would never bring it up again...we did promise." Turning to face Clark's confused face. "It's just the last time we told that story...it was to her boyfriend at the time. Next thing we knew, she was kissing a girl before us and holding hands. Things later settled down, but spending a year living with my sister is what we believe healed what emotional scar we had given her. So we promised that story and a few others would never leave our lips again. And my husband here seemed to have forgotten that period in our life. The period where he thought about giving up his idea of being a scholarly man and going to work for Lionel Luthor and Luthor Corp." Clark's eyes grew in size at Mrs. Thomas' comment. "He wasn't thinking straight. I told him working for that evil would be the end of our marriage...he reconsidered his career plans." With a concerned look on her face, "Are you okay, Chris?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I mentioned the Luthor name and you seemed shocked. Do you know the Luthors?"
Lying through his teeth...clenched teeth at that. "Just from reading the papers, ma'am. I'm sorry, but really need to get going...have some cleaning and laundry to get done."
"Aw yes, I remember the days of being on my own. Okay, Chris, it was nice seeing you again and I hope to see you more often."
Mr. Thomas chimed in. "What she is trying to say is that she hopes to see you round and about campus...right honey?"
"Yeah, dear...that's all I was saying."
Clark chuckled at the underlying meaning of the conversation. "I like your daughter and I would like to come around more often, but it will be her decision...don't push it. Hey, we just met." Danielle's parents watched as the young man gathered up his book bag and closed the door. As Clark turned to walk towards his dorm he was met with bewildered and wandering eyes from his fellow students. It didn't even take the time for the SUV to drive off before many of the students standing around began chattering and spreading news about what a few were lucky enough to overhear between Clark and Danielle's parents. By the time Clark's dorm building was in view, he had already heard at least six different views of what he and the Thomas's had talked about. Many of the rumors not only had Clark and Danielle as a couple, but also even went as far as having them already getting caught having sex by her parents. Clark could only hang his head and chuckle at the absurdity of the whole situation. He brushed off the comments and headed towards his dorm.
Coming out of a nearby building was Clark's new friend, X-Ray. He spotted Clark making his way towards the dorms and took off running in his direction. In his mad dash he intercepted a few of the bogus rumors that he knew would give him some ammo for Clark.
Clark was clueless to X-Ray's nearing presence, but the weight of his body on Clark's back was a waking alert that he wasn't expecting. Instinctively, Clark quickly dropped his shoulder causing his buddy to go flying off his back and onto the hard concrete walk. Turning towards his fallen friend and offering him a free hand. "Is jumping on people's back really your normal hello? Cause if it is...I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to break your nasty habit."
Clark's friend accepted the hand and pulled himself to his feet, but kept a hand on his aching hip. "Consider it broken."
"What, the habit or the hip?" Clark couldn't let him off without some kind of sarcastic comment.
Breaking out into a fit of laughter. "Both...I think. Having you around makes the phrase 'just keeping it real'...more realistic than I care to handle. That was a sweet move. Can we say football anyone?"
"My dad wouldn't approve in high school so I seriously doubt he would approve now. Plus, I'm too sure I would care to beat up on people week after week. Before long, I would be the only standing and a one man show gets boring after a while...trust me, I would know. Much of my life has been of the lonely sort."
Smirking, "Well from what I hear...you sure aren't lonely anymore." Clark expression changed in a heartbeat...a heartbeat that X-Ray seemed to have lost as he looked at Clark's expression. "Dude, I was just kidding. I know the rumor isn't true, but man, what a rumor."
"Don't you mean rumors? You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Have you forgotten that I know everything? How do you think I get my info? Man, I am the king of seeing through facts and fiction and you and Danielle...at least at the moment...is fiction. You just met her, right? But say after a week, who knows...as quick as you grew on Sandra...the realism of you and Danielle could outweigh the fiction mill."
Approaching his friend with a cold, stern face. "Just one question X-Ray. Do you value your life? If you do, you would stop while I'm still in a pretty good mood."
"Okay, I can see we really need to work on this 'keeping it real' type of friendship. See there is one little thing you need to know...it doesn't involve any physical pain...well, it's not supposed to." The aching young man grabbed for his hip again. "So I guess what I heard was right...you went to see Danielle Thomas this morning...with a certain bosom buddy nonetheless."
"Okay, so I went with Sandra to see her friend. And that relationship is none of your business; so don't even start with me. And don't look at me like that...we're not a thing. We're just two people enjoying a newfound friendship. And before you go back to it, yes I met Danielle and nothing happened. We met, she left the hospital and I got a ride back to campus by her parents. She wanted some time with Sandra."
"Sure...I know all about those relationships...and before long, they miraculously turn into another type of relationship. No prob my friend, no prob from this peanut gallery. You can friend all the girls you want. So, my friend, how would you like to go see Sandra later tonight?"
Now walking up the steps leading into the dorms. "As tempting as that sounds...I'm going to have to decline. I'm sorry, but I was planning on going and seeing Rachel."
"Did you say Rachel? Man, you must be one smooth worker when it comes to women. My goodness. So how did you do it? Danielle doesn't just let anyone call her Rachel. I've known her for a while and I'm still on Danielle...not Danny or Elle like some...just Danielle. I don't know what it is, but for some reason I don't think she takes to kindly to me. Women. Wow...so she's already letting you call her Rachel. I guess I need to hang around with you more often, if you wouldn't mind? I need to experience for myself just how you do it. You're not even here for a week and you got two of the hottest and available women pawing at you already. This might be a pretty fun semester after all. Oh yeah, can't wait for the next trick you pull out of your hat. So are you sure none of those rumors are true? Hehe...just kidding...I'm hurting enough as it is."
"Again...though a different female...nothing like that...yet." Clark got a small gleam in his eye. He knew he had made a connection with Rachel, but how or what kind he was still unsure. "I don't know why she told me to call her that. I don't see the big deal...it's just a name."
"Speaking of names...I'm still working on a nick for ya."
"Don't wait your time...Sandra beat you to the punch."
"She did? Let me guess, something as lame as Clark or say CK?"
"Lame? CK is not lame; actually, I kind of like it. Brings back some pretty cool memories. So, do you really have a problem calling me CK? hmmm."
"It's cool; if you like it, then who am I to take that right away from you. All right, CK it is. Well CK, you up to seeing Sandra?"
"Man, I told you I was going to see Rachel...as soon as I find out where it is she is staying. I figured I could find out from Mrs. Thomas."
"That you could, or your new best buddy could tell you."
"So where then?"
"Have you tried Fordman's room? Oh yeah, guess I must have forgotten to tell you that Danielle Thomas and Sandra Fordman are not only best friends...they are dorm mates as well."
"Haha...thanks for making me look so bad."
Slapping Clark on the shoulder, "What are friends for? So, are we going to see the girls? Oh wait, don't answer that. Let me rephrase that a bit. So, are we going to see...your girls?"
Clark raised his lips forming a huge grin and nodded his head. "Yeah, we're going."
A few hours later, X-Ray was walking through Clark's open dorm room door. "So dude, you ready? Whoa. Please tell me you aren't wearing that...please? Is flannel and plaid all that your wardrobe consists of? If so, we got some shopping to do."
"Hold up there, bub. This student isn't doing any kind of shopping until he finds a way to pay for said shopping items."
"Hehe...just leave the shopping up to me. If there is one thing I know...girls love to shop. And if we tell the girls that you need some new clothes, all will be taken care of...no worries and no hassles. All we have to do is tell them that they can have you for a whole day of shopping and I'm pretty sure they will let their dads foot the bill."
"But X, that isn't me. That isn't how I do things. I don't try and cheat or manipulate people." Unless I'm forced to, thought Clark. "I can't do what you are asking of me. I just can't."
"I don't get your point. Sorry, just don't see it. So you telling me that you want to take away the joy that is shopping from these two fine looking ladies? I know I'm trying to rope you into this, but trust me...it won't be you having the fun. Not when you're constantly changing clothes and having hands pawing at you all day, being judged by the girls and having to tote all the boxes and bags. Okay, the pawing and staring even I could deal with, but the rest of it...not on this planet."
"Yeah, this planet. Hey, maybe we can fly to the moon and go shopping. Don't look at me like that. One day, it could be possible."
"You just keep dreaming my friend, but for the mean time lets just go."
"So my outfit isn't going to bother you?"
"Bother me, yes...distract me, possibly...do I have any other choice, your empty closet says no. So, lets just go."
Ten minutes later the two guys found themselves outside of dorm room number LL23. Clark chuckled at seeing the dorm number. "I just can't get away from double 'L's," thought Clark.
"CK, you want to knock or shall I?" X-Ray didn't wait for an answer as he banged on the newly installed aluminum door. "Ouch, this door is hard."
"Yeah, aluminum I believe." "But still penetrable by my eyes." whispered Clark to himself.
"Her old man must have had it installed for security reasons."
"Yeah...that or...to keep you out."
X-Ray didn't have a chance to reply before hearing someone unlocking the chains from the inside. He was still rubbing his sore hand.
"Good evening, guys. I can't say that we were expecting you, but by all means come in." As the two walked passed Danielle, she greeted them individually. "Ray. Clark." Yelling to Sandra who was taking a shower in the bathroom. "Sandy, hurry up and get your butt out here. There are two fine looking gentlemen here to see us."
Yelling back over the sound of the running water and through the closed door. "So who's with Clark?"
Ray just hung his head in shame. Danielle saw his reaction to her roommate's question and felt sorry for the poor guy. Walking over, she put an arm around him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I'm sure she will feel just as bad when she sees you, Ray." Ray's cheeks were set on fire as his blush set in. Clark just stood back feigning from laughing.
"So what brings you two guys here tonight?" As Danielle waited on a response, she allowed her eyes to drift over their clothes and bodies. For all she knew of Clark's wonderful abilities, it was a shame she couldn't be just as impressed with his style in clothes. Thinking to herself, 'this guys so needs a girl to accompany him shopping. He is too fine to dress like someone that just left the farm. Come on; blue plaid shirt and faded, wrinkled khaki pants. Hasn't he ever heard of an iron? And those old hiking boots need to go...flaming inferno kind of gone. Oh my, he really needs a girl's touch."
She could hear the guys answering her previous question, but she tuned them out as she further examined the two specimens; 'Well, at least the hair kind of works. It's obvious from the way it's laying that it used to be quite curly, but I kind of like the short, slicked back style. Now look at those two...just chatting away as if I was part of their on-going conversation. I'll get back to them in a bit."
Now looking X over, "Well, maybe some of Ray's night style will rub off on Chris. Why on earth does that name just sound so wrong for him? It's like it doesn't belong...like it's out of place or something, but why can't I figure this out? I know we linked because we shared the vision...more like I controlled the vision, but either way we connected. I saw parts of the innocent in the alley, but still some of the vision was blurry. How was that possible? It's as if he knew I was there and he started blocking me out of his memories. I guess if I can see visions, then there is a chance that maybe he can control his thoughts and memory. Clark you are definitely a mystery. Wait, Clark. Now for some reason that sounds right. Could he have changed his name at some time? Could Clark actually be his first name.? Concentrate girl...find his inner being...find the good stuff. Damn it...it just isn't there. He's so busy talking to Ray that his thoughts are all over the place."
Clark and X-Ray soon figured out that Danielle was keeping herself at a distance so they went on with their own conversation. Though somewhere in the middle of Ray's talking, Clark felt his mind starting to drift, but it wasn't his own doing. All of a sudden, he wasn't in the girls' dorm room, but seemed to be on a bus and then walking down road and finally he saw the large welcome sign on the outskirts of Smallville. It was at the moment, that he realized that Danielle was playing with his mind again and if he didn't do something soon there would be no way of stopping her insistent brain scan.
Turning and looking over at the close-eyed young woman, he concentrated on her body to the point that all his mind consisted of at that moment was her body. She opened her eyes when her visions no longer consisted of roads and cornfields, but of her naked, panty-less legs. She smiled at him before he turned back to his friend took up the conversation again. As long as he kept his mind occupied with current stuff, he was able to keep himself from being forced to relive past events.
Meanwhile, across the big city, an email was being sent over the interlacing phone lines that occupied the enormous city. The email was directed to a one Lionel Luthor.
Lionel's computer chimed as a new message appeared in his company inbox. Lionel had been working late in attempts to find out who was the mole in his company. Not only was his company losing stock, but many of their previous assets were being bought up as well by a new company. As the older man returned from his private bathroom, he sat down at his desk and acknowledged the waiting email. He clicked his mouse on the incoming message and read it aloud.
'To: LuthorLionel@LuthorCorp.com
From: Someonewiththeknowledgeyouseek@youdonthavetheresourcestofindme.net
Mr. Luthor
You don't know me, but I know you. I can't say that I'm a fan. In fact I used to think you were the true essence of evil, but due to resent information and events I'm having to rethink my previous judgment. As much as I hate to help you, it's something that needs to be done. You have a mole. If you are reading this then you probably already know of this mole. Don't look too hard...the mole really isn't a mole. He's worse. He's close...very close to you, almost like family. I have privileged information that confirms that this person is no mole...he is in fact your opposition. Loosing stocks and assets for a thousand. Siminex is new, but ran and owned by a familiar. People are starting to fear them more than they ever feared you and your company. I once assessed you as being evil...well, if that is the case, then your opposition is the devil himself. If you can't nip Siminex's increasing power in the city, then Metropolis is doomed. Your son, Lex, is quite simply the devil in disguise.
The X-Man'
Upon reading the e-mail's climax ending, Lionel Luthor's head weightlessly dropped to the surface of his desk; eyes still wide open and directed towards the bright, illuminating screen. His body was drained of all life; his heart beating no more.
(To be continued in part 7)