Title: A Hero Arrives (8/?): Sequel to 'A Fallen Hero'
Author: DCForever
Site:
E-mail: bryanc23@yahoo.com or dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
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. The story is un-beta-ed.
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"Hey Rachel, what has been up with you lately? This is the third time this week that you've missed classes." Her friend was showing early signs of sleepless nights.
Rachel listened to Sandy as she picked up her glass and walked over to her bed, where she sat down, crossing her legs.
"I know. Just been tired is all. Haven't found the energy to get to class as of late." She takes a sip of the wine in her glass and leans back, resting her back against the adjoining wall.
"Have you tried getting more sleep? I've heard it works wonders for the body...also keeps the facial puffiness to a minimum." Sandy grabs a glass of her own and retrieves the wine bottle, pouring herself a glass before walking over towards her friend.
"Sandy, I have been sleeping...that isn't the problem. The problem is what I'm doing during my sleep. And no, it isn't that. Okay, maybe a little, but that isn't what's been wearing me out. It's complicated." She smirked as she took another sip from her glass.
"Well if you're sleeping and it isn't the other thing then why have you been so out of it lately? I'm worried." She pulls out a chair and sits down. "The professors are worried. Chris...and Ray are both worried. It isn't drugs or anything like that is it?" Rachel is stunned at Sandy's question and spits out what wine was left in the confines of her mouth.
"Hell no! You know me better than that...don't you?"
Sandy sets her glass on the nearby table and places both hands together in her lap as she looks toward her feet. She had crossed the line. She was ashamed of herself for asking such a question.
"You're right. I'm sorry for questioning you. I'm not your mother or your keeper so I have no right to dig into your personal life. It's just that we've been friends for so long that I do know you, but the 'you' that I've grown to know and love over the years...just hasn't been around in a while. And I miss her. Things have been different since you know." She lifts her head and looks at her friend. "You do know that if you need to talk to someone or just vent out some anger or frustration that I'm always here for you? Always."
"You're a true friend Sandy." Rachel holds her hands out gesturing for a hug. Sandy walks over and sits down on the bed and accepts the loving embrace. "You know I love you right? You have always been there to pick me up when I've faltered. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. And you are right, you do know me...probably better than anyone else...possibly ever will." Silence surrounded the two girls for a moment. "I really need to talk to someone. Can I trust you to keep a secret...one that could possibly change our friendship...forever?"
"Scout's honor...Girl Scouts that is. hehe..." She leans in and hugs her friend again. "Shoot."
Rachel hesitates before gulping down the last of her wine.
"Okay. Yeah. Hmmm...I'm really not sure how to start. You remember a few years back when we were at that frat party and that guy tried to get the two of us to join him for a threesome?" Sandy's eyes popped wide open. She wasn't sure where the conversation was going...especially considering the past she shared with her friend. She played off her shocked reaction as smoothly as she could.
"Yeah, you told him that you had a rep to protect and that you only went to bed with hung guys and that you didn't feel he was enough man for you."
"Oh good, you do remember then? That makes this a little easier."
"Most definitely. How could I forget the look on that guy's face...or any guy's face for that matter? Too bad I can't remember his name though. He said that you wouldn't have a problem with him then. That is when you bet him that you could guess the size of his member and that he would have to drop his pants in front of everyone to prove you right or wrong. If you were right, then the next time we hung out at a bar the tab was on him, but if you guessed wrong then he would get a night he would never forget. You were much more frisky back then than you are now."
"Wow, your memory is better than I thought it was. And the whole frisky thing...that's a good thing right?"
"Yeah, I'd say it's a pretty good thing. I still don't know how you guessed the size right. I remember later that night you said something like you were pretty good at reading people. Never really understood what you meant by that. Does your missing classes have something to do with that night or is there something else you aren't telling me? You've confused me...and you know how easy that is to do."
"Not really, but sort of...in a way I guess so. I need to tell you a story and hopefully it will clear up any confusion you might have. Since an early age, around two I guess, I've sometimes been able to tap into people's thoughts...not all people...just some. I wouldn't exactly say that I'm a witch or anything like that. I'm so not a Charmed one even as much as I would love to be one; a slight freak or mutant possibly, but definitely nothing special. Anyway, I grew up with many a sleepless nights and after a while I told my parents, but in a way they knew something was wrong because I wasn't acting myself and my grades in school were slacking. We all pretty much got worried and decided that it was best if a doctor checked me out. The doctor jokingly told me that I could very well be the next recruit for Charles Xavier's X-Men group...you know, like from the comic books and all. He was kidding of course, or at least that was what I was led to believe. In a way, he was closer to the truth than he knew it. He consulted with my parents. Him and his staff hadn't detected any abnormalities in my lab reports, the CAT scans, or the three MRI's I was subjected to, besides a slightly larger than normal brain. Hehe...I'm just teasing you. They found nothing out of the ordinary. He just couldn't help us out, but he contacted a buddy of his who worked for LuthorCorp who at the time was starting up a new division of the billion-dollar corporation, concentrating on experimental type research. We set up an appointment and a few weeks later I was in one of their exam rooms having all these tests run on me. That was the first day that I got to meet Lionel Luthor and his son Lex. His son was a cutie. I think it was the uniqueness of the whole bald head look, plus the appeal of his business attire at such a young age; even back then he was up on the latest fashions. Anyway, I got a glimpse of something from him, but I didn't understand it. Whatever it was I saw was dark and eerie feeling and gave me chill bumps, yet his smile was warm and comforting. Hadn't really thought about that day until now. Weird huh? To this day I still have no idea what caused me to have the ability to read people's thoughts. It's an unsolved mystery. They ran every test imaginable at the time and came up with nothing. My parents like to think of it as a miracle."
"Wow...I had no idea." Sandy was clutching a pillow as if she was truly caught up in the story...the suspense was killing her.
"Oh, there's more. About a year of so after LuthorCorp tested me they called my parents in for a conference and after the conference my parents had decided to follow through with the recommended procedure that the doctors had suggested to them. I went in once a month for years, but by my 10th birthday the ability had ceased to exist. Whatever happened to me during those treatments sure did work; though the scientists stuck to their story saying they really had no clue to the origins of my abilities. They swore to all of us that it was just dumb luck that they found something that worked."
"Well if you couldn't read people anymore...how...how was it you were able to guess the size of that guy's..."
"I Guessed. You know...big talker...little..." The girls broke out in fit of hysteria.
"Hehehe...well, you do have a point. You know, for the few boys I've been out with that is. So if you can't read people anymore...that's cool and all...but...it's just...well, then what does that have to do with you missing classes? I'm still lost on that question."
"But I can...well, at least one person...sort of." Rachel didn't know if she should out Clark or not, but from the look on her friend's face she knew she already suspected someone.
"Oh please, don't even...CK? Really, does everything have to come around back to him? No need for an answer. It's written all over your face. For a new guy, he sure does make his rounds."
"Are you mad?"
"Mad? Why would I be mad? So you can read the mysterious Christopher Clark? Seen anything good?"
"Not really. I can only think that one of two things is happening. I'm either so out of tune with my abilities from lack of use or he is gifted with a way of keeping his mind blocked off at times. Every night, while I sleep, I dream mine own dreams and even sometimes some of his dreams...almost like watching two televisions at once. It's really freaky. The boy goes out every single night and keeps himself so active that nothing is clear to me. He has too much going on all at once that I can't get any stable reads. I also think he knows or suspects something and the only reason he stays out so much is to keep his distance from me." Rachel knew she wasn't ready to tell her friend the whole truth, but what she was giving the girl was plenty.
"First off, lets say he does have the ability to shut you out. Okay? Do you think it is possible, due to that situation, that he is keeping you so worked over with his present life that you don't have the opportunity to delve any deeper into his subconscious...into what was his previous life. I truly feel he hasn't always been the same Chris K. Clark. Just a thought."
"That is what I've been thinking as well."
"Well, have you tried to burrow deeper into his thoughts and memories? I mean really try?"
"Smallville!" Sandy's head popped up in surprise at hearing the name.
"What? Did you say Smallville? Why did you say that?"
"Smallville. That is all I get from him. A large sign by the road that reads 'Welcome to Smallville.' And the only time I get that is when the boy finally does rest. You know something else that I find weird...the rest of the sign. It's blurry...like he doesn't want me to know what it says...or for him to remember what it says."
"I know the place, but not the sign. That is where my cousin Whitney lives. If I remember correctly, CK said that he traveled through there on his way to Metropolis."
"Only through? I don't think I would be getting that place in all my visions for someone that just randomly happened to pass through there."
"So you think there is more than meets the eye there, huh? Okay, Smallville it is. Lets see what the web has to say about our visionary town. Can you grab my laptop over by the table?" Rachel gets up and retrieves the laptop. She set it on the bed and sat beside Sandy, whom immediately booted up the machine and logged into the university's internet server.
"It is possible he did just travel through Smallville, but for it to be so prominent in his mind something big must have happened there. Think you cousin could shine some light on the subject?"
"Let's see what the World Wide Web has to show us first. Last time Whitney and I spoke...well, he weren't really on the best of terms. He was still pretty mad because I told on him after I found him making out with a girl."
"So what was wrong with that?"
"We were in church at the time."
"Oh, yeah, I could see where that could be wrong...though I've done it in worse places before. Don't ask. So, you got anything yet?" Sandy's search results suddenly appeared on the screen. Together they read through some of the posts.
"Ever heard of a Chloe Sullivan?"
"No. Why?"
"Her name seems to pop up a lot with the name Smallville. Let's see...ah, she is...no...was a reporter for something called 'The Torch.' Must have been a small time newspaper or something."
"Well?" Sandy's fingers were steadily typing away at her computer.
"I'm looking. Give me a minute. Seems many of her stories had to do with green rocks. Listen to this; it's an excerpt from one of her articles.
'Smallville may resemble a quaint little country town on the outside, but to those that are fortunate enough to live there or experience the unexplained events and occurrences that go on there...well, they tell a different story. My theory is that everything weird, wrong, and freakish in our simple small town was brought on by one famous meteor shower. My Wall of Weird not only displays truth and accountability for the things that happen in Smallville, but it also hides an unknown...a variable one may say...why? Why was Smallville chosen? Who choose it? What had the people of Smallville of the past done to deserve monsters such as those that hide in our forests, breathe fire, and can elicit a cold frost? A town like ours is doomed by no comparison yet we all stay, live, and survive by whatever means is necessary. And the unexplained events and occurrences that don't lead back to the meteor rocks...well those can usually be linked back to Smallville's very own LexCorp.'
Whoa."
"You're telling me. So is she like a National Enquirer type reporter?"
"LexCorp? I didn't know such a place existed." thought Sandra as she read through the rest of the article.
"With all these entries...I think she must have had an inside source. Her writings don't seem to be that of just tabloid bs. It says here Ms. Chloe Sullivan was the editor and chief of the Smallville High School's infamous newspaper, The Torch. Oh no. Ouch. Also seems the high school's gymnasium collapsed or...no, it blew up. A week later it looks like she closed up shop...left town. Blah, blah, blah...oh wait, here is something."
"What? What is it?"
"Seems someone died. 'A young man, a hero of sorts to these parts, bid his farewell while protecting a fellow classmate. Using his body, he miraculously shielded falling debris from striking his friend, a former cheerleader.' Of course his picture and name was with held with being a minor and all. In this case, that sucks."
"Brave soul." Rachel began thinking of her own hero and the night in the alley.
"Yeah, tell me about it. Kind of like your own brave soul, huh? I guess there are true heroes in the world. This really doesn't have anything to do with what we are after, but I am curious to know who the guy was...and who the girl was for that matter. I think I'll give my aunt a call and see if I can't get hold of Whitney and see if he can shine some light on the unknowns."
"Okay, you do that, but don't forget about CK. You don't think he might be one of those freaks that Chloe girl mentioned in her article do you?"
"Chris? Chris a freak? I so don't think so. He's too nice, polite, good looking, smart..."
"I get the point, Sandy. Keep me posted on what you find out. I'm supposed to meet the man of the hour for some tutoring. Missing classes sure does have its advantages."
"You Slut!"
"Touchy, touchy, are we not today."
The two girls giggled amongst themselves as Rachel grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
~~~~~~
Across town in a hidden away location,
"Sir, I've just intercepted something you might find interesting. You know you told me to keep surveillance on your daughter, well it may have paid off...will hopefully know more about our Mr. Christopher Clark real soon. Seems your daughter's friend, Ms. Fordman, is checking on a small town called Smallville. Yes, sir, I know the place. I spent a few of my childhood years living there myself, sir. Yes, I know her cousin lives there. I know, sir. You have nothing to worry about. I'm on it. I'm currently checking out all the sites she has surfed through in the last two hours. Yes, sir, I'll let you know whatever I find...yes, as soon as I find it. Smallville, sir? Chris mentioned something about Smallville during orientation. It is just a hunch, sir, but it is more that what we've currently got to go on."
"And what about this young man?" Mr. Thomas asked over the phone.
"My operative is on top of him. You really have nothing to worry about, sir. I know my brother failed the Luthors and paid with his life, but I'm not him. I don't fail. I'm good at what I do."
"I know, son. I know. Anything new on our captive?"
"He woke up. Tried to order us around. Attempted to buy his freedom. He's fine. He is just a Luthor doing what a Luthor does best...whatever it takes to save their necks. Thank you, sir. I try, sir. Say hello to the Ms."
"Why didn't you tell him, Ray?"
"I couldn't, Barry. How am I supposed to tell my boss that I have the fastest man in the world working with me...and somehow he let his target slip away, leaving no obvious trail in which to follow? Now how do you see that conversation going over with the boss?"
"I promise you...I only lost sight of him and the girl for only a few seconds...maybe not even that long."
"After you lost him, did you at least keep tails on Danielle and make sure that she got home okay?"
"Yes. The girl safely returned to her dorm apartment."
"Fine. We will start again bright and early. I want you to track him every second of the day. I'll take care of your own teachers. You do remember that you are undercover as a student right? And students do have homework and test and at sometime during the semester is supposed to make a few appearances in their classes?"
"It's covered, Ray. I'll just sneak into each teacher's house and get whatever answers I need to get by. No person or house can stand in my way and with your computer skills by my side I just can't lose." He smiled.
"Yeah, like you said you couldn't lose my buddy, Chris." Barry's smile was quickly erased. "Just keep up with him next time. How hard can that be?"
"Fine! I'm out. Need to get out and let some steam off...starting to get a little stuffy in here."
"Good. A few laps around the city probably wouldn't hurt you, plus us real students could use the quiet time to study some."
Barry Allen streaked out of the room and into the midst-filled night air as he raced through a dark Metropolis, carried only by his own two legs. His red costume resembled nothing but a blur as he went from street to street in the less time it took to say the word flash.
Blips started shooting across Ray's computer screens. It took him a few minutes to figure out what was happening.
"Flash, you there?"
The Flash came to an abrupt stop, once blurred surroundings suddenly resembled cars, buildings, and sidewalks again. "Yeah, what you got?"
"Robbery. Jewelry store. Rosemont Avenue."
"I'm on it."
"Be careful. There are too many alarms going off simultaneously across the city."
"Always; and Ray, sorry for storming out earlier. I think maybe we should tryout the new headgear. Let me know when you've got a clear picture."
"The cameras are working perfectly."
The speedy young man covered 4 miles of asphalt in no time, rustling the dirt and trash that lined the street gutters as he sped by. Before he knew it, he was standing face-to-face w/ one of the thieves. The man held a gun to a young blonde girl's head while his accomplices aimed their own guns at the new arrival. Barry knew he couldn't risk the life of the innocent so he impatiently watched as the hooded thieves loaded up their goods in their getaway vehicle. Out of know where, two of the thieves quickly dropped their guns as if their hands had been struck by fire. Then another gun fell and another, each thief waving their hands in the air attempting to cool them. Barry didn't know what to think, but that was when he was at his best...spur of the moment rash thinking was his specialty. He quickly zipped by the thieves gathering their fallen guns, while grabbing the girl at the same time. After the girl was a safe distance away, he quicky made his way back to the crime scene, only to find all the criminals knocked unconscious and all the jewels piled up in a stack beside the jewelry store doorway.
"Flash, what have you got for me? Did you take care of the situation?"
"It's done, but it wasn't my doing. I swear...man, I was only gone a few seconds. I think I might have a clone."
"I don't know what you mean by that, but no time. I just intercepted three more break-ins in the city. Looks like another long night of fighting the good fight in Metropolis. Guess Biology notes will have to wait.."
"Feed me what I need to know so we can shut this city down."
~~~~~~
Later that night, rather morning that is, at the secret loft,
"Ray, I can't take another night like tonight. My win-win ratio took a hit. What...did every known and wannabe criminal decide tonight was a holiday or something? What was the last count?"
"Twenty. I don't know what to say, Barry; twenty heists in one night. This has a Luthor name written all over it. I checked the cell, it wasn't Lionel so it had to have been Lex's doing. Now my question, if you say you only got to six...then who brought down the other ten that the cops didn't take down?"
"I'm clueless, but whoever they are...they are good and fast. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking we might have us a group of crime fighters or just some punks wanting to get a little thrill out of stopping those worse than their own kind. I don't know. Just blowing smoke. I checked the security cameras citywide and nothing. Our own cameras didn't pick up anything either; the targeted locations were all camera free or low security risk zones within the city."
"A good ol' organized city wide crime spree. Damn. At least it looks like we got some help...whoever they are. I'm going to retire for the night. Think you could take care of the suit?"
"Leave it by the back desk. And Barry...nice job tonight." Ray pats his friend on the back as he walks by.
The lights turned out and Ray sat back down relaxing in his chair, starring at his glowing computer screens. Looking up, blank information screen from his database search of his friend, Christopher Clark Kent, was the last thing he saw before closing his eyes.
Back at the university, Clark sat up in his bed attempting to sew up the bullet holes left from the multitude of bullets that had ripped through his shirt and pants earlier in the night. Sleep never came to the young hero as he mentally fought long and hard against the continued efforts of someone trying desperately to find out just who he really was.
(To be continued in part 9)
Author: DCForever
Site:
E-mail: bryanc23@yahoo.com or dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
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. The story is un-beta-ed.
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"Hey Rachel, what has been up with you lately? This is the third time this week that you've missed classes." Her friend was showing early signs of sleepless nights.
Rachel listened to Sandy as she picked up her glass and walked over to her bed, where she sat down, crossing her legs.
"I know. Just been tired is all. Haven't found the energy to get to class as of late." She takes a sip of the wine in her glass and leans back, resting her back against the adjoining wall.
"Have you tried getting more sleep? I've heard it works wonders for the body...also keeps the facial puffiness to a minimum." Sandy grabs a glass of her own and retrieves the wine bottle, pouring herself a glass before walking over towards her friend.
"Sandy, I have been sleeping...that isn't the problem. The problem is what I'm doing during my sleep. And no, it isn't that. Okay, maybe a little, but that isn't what's been wearing me out. It's complicated." She smirked as she took another sip from her glass.
"Well if you're sleeping and it isn't the other thing then why have you been so out of it lately? I'm worried." She pulls out a chair and sits down. "The professors are worried. Chris...and Ray are both worried. It isn't drugs or anything like that is it?" Rachel is stunned at Sandy's question and spits out what wine was left in the confines of her mouth.
"Hell no! You know me better than that...don't you?"
Sandy sets her glass on the nearby table and places both hands together in her lap as she looks toward her feet. She had crossed the line. She was ashamed of herself for asking such a question.
"You're right. I'm sorry for questioning you. I'm not your mother or your keeper so I have no right to dig into your personal life. It's just that we've been friends for so long that I do know you, but the 'you' that I've grown to know and love over the years...just hasn't been around in a while. And I miss her. Things have been different since you know." She lifts her head and looks at her friend. "You do know that if you need to talk to someone or just vent out some anger or frustration that I'm always here for you? Always."
"You're a true friend Sandy." Rachel holds her hands out gesturing for a hug. Sandy walks over and sits down on the bed and accepts the loving embrace. "You know I love you right? You have always been there to pick me up when I've faltered. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. And you are right, you do know me...probably better than anyone else...possibly ever will." Silence surrounded the two girls for a moment. "I really need to talk to someone. Can I trust you to keep a secret...one that could possibly change our friendship...forever?"
"Scout's honor...Girl Scouts that is. hehe..." She leans in and hugs her friend again. "Shoot."
Rachel hesitates before gulping down the last of her wine.
"Okay. Yeah. Hmmm...I'm really not sure how to start. You remember a few years back when we were at that frat party and that guy tried to get the two of us to join him for a threesome?" Sandy's eyes popped wide open. She wasn't sure where the conversation was going...especially considering the past she shared with her friend. She played off her shocked reaction as smoothly as she could.
"Yeah, you told him that you had a rep to protect and that you only went to bed with hung guys and that you didn't feel he was enough man for you."
"Oh good, you do remember then? That makes this a little easier."
"Most definitely. How could I forget the look on that guy's face...or any guy's face for that matter? Too bad I can't remember his name though. He said that you wouldn't have a problem with him then. That is when you bet him that you could guess the size of his member and that he would have to drop his pants in front of everyone to prove you right or wrong. If you were right, then the next time we hung out at a bar the tab was on him, but if you guessed wrong then he would get a night he would never forget. You were much more frisky back then than you are now."
"Wow, your memory is better than I thought it was. And the whole frisky thing...that's a good thing right?"
"Yeah, I'd say it's a pretty good thing. I still don't know how you guessed the size right. I remember later that night you said something like you were pretty good at reading people. Never really understood what you meant by that. Does your missing classes have something to do with that night or is there something else you aren't telling me? You've confused me...and you know how easy that is to do."
"Not really, but sort of...in a way I guess so. I need to tell you a story and hopefully it will clear up any confusion you might have. Since an early age, around two I guess, I've sometimes been able to tap into people's thoughts...not all people...just some. I wouldn't exactly say that I'm a witch or anything like that. I'm so not a Charmed one even as much as I would love to be one; a slight freak or mutant possibly, but definitely nothing special. Anyway, I grew up with many a sleepless nights and after a while I told my parents, but in a way they knew something was wrong because I wasn't acting myself and my grades in school were slacking. We all pretty much got worried and decided that it was best if a doctor checked me out. The doctor jokingly told me that I could very well be the next recruit for Charles Xavier's X-Men group...you know, like from the comic books and all. He was kidding of course, or at least that was what I was led to believe. In a way, he was closer to the truth than he knew it. He consulted with my parents. Him and his staff hadn't detected any abnormalities in my lab reports, the CAT scans, or the three MRI's I was subjected to, besides a slightly larger than normal brain. Hehe...I'm just teasing you. They found nothing out of the ordinary. He just couldn't help us out, but he contacted a buddy of his who worked for LuthorCorp who at the time was starting up a new division of the billion-dollar corporation, concentrating on experimental type research. We set up an appointment and a few weeks later I was in one of their exam rooms having all these tests run on me. That was the first day that I got to meet Lionel Luthor and his son Lex. His son was a cutie. I think it was the uniqueness of the whole bald head look, plus the appeal of his business attire at such a young age; even back then he was up on the latest fashions. Anyway, I got a glimpse of something from him, but I didn't understand it. Whatever it was I saw was dark and eerie feeling and gave me chill bumps, yet his smile was warm and comforting. Hadn't really thought about that day until now. Weird huh? To this day I still have no idea what caused me to have the ability to read people's thoughts. It's an unsolved mystery. They ran every test imaginable at the time and came up with nothing. My parents like to think of it as a miracle."
"Wow...I had no idea." Sandy was clutching a pillow as if she was truly caught up in the story...the suspense was killing her.
"Oh, there's more. About a year of so after LuthorCorp tested me they called my parents in for a conference and after the conference my parents had decided to follow through with the recommended procedure that the doctors had suggested to them. I went in once a month for years, but by my 10th birthday the ability had ceased to exist. Whatever happened to me during those treatments sure did work; though the scientists stuck to their story saying they really had no clue to the origins of my abilities. They swore to all of us that it was just dumb luck that they found something that worked."
"Well if you couldn't read people anymore...how...how was it you were able to guess the size of that guy's..."
"I Guessed. You know...big talker...little..." The girls broke out in fit of hysteria.
"Hehehe...well, you do have a point. You know, for the few boys I've been out with that is. So if you can't read people anymore...that's cool and all...but...it's just...well, then what does that have to do with you missing classes? I'm still lost on that question."
"But I can...well, at least one person...sort of." Rachel didn't know if she should out Clark or not, but from the look on her friend's face she knew she already suspected someone.
"Oh please, don't even...CK? Really, does everything have to come around back to him? No need for an answer. It's written all over your face. For a new guy, he sure does make his rounds."
"Are you mad?"
"Mad? Why would I be mad? So you can read the mysterious Christopher Clark? Seen anything good?"
"Not really. I can only think that one of two things is happening. I'm either so out of tune with my abilities from lack of use or he is gifted with a way of keeping his mind blocked off at times. Every night, while I sleep, I dream mine own dreams and even sometimes some of his dreams...almost like watching two televisions at once. It's really freaky. The boy goes out every single night and keeps himself so active that nothing is clear to me. He has too much going on all at once that I can't get any stable reads. I also think he knows or suspects something and the only reason he stays out so much is to keep his distance from me." Rachel knew she wasn't ready to tell her friend the whole truth, but what she was giving the girl was plenty.
"First off, lets say he does have the ability to shut you out. Okay? Do you think it is possible, due to that situation, that he is keeping you so worked over with his present life that you don't have the opportunity to delve any deeper into his subconscious...into what was his previous life. I truly feel he hasn't always been the same Chris K. Clark. Just a thought."
"That is what I've been thinking as well."
"Well, have you tried to burrow deeper into his thoughts and memories? I mean really try?"
"Smallville!" Sandy's head popped up in surprise at hearing the name.
"What? Did you say Smallville? Why did you say that?"
"Smallville. That is all I get from him. A large sign by the road that reads 'Welcome to Smallville.' And the only time I get that is when the boy finally does rest. You know something else that I find weird...the rest of the sign. It's blurry...like he doesn't want me to know what it says...or for him to remember what it says."
"I know the place, but not the sign. That is where my cousin Whitney lives. If I remember correctly, CK said that he traveled through there on his way to Metropolis."
"Only through? I don't think I would be getting that place in all my visions for someone that just randomly happened to pass through there."
"So you think there is more than meets the eye there, huh? Okay, Smallville it is. Lets see what the web has to say about our visionary town. Can you grab my laptop over by the table?" Rachel gets up and retrieves the laptop. She set it on the bed and sat beside Sandy, whom immediately booted up the machine and logged into the university's internet server.
"It is possible he did just travel through Smallville, but for it to be so prominent in his mind something big must have happened there. Think you cousin could shine some light on the subject?"
"Let's see what the World Wide Web has to show us first. Last time Whitney and I spoke...well, he weren't really on the best of terms. He was still pretty mad because I told on him after I found him making out with a girl."
"So what was wrong with that?"
"We were in church at the time."
"Oh, yeah, I could see where that could be wrong...though I've done it in worse places before. Don't ask. So, you got anything yet?" Sandy's search results suddenly appeared on the screen. Together they read through some of the posts.
"Ever heard of a Chloe Sullivan?"
"No. Why?"
"Her name seems to pop up a lot with the name Smallville. Let's see...ah, she is...no...was a reporter for something called 'The Torch.' Must have been a small time newspaper or something."
"Well?" Sandy's fingers were steadily typing away at her computer.
"I'm looking. Give me a minute. Seems many of her stories had to do with green rocks. Listen to this; it's an excerpt from one of her articles.
'Smallville may resemble a quaint little country town on the outside, but to those that are fortunate enough to live there or experience the unexplained events and occurrences that go on there...well, they tell a different story. My theory is that everything weird, wrong, and freakish in our simple small town was brought on by one famous meteor shower. My Wall of Weird not only displays truth and accountability for the things that happen in Smallville, but it also hides an unknown...a variable one may say...why? Why was Smallville chosen? Who choose it? What had the people of Smallville of the past done to deserve monsters such as those that hide in our forests, breathe fire, and can elicit a cold frost? A town like ours is doomed by no comparison yet we all stay, live, and survive by whatever means is necessary. And the unexplained events and occurrences that don't lead back to the meteor rocks...well those can usually be linked back to Smallville's very own LexCorp.'
Whoa."
"You're telling me. So is she like a National Enquirer type reporter?"
"LexCorp? I didn't know such a place existed." thought Sandra as she read through the rest of the article.
"With all these entries...I think she must have had an inside source. Her writings don't seem to be that of just tabloid bs. It says here Ms. Chloe Sullivan was the editor and chief of the Smallville High School's infamous newspaper, The Torch. Oh no. Ouch. Also seems the high school's gymnasium collapsed or...no, it blew up. A week later it looks like she closed up shop...left town. Blah, blah, blah...oh wait, here is something."
"What? What is it?"
"Seems someone died. 'A young man, a hero of sorts to these parts, bid his farewell while protecting a fellow classmate. Using his body, he miraculously shielded falling debris from striking his friend, a former cheerleader.' Of course his picture and name was with held with being a minor and all. In this case, that sucks."
"Brave soul." Rachel began thinking of her own hero and the night in the alley.
"Yeah, tell me about it. Kind of like your own brave soul, huh? I guess there are true heroes in the world. This really doesn't have anything to do with what we are after, but I am curious to know who the guy was...and who the girl was for that matter. I think I'll give my aunt a call and see if I can't get hold of Whitney and see if he can shine some light on the unknowns."
"Okay, you do that, but don't forget about CK. You don't think he might be one of those freaks that Chloe girl mentioned in her article do you?"
"Chris? Chris a freak? I so don't think so. He's too nice, polite, good looking, smart..."
"I get the point, Sandy. Keep me posted on what you find out. I'm supposed to meet the man of the hour for some tutoring. Missing classes sure does have its advantages."
"You Slut!"
"Touchy, touchy, are we not today."
The two girls giggled amongst themselves as Rachel grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
~~~~~~
Across town in a hidden away location,
"Sir, I've just intercepted something you might find interesting. You know you told me to keep surveillance on your daughter, well it may have paid off...will hopefully know more about our Mr. Christopher Clark real soon. Seems your daughter's friend, Ms. Fordman, is checking on a small town called Smallville. Yes, sir, I know the place. I spent a few of my childhood years living there myself, sir. Yes, I know her cousin lives there. I know, sir. You have nothing to worry about. I'm on it. I'm currently checking out all the sites she has surfed through in the last two hours. Yes, sir, I'll let you know whatever I find...yes, as soon as I find it. Smallville, sir? Chris mentioned something about Smallville during orientation. It is just a hunch, sir, but it is more that what we've currently got to go on."
"And what about this young man?" Mr. Thomas asked over the phone.
"My operative is on top of him. You really have nothing to worry about, sir. I know my brother failed the Luthors and paid with his life, but I'm not him. I don't fail. I'm good at what I do."
"I know, son. I know. Anything new on our captive?"
"He woke up. Tried to order us around. Attempted to buy his freedom. He's fine. He is just a Luthor doing what a Luthor does best...whatever it takes to save their necks. Thank you, sir. I try, sir. Say hello to the Ms."
"Why didn't you tell him, Ray?"
"I couldn't, Barry. How am I supposed to tell my boss that I have the fastest man in the world working with me...and somehow he let his target slip away, leaving no obvious trail in which to follow? Now how do you see that conversation going over with the boss?"
"I promise you...I only lost sight of him and the girl for only a few seconds...maybe not even that long."
"After you lost him, did you at least keep tails on Danielle and make sure that she got home okay?"
"Yes. The girl safely returned to her dorm apartment."
"Fine. We will start again bright and early. I want you to track him every second of the day. I'll take care of your own teachers. You do remember that you are undercover as a student right? And students do have homework and test and at sometime during the semester is supposed to make a few appearances in their classes?"
"It's covered, Ray. I'll just sneak into each teacher's house and get whatever answers I need to get by. No person or house can stand in my way and with your computer skills by my side I just can't lose." He smiled.
"Yeah, like you said you couldn't lose my buddy, Chris." Barry's smile was quickly erased. "Just keep up with him next time. How hard can that be?"
"Fine! I'm out. Need to get out and let some steam off...starting to get a little stuffy in here."
"Good. A few laps around the city probably wouldn't hurt you, plus us real students could use the quiet time to study some."
Barry Allen streaked out of the room and into the midst-filled night air as he raced through a dark Metropolis, carried only by his own two legs. His red costume resembled nothing but a blur as he went from street to street in the less time it took to say the word flash.
Blips started shooting across Ray's computer screens. It took him a few minutes to figure out what was happening.
"Flash, you there?"
The Flash came to an abrupt stop, once blurred surroundings suddenly resembled cars, buildings, and sidewalks again. "Yeah, what you got?"
"Robbery. Jewelry store. Rosemont Avenue."
"I'm on it."
"Be careful. There are too many alarms going off simultaneously across the city."
"Always; and Ray, sorry for storming out earlier. I think maybe we should tryout the new headgear. Let me know when you've got a clear picture."
"The cameras are working perfectly."
The speedy young man covered 4 miles of asphalt in no time, rustling the dirt and trash that lined the street gutters as he sped by. Before he knew it, he was standing face-to-face w/ one of the thieves. The man held a gun to a young blonde girl's head while his accomplices aimed their own guns at the new arrival. Barry knew he couldn't risk the life of the innocent so he impatiently watched as the hooded thieves loaded up their goods in their getaway vehicle. Out of know where, two of the thieves quickly dropped their guns as if their hands had been struck by fire. Then another gun fell and another, each thief waving their hands in the air attempting to cool them. Barry didn't know what to think, but that was when he was at his best...spur of the moment rash thinking was his specialty. He quickly zipped by the thieves gathering their fallen guns, while grabbing the girl at the same time. After the girl was a safe distance away, he quicky made his way back to the crime scene, only to find all the criminals knocked unconscious and all the jewels piled up in a stack beside the jewelry store doorway.
"Flash, what have you got for me? Did you take care of the situation?"
"It's done, but it wasn't my doing. I swear...man, I was only gone a few seconds. I think I might have a clone."
"I don't know what you mean by that, but no time. I just intercepted three more break-ins in the city. Looks like another long night of fighting the good fight in Metropolis. Guess Biology notes will have to wait.."
"Feed me what I need to know so we can shut this city down."
~~~~~~
Later that night, rather morning that is, at the secret loft,
"Ray, I can't take another night like tonight. My win-win ratio took a hit. What...did every known and wannabe criminal decide tonight was a holiday or something? What was the last count?"
"Twenty. I don't know what to say, Barry; twenty heists in one night. This has a Luthor name written all over it. I checked the cell, it wasn't Lionel so it had to have been Lex's doing. Now my question, if you say you only got to six...then who brought down the other ten that the cops didn't take down?"
"I'm clueless, but whoever they are...they are good and fast. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking we might have us a group of crime fighters or just some punks wanting to get a little thrill out of stopping those worse than their own kind. I don't know. Just blowing smoke. I checked the security cameras citywide and nothing. Our own cameras didn't pick up anything either; the targeted locations were all camera free or low security risk zones within the city."
"A good ol' organized city wide crime spree. Damn. At least it looks like we got some help...whoever they are. I'm going to retire for the night. Think you could take care of the suit?"
"Leave it by the back desk. And Barry...nice job tonight." Ray pats his friend on the back as he walks by.
The lights turned out and Ray sat back down relaxing in his chair, starring at his glowing computer screens. Looking up, blank information screen from his database search of his friend, Christopher Clark Kent, was the last thing he saw before closing his eyes.
Back at the university, Clark sat up in his bed attempting to sew up the bullet holes left from the multitude of bullets that had ripped through his shirt and pants earlier in the night. Sleep never came to the young hero as he mentally fought long and hard against the continued efforts of someone trying desperately to find out just who he really was.
(To be continued in part 9)