Title: A Hero Arrives (9/?): 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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"No. No!" screamed out the girl has she tossed and turned in bed. "Please, no. It can't happen like that. Nooo!"
The sky was dark and the surroundings matched. Buildings brought to ruin, cars burning as fires engulfed them, streets crowded with mayhem, and yet the battle was still going. Camera flashes flashed as a tired beaten figure crawls forth on the cracked and rundown steps leading up to the US Capital. Hovering above him a tall dark figure encased in black, grinning back as he set his aim on the beaten one.
The gun held firmly, cocked and loaded with a greenish glowing vapor rising from its chamber. "Like I said before my friend...you and me, Clark...we are going to be stuff legends are made of."
The blood of the fallen figure coursed down the steps creating puddles around those previously fallen as victims. Graves appear all around as the blood vanishes, burning an insignia into the ground for all to see. The sky is running its own tint of blood as rain pours down washing away all traces of everything. The end had arrived.
Sandy burst into her friend's room, jumping on the bed and cradled her; sweat pouring from Rachel's forehead. "It's okay Rachel, I'm here for you. It was just a bad dream." This was the girl's second night in a row that she had rushed to her friend's bedside.
Rachel pulled her legs to her chest and burrowed her head into Sandy's chest. "It was horrifying...just awful. You have no idea what kind of life he's living. Why these dreams? And the 'S'...what is the significance?"
"So the dreams were Chris's again? Maybe you need to give yourself a break and think of something or someone other than him. It's like his life is slowly stealing yours away. He's killing you from the inside out."
"I can't Sandy. It's like I'm being drawn in now and I have no control, but I know I do."
"Quite simply put...you've become addicted to the unknowing. Care to let me in?"
"Scary. His life...or what he believes is to come of his life is just plain horrifying and he's scared. Why won't he let anyone in? I just feel so bad for him and what he's going through..."
"Or what he's already gone through. It could very well be that he is remembering what he's gone through and not what he's going to go through."
"It could be, but something isn't right. I could be wrong, but his killer..."
"Killer? He's killed?"
"Yeah, a slow hurtful death. I swear it was...no it couldn't have been. I mean it isn't like he knows him or anything...or does he?"
"You're babbling again, Rach. Whom are you talking about?"
"Luthor. If I wasn't imagining things...it was Lex holding the gun to his head. You know...he said the craziest thing. He called him 'my friend'."
"Lex and Chris...friends? Girl, you did have a horrifying nightmare!"
"Maybe he was being nice and honorable, but he called him Clark...not Chris. I guess that could be misleading because my subconscious wanted that to be his name."
"So you've been wondering about his name as well then? I've been doing it too. For some reason Clark just seems to fit him; more so than Chris."
"Yeah, like he is trying to disguise himself, but being who he is...he just can't defy himself."
"Guess what I think his name really is or at least a variation of it. Guess."
"No clue, but definitely Clark something. So tell me already."
"Clark Kent. I've just had this vibe since the day I gave him the nick 'CK.' He said he liked it and it reminded him of the past. So the more I said CK...the better it rolled off the tongue. CK, Clark Kent...it fits him."
"Yeah, it does, but like you said...it's just a guess. You know, maybe we should hang out with him more. Give him the feeling that he has close friends that love and care for him...hey, I saw that...that look you just gave me."
"Okay, so you aren't the only one that has a thing for him." They hugged and lay down on the bed together.
"You know Sandy...it's been a while since we shared a bed together."
"A time lived...a time past...a time forgotten. Go to sleep Rach." They each slip into a peaceful slumber.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So how did you do, CK?" Ray waited away from the mob of students fighting to see their posted grades. Clark emerged unscarred.
"B-. Teacher says he wants to see me about something. So how did you do?"
"A as usual."
"So you're telling me beyond this crazy, spontaneous chagrin...there is a brain hidden away?"
"Yeah, but it only comes out and plays when I really need it."
"What is your brain telling you now?"
"Well...at this very moment I'm looking at those fine looking blondes over by the fountain...and strangely to say, I'm not thinking with my brain." Sandy and Rachel listened to the guys talking before making their presence felt.
"Sandy, can you believe these two? And I thought we were the only girls these two talked about. You know...I feel...I feel betrayed and...and...used."
"You don't have to tell me twice. I'm with you girl. And to think we thought they were special enough to invite them out for dinner." Their eyes bat simultaneously as the boys look on in bewilderment.
"Hey CK, do you recall me saying anything about other girls?"
"Well, I believe I do recall you mentioning something about two beautiful, talkative, smart, great looking girls...so I could only assume that you were talking about our friends, Sandy and Rachel." While the girls were feeling belittled, congratulatory hands were slapping each other behind the boys' backs.
"Oh you know you are only saying that because food is involved. Come on you two, lets go." The four locked their arms in with a partner and walked along the sidewalk together.
Looking around at the elegance of the restaurant, "Wow. I feel so under dressed."
"You should Chris. We all should. I can't believe you girls would bring us to a wine and dine dressed like this."
"Ray, cutie, there is nothing wrong with taking life easy sometimes. My family are regulars here so it isn't like we are going to be kicked out for informal attire."
"Yeah Ray...just enjoy this fabulous opportunity. Look...what could possibly be better than eating at a joint as high class as this with two beautiful and high-class young ladies? It's like Cinderella, but with reversed genders."
"If that's the case...you girls will have to settle for a holey sneaker. My glassware stays in the kitchen." People from surrounding tables gave the four stares as they laughed up the place.
"If you girls will excuse me, I need to get a breathe of fresh air. That guy's cigar behind me is getting to me."
"Certainly, we'll excuse you." stated Rachel as she stood up in courtesy at his departure.
"You girls really have been too kind to us gents." Ray was starting to feel more at home with his hostesses.
"We little ol' girls try our best." Sandy was having a good time hanging out with her friends.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Clark sat on a bench making small talk with an elderly couple enjoying their night out on the town.
"You two young love birds have a great evening." The couple stood up.
"Oh aren't you such a doll." The elderly woman leaned down to hug the polite stranger. "With an outlook on life as yours...you will go far and beyond in the world we live in." The elderly man smiles as he helps his wife with her coat before walking off into the darkness of the night.
"Too bad that world is about to change," thought Clark as he sat back enjoying the city life.
The elderly woman's hug had made him miss his family all that much more. Standing up, he jogs across the street to a lone payphone and quickly dials his home number.
"You have reached Martha and Jonathan Kent. We are not home at the moment, but if you will leave us your name, number, and reason for calling we will get back to you as soon as possible. Leave your message after the beep." Tears slipped out of his eyes.
"I Love You" was all Clark could bring himself to say to the machine before hanging up the receiver.
As he slowly drifted back across the street he heard a loud siren wailing down an adjacent street. Honking and screeches could be heard as well indicating to him a car chase was taking place nearby. Looking through the restaurant's window and seeing his friends sitting, eating and laughing, he took off toward the night interrupting sound.
It didn't take the young man long to locate the chase scene as the lead car weaved in and out of traffic carelessly as the pursuing cop car slower and more carefully attempted to follow. Racing ahead of the action and waiting at the precise angle, Clark watched the car quickly approaching before speedily dashing out in front and colliding into it. The driver didn't know what hit him as the front end of his car was totaled, leaving him stranded in the middle of the street, blood dripping from his head wounds.
Clark stood in the shadow of a nearby building and waited for the pursuing police car to pull to a halt. The cops couldn't figure out what had happened being that the car wasn't near an intersection or a drive or any sort.
"Marty, can you explain this?" The other cop just shook his head as he called for wrecker and an ambulance. Some time had passed in all the chaos as Clark returned to the restaurant only to see that his friends had left him. He knew he would have some explaining to do.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Can you believe those two?" asked Sandy as she settled down at the kitchen table with a bowl of ice cream staring her in the face.
"Nope...and not going to try." Rachel plopped her own bowl of the good stuff in front of her. "What are the chances of them both having to vanish like that?"
"Yeah, it's like we did something to run them off or something. Did we?" Rachel shrugged her shoulders as her mouth was consumed and chilled over.
"I know what we need..." Rachel raised her eyebrow at the remark. "No Rachel, not that...though that could be nice and it has been a while...no, no, no...not now at least. We need to watch some Perry Mason and Columbo. I got a bunch of their old shows on vhs tape. Back in the day, they were supposed to be the best at what they did...solving mysteries and winning court cases. Maybe if we see how they worked the clues and always nabbed the bad guy, we can use the same type techniques in solving the mystery of our friend Chris...or Clark...or whoever he is."
"Sounds like a plan, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm kind of tired and going to try and get to bed before Chris does."
"You're right, you should get some sleep. Hey, you never know, maybe this way you won't be feeding off his brainwaves."
"That is what I was thinking. Goodnight, Sandy."
"Night, Rach." Rachel walked off in the direction of her room, while Sandy took her bowl of ice cream and plopped down in her favorite reclining chair.
"It was nice spending time with those two. We both needed it," thought Sandy as she relaxed and continued eating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Barry, what do you mean you saw something...or somebody? Be more specific." Ray was impatiently waiting for something more to go on.
"I can't be more. I saw a glimpse of something...or like you said, somebody, fly by while I was in an alley. Whatever it was was running a street parallel to a speeding car that came by a little later. One second there were tires screeching and people yelling and the next...Bam! I took off after hearing the crash. I'm with the cops on this one. There is no way to explain the way that car looked."
"So you think this whatever might have had something to do with it? Interesting. So you only caught a glimpse. Hmmm, sounds like your speed title might be in jeopardy my friend."
"Scary thought, huh? Whatever it was, was fast and if it caused the damage to that car...whoaaa...strong too."
"Well, I'll first find out where the car was taken to and then we'll steal it for tests and have fun playing 'what if.' Sound good to you?"
"I'll bring the popcorn. Speaking of mysteries...found out anything more on your friend?"
"He's the dark hole that consumes me. He doesn't exist in any form, in any papers or databases anywhere. He's a ghost unlike any I've seen before...a true mystery."
"Well I'm sure something is bound to turn up. I'll see ya. Going to make a couple rounds around the track to clear my head before turning down for the night."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Clark watched the dust stir up more and more on the university running track until his normal relaxed vision couldn't see nothing more than a whirlwind of dust, but with additional effort could easily see the guy that had raced by him on the drive leading up to the university during orientation week.
"I wonder if he's ever been to Smallville," thought Clark as he watched with interest. His time of being a freak and alone was over. He decided right then that he needed to bond with people other than Sandy, Rachel, and X-Ray. In a split second he had penetrated the whirling, tough winds and had paced himself behind the other young man.
Clark knew life was full of taking chances and now was one of those times. See, keeping his abilities had been extremely hard over the years, but making a bond or showing this guy couldn't hurt me because as I do...he also has a secret. He had finally reasoned with himself and decided to just do it. With a little extra effort, he pulled along side Barry.
"Hey, name's Chris. We met bef..." Clark's introduction trailed off as Barry came to complete stop and stared at the intruder in disbelief. Clark jogged back over to the young man. "Like I was trying say..."
"How? That is all I want to know."
"Maybe I'm thinking I should ask you the same thing."
"You're that thing I saw...earlier tonight. No freakin way. You're it...I mean him?"
"You saw me?"
"I saw something really fast and then that sound and the car. That was you wasn't it?"
"Since I know a little something about you now...yeah, I was there. Terrible accident wasn't it?"
"Yeah, you did a bang up..."
"Oh hold on there partner, I only said that I was there...in the shadows. Never said anything about knowing what happened."
"Ohhh...so you have no idea either then?" Barry thought he had figured it all out.
"I'm just as clueless as the next man." Over the years, Clark had perfected the art of lying so much that it scared him sometimes. Okay, so the guy knows that he can match his speed, but does the guy really need to know about his other abilities? Who is to say the guy can be trusted or that he is using his own talent and abilities to fight the good fight. He could very well be working for the Luthors or one of the new players in town. Nope, Clark was playing it calm, cool, and collected.
"So what is your top speed?"
"About what you saw tonight in the city. Never clocked myself so I can't really be specific. I'm sure you got me by a bit more from the way you were just jogging around the track."
"I do okay." Barry didn't want to admit that he had been running close to his top speed and to think Clark only thought he was jogging. He didn't feel like being openly shamed...that was something he would keep to himself. "So did you get hit by lightning as well?"
"Lightning? Ouch, that had to have hurt."
"Quite a bit of pain if I do remember right...yep, quite a bit. I was working at a lab in Central City a year or so ago, during my internship at the Central City Police Department, and late one night out of no where...Bam. I woke up later in a hospital bed. It took a while for me to learn of my ability and once I did figure it out...practice just isn't the word for it. I busted my butt trying to learn how to control it. The wife of the deceased owner of Star Labs helped me to turn it into an advantage and not a hindrance."
"Yeah, I believe I read a paper on a some of their research. Wow, so you did have the best to work with then. Good for you. At least you had somebody. All I had were my parents and there are just things that you go through growing up that you don't want to talk to them about."
"Growing up? Do you mean to tell me that this ability of yours as been with you for a while?"
"Pretty much most of my life." Clark calmly answered.
"Damn. And you've kept it a secret for so long. No wonder we couldn't find anything on y..."
"What do you mean we? And why were you trying to find something on me? I think this conversation is over." Shaking his head, Clark started to walk away. He knew he could have ran away and dusted the guy, but by walking away it gave the guy an opportunity to catch up and for Clark to possibly learn more about who was trying to pry into his life.
"Hold up, Chris." Barry jogged over to join him. They started down the sidewalk together.
"I have someone you need to meet. He's a friend."
"Is this other guy, in the we that you spoke of?" he asked.
"Yeah, he's the we I spoke of. I'll let him tell you more if he chooses."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Barry, what are you doing back here? I thought you went out for a jog." Ray called out over his shoulder as he furiously worked his fingers on the keyboard in front of him.
"I did, but I...I ran into somebody...somebody I believe you know." Ray swiveled around in his chair as Barry had gained his interest.
"Who might that have been?"
Stepping through the steel door, "Me!" Ray immediately starred daggers into Barry's eyes as if mentally asking him why.
"Chris...so good to see you. What exactly would bring you around these parts?" He didn't know what to say to a guy who on many occasions had called him friend.
"Lets cut through the crap, Ray, what do you say? Barry here tells me that you have been searching for me. Well, I'm here...so what do you want? Oh that's right, you weren't searching for the physical me...no, you were going behind my back trying to find the electronic version of me."
He looked at the consoles and monitors behind Ray and noticed the still blinking and blank search form.
"Let me be upfront with you...that thing...well, it won't find me. See, I don't exist and there are people out there that are working to make sure that I stay that way. We called each other friends...and this is how you repay a friend? You try digging up dirt on me. Oh no, I'm sure it wasn't anything like that. It was research wasn't it? You wanted to know more about me so you could buy me an appropriate gift for my birthday or better yet, Christmas. You know...you are too kind, my friend." The room turned awkwardly silent.
"I think you know what this means." He turned to Barry and thanked him for introducing him to the other part of the 'we' before walking back out the way he had come in.
"Well..." now looking at Barry "are you going after him or not?" He just shrugged a whatever shrug before taking off after Clark and running face first into the large steel door that quickly closed as he reached the threshold. Ray was mesmerized at the speed of what had just happened. While leaning down checking on Barry, he sniffed the air and was sure he smelled the heating of steel. All of a sudden the room's temperature had risen a few degrees. Looking toward the door, he saw the metal hinges being welded to the steel door and frame.
"How is that possible? Chris!!" he screamed out in anger, but quickly turned his attention back to his fallen friend.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"CK, do you know it took him hours upon hours before breaking through that seal? Do you? Don't walk away from me. This is serious, dude. I must know how you did it?"
Ray walked beside a quiet Clark. Everywhere he went the next day, Ray was there...like a good little puppy. At anytime Clark could have lost him and it was knowing that he had that advantage...that control over Ray and the others that kept him calm and quiet.
"Okay Chris, I'm sorry. I truly am sorry, man...but you have to hear me out. This thing...it doesn't just involve Barry, you and me. Oh no, there are other much more important players and this is why I need you to hear me out. Come on dude, what do you say? Lunch...dinner, a month worth of food...my treat. How can you turn that down?" Quite easily as he started walking in the opposite direction of his previous friend.
Ray was a fighter and wasn't about to give up so he followed him and kept on with his constant bugging and questions...anything, just to get a response from the guy, but the guy wasn't listening. Oh he was listening and quite interested in what Ray had to say, but he didn't let on that he was. He was calm, cool and went on with his own business and classes. Ray skipped the few classes he didn't have with Clark just so he could stay with him.
Deciding that he needed stronger artillery, Ray brought Sandy and Rachel into the mix, but even they couldn't crack the protective mold that Clark had put up. Little did Ray know, but Rachel definitely wasn't the person to help him out considering Clark's feelings toward him was much the same with the girls...more so with Rachel than Sandy.
The prying Ray had been doing was bad, but no worse than the mental prying Rachel had been doing each night, along with the anguish that came with it. Then there was Sandy. Clark would never have thought that she would be in the mix with these two. While starring at the computer monitors the previous night in Ray's lair, he recognized Sandy's network screen name in one of the search fields along with the words Smallville and Torch. Putting one and one or even two and million clues together he realized that Sandy was in the same boat with Ray and Rachel at this point.
Taking the easy way out, Clark just ignored them, all which of course brought about quite a bit of confusion where the girls were concerned. After sitting back and studying Clark's reaction to the girls as well to him and deducted that he must have really got a good look at all his search database screens and this was his way of keeping himself tight lipped.
Rachel was frustrated at Clark's behavior more than the others and decided she had to get to bottom of it. Sandy realized what her friend was tying to do as she relaxed her body and drifted off into her subconscious inner self. Clark was ready for her mental invasion as he thought of sending a blazing fire from within his eyes. She got frightened and came back to, quicker than she had ever done before.
"Rachel, are you okay? You don't look so good. What happened?" whispered Sandy as she leaned into Rachel's ear.
"I tapped him and then fire...it was coming straight at me. I got scared. He's changed. He has so much more rage burning inside him. He's gotten to me. I can't do it anymore."
"Maybe it's for the better, Rach." Ray just stood back watching the girls hugging each other; more confused than ever.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Hey Sandy, it's Whitney. Well I guess you aren't there. My mom told me you were trying to get in touch with me, but it looks like we missed each other. I'll call back later at hopefully a more convenient time." Rachel hit the skip button on the answer machine as she was checking her and Sandy's messages.
"Sandy, your cousin Whitney called and left you a message." she screamed through the closed bathroom door, trying to be louder than the running water in the shower. Occupants in the next room over banged on the joining wall telling her to shut up. That...she found rude.
Wrapping a towel around her wet hair and her freshly cleaned body, Sandy stepped out into the opening of their upgraded dorm room. "Who did you say called?"
"You cousin Whitney called while we were out. Said he would call back later."
"He didn't leave a number did he?"
"Nope. Just said he would call you back. So...does this have to do with Clark and Smallville?" The two girls had secretly decided that Clark was a better name for Chris and so they agreed that while alone he was Clark, but anywhere else he was to be called Chris.
"Somewhat. Right now...I really want to know what is so secretive about that gym collapsing and the unsung hero. You know me and mysteries and always having to know the unknowing. I'm much like yourself...I'm addicted to it. If it is okay with Whitney for me to stay with him at his apartment, I'm planning on taking a small trip to Smallville this weekend. I've got the rental car all signed up for. Yeah, I know...I should have just borrowed one from your family's cars, but I don't want anyone else knowing about the trip."
"So, you need a navigator?"
"Could always use one. Know someone interested in the job?"
"Hey...don't kid around. Of course I want to go. Might be some rowdy and raunchy boys...or girls to hang out with. I'm all for road trips."
"Then it is settled. Now to just wait to hear from Whitney again."
"Why do you have to wait? We both have money so finding a place to stay wouldn't be that hard."
"It's just the idea of me being there. If Whitney doesn't want me there then I won't go. It is that simple. I told you before he used to hold grudges...I don't know if he's changed or has forgiven me yet for ratting him and his girl out."
"Alright then...we'll wait for the call. I'm going to bed now to get some real sleep. I don't believe I'll be mind burrowing any tonight."
"Night then." "Thank you Clark for scaring her into some rational realm of reasoning." she spoke to herself before crashing on the couch with her Calculus notes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It's good to hear from you, Clark. How are things going?"
"Kind of bumpy at the moment, Chloe. You know I miss you don't ya? You and the rest of the gang."
"I know Clark...and we miss you as well. At least we all did before I left to take this internship in Paris. I believe you hurt Pete the most because between you and me...he really didn't have anyone else. He never said anything, but I think he understood the cryptic message you left behind. He's a lot like you and me in that regards."
"And Lana?"
"All I know is she was heart broken and the package found it's way into the trash bin. I really have no idea if she even gave it a look-see. You hurt her a lot, but she had Whitney to help her pick up the pieces. More so than ever...those two are inseparable...unlike us, huh?"
"Chloe, you know I had to do it."
"I know...I just wish you hadn't is all. So how do you like living in my home?"
"Ahh, girl, Metropolis is a great place. University life is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Hey, guess what I majored in?"
"What?"
"Journalism. Yep, Clark Kent could possibly be a reporter one day."
"And a fine one you'll be at that. You've always had the talent and slowly but surely I guess I wore on you."
"Yes you did. I tell you...I wish I were wearing you right now. It would be nice to have you close to me. I so dearly miss you. Would you mind if I came for a visit? I might have to rob a small convenient market to get the money, but to see you up close and in person again would be well worth the effort."
"Clark, I know you. Something is really wrong there isn't it? Open up and just tell me."
"I should have known you would see right through me. And I thought that was my job. Things were great here. I started the semester with three pretty great friends, but one by one they've started to show their true selves. My disguise is fading and fading fast. They are all three sniffing at my trail...the trail that you and your net buddies helped me hide."
"So that would explain the increase in hits to my website and so many of the other Smallville related sites. Can you believe it, someone sent me an email asking what I knew about the gym incident and who was the unnamed hero?"
"Did the person sign the email?"
"One second while I see if I can't bring it back up on my computer. Just take a moment. Here it is...her name was Sandy."
"Damn!" screamed out from the young man's lips.
"What Clark? Do you know her?"
"She's one on the three so-called friends I was telling you about. I should have known. You know what I find scary about those three...they could easily be your clone. They all three have that drive that won't let them quit until they have what they want."
"Uhhh, Clark. I hate to tell you this, but if this program is working the way my friend said it should...we've got company. Someone is reverse tracking back to your location."
"Is it just a tracker or a bug as well?"
"I'm not that sophisticated, but if I had to guess then I'd say it's only a tracker."
"Must be Ray and his super computers then. Don't worry...I'm using a phone in Louisiana. I figured something like this would happen."
"People never gave you credit for you brains. You know Clark, if coming to see me is just your way of running away from your problems then you aren't welcomed here. I won't be having one of my friends running from pesky problems. The Clark I know and love would never back down unless a certain green rock was being used. Attack them head on. Find out if these so-called friends are true friends or not. I'm sure they is something else bothering you, but it's obvious that you don't want to talk about it so we will leave things as they are; you in Metropolis and me here. I love you Clark, always have and always will."
"I second that notion with an added forever. Take care girl. If you happen to talk to my parents before I do tell them I love them. Night sweetie." Clark hung up the phone and walked into a nearby diner for a bite to eat before heading back to Metropolis.
Meanwhile, halfway across the globe, "Yes ma'am, I would like to buy a ticket. Where to you ask? The Continental US. Yes ma'am, business related. Company jet would be perfect if it is available and authorized. Tomorrow at six you say? Thank you, ma'am." Chloe ended one call and immediately dialed another number.
"Hello Mrs. Ross. It's Chloe...Chloe Sullivan. Yes ma'am, I'm doing great. Would Pete be around perhaps? Thank you. Pete, is that you? Oh it is so great to hear your voice again. The reason I'm calling...well, a friend of ours could use us. I feel you know what I mean by a friend. I thought so. I'll be arriving in the US sometime around midday I believe. I should be seeing you within the next 24 hours. See you then."
An hour later a call was placed to the editor of the Paris Gazette. "Herb, it's Chloe. Yeah, I figured she would give you a call to confirm the use of the plane. Thank you. I'm glad that you feel that I deserve a small...yes I got that...a very small vacation. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Is there any chance to get a small article in before the next printing? My source...a little old lady in Louisiana, sir. Thank you so much. I'm sending it to you now. Please, make sure it is clear that it is my byline and that the source is clear as well. Thanks again, sir. Yes, I know I now owe you a big one. I'll be back soon sir. Thanks again."
Chloe had been a reporter for a number of years and knew how her kind worked. So if someone was tracing her and Clark's call they now have a newspaper-aided alibi for such a strange call in the middle of the night. The call would go down as nothing more than a call to a relative of a recently deceased elderly gentleman, who upon calling was confirmed to have passed away herself. A fake story that involved a cover up of a cover up. The young woman had talent and knew her job quite well.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You tracked him to Louisiana? Did I hear you right?"
"Yeah, Ray. I tracked him there...and then we had supper together. We had quite a long talk and he will be dropping by sometime over the next couple days. We've talked, but even I can see that he is more than what I know and have seen. He's special. I just have this feeling in my bones and I believe if you two can talk things out and get everything out in the open...he could be a very reliable ally. And when I mean everything out...I meant for you to open up...not him. It is quite clear to me that you don't want to have to deal with whatever it is he is running from."
"Fine then...I'll open all my doors."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Did you say, Louisiana?"
"Yes, Mr. Luthor."
"Why would Ms. Chloe Sullivan be talking to someone in Louisiana in the middle of the night. She is still in Paris correct?"
"The two sources were Kentwood, Louisiana and her apartment duplex in Paris, sir. I had our research personnel check to see if she had any story leads coming from that part of the country. One source has been verified and the lady was from Louisiana. It was definitely business related, sir."
"Or if I know Ms. Sullivan...that is what she wants people to think. Run a check for all flights leaving out of Paris and coming to the US. I bet anything she is on one of those flights. And be sure to check the Paris Gazette's charter plane flights as well. I don't want that young lady entering international air until I know exactly where she is and where she is headed. Maybe I'm wrong and the story will play out to be true, but wrong isn't something I do much of."
"Sir, might I ask why you are so interested in this small group of people from your past?"
"Let's just say...there were secrets amongst us...some bigger than others...and I like knowing the secrets of others."
(To be continued in part 10)
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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"No. No!" screamed out the girl has she tossed and turned in bed. "Please, no. It can't happen like that. Nooo!"
The sky was dark and the surroundings matched. Buildings brought to ruin, cars burning as fires engulfed them, streets crowded with mayhem, and yet the battle was still going. Camera flashes flashed as a tired beaten figure crawls forth on the cracked and rundown steps leading up to the US Capital. Hovering above him a tall dark figure encased in black, grinning back as he set his aim on the beaten one.
The gun held firmly, cocked and loaded with a greenish glowing vapor rising from its chamber. "Like I said before my friend...you and me, Clark...we are going to be stuff legends are made of."
The blood of the fallen figure coursed down the steps creating puddles around those previously fallen as victims. Graves appear all around as the blood vanishes, burning an insignia into the ground for all to see. The sky is running its own tint of blood as rain pours down washing away all traces of everything. The end had arrived.
Sandy burst into her friend's room, jumping on the bed and cradled her; sweat pouring from Rachel's forehead. "It's okay Rachel, I'm here for you. It was just a bad dream." This was the girl's second night in a row that she had rushed to her friend's bedside.
Rachel pulled her legs to her chest and burrowed her head into Sandy's chest. "It was horrifying...just awful. You have no idea what kind of life he's living. Why these dreams? And the 'S'...what is the significance?"
"So the dreams were Chris's again? Maybe you need to give yourself a break and think of something or someone other than him. It's like his life is slowly stealing yours away. He's killing you from the inside out."
"I can't Sandy. It's like I'm being drawn in now and I have no control, but I know I do."
"Quite simply put...you've become addicted to the unknowing. Care to let me in?"
"Scary. His life...or what he believes is to come of his life is just plain horrifying and he's scared. Why won't he let anyone in? I just feel so bad for him and what he's going through..."
"Or what he's already gone through. It could very well be that he is remembering what he's gone through and not what he's going to go through."
"It could be, but something isn't right. I could be wrong, but his killer..."
"Killer? He's killed?"
"Yeah, a slow hurtful death. I swear it was...no it couldn't have been. I mean it isn't like he knows him or anything...or does he?"
"You're babbling again, Rach. Whom are you talking about?"
"Luthor. If I wasn't imagining things...it was Lex holding the gun to his head. You know...he said the craziest thing. He called him 'my friend'."
"Lex and Chris...friends? Girl, you did have a horrifying nightmare!"
"Maybe he was being nice and honorable, but he called him Clark...not Chris. I guess that could be misleading because my subconscious wanted that to be his name."
"So you've been wondering about his name as well then? I've been doing it too. For some reason Clark just seems to fit him; more so than Chris."
"Yeah, like he is trying to disguise himself, but being who he is...he just can't defy himself."
"Guess what I think his name really is or at least a variation of it. Guess."
"No clue, but definitely Clark something. So tell me already."
"Clark Kent. I've just had this vibe since the day I gave him the nick 'CK.' He said he liked it and it reminded him of the past. So the more I said CK...the better it rolled off the tongue. CK, Clark Kent...it fits him."
"Yeah, it does, but like you said...it's just a guess. You know, maybe we should hang out with him more. Give him the feeling that he has close friends that love and care for him...hey, I saw that...that look you just gave me."
"Okay, so you aren't the only one that has a thing for him." They hugged and lay down on the bed together.
"You know Sandy...it's been a while since we shared a bed together."
"A time lived...a time past...a time forgotten. Go to sleep Rach." They each slip into a peaceful slumber.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So how did you do, CK?" Ray waited away from the mob of students fighting to see their posted grades. Clark emerged unscarred.
"B-. Teacher says he wants to see me about something. So how did you do?"
"A as usual."
"So you're telling me beyond this crazy, spontaneous chagrin...there is a brain hidden away?"
"Yeah, but it only comes out and plays when I really need it."
"What is your brain telling you now?"
"Well...at this very moment I'm looking at those fine looking blondes over by the fountain...and strangely to say, I'm not thinking with my brain." Sandy and Rachel listened to the guys talking before making their presence felt.
"Sandy, can you believe these two? And I thought we were the only girls these two talked about. You know...I feel...I feel betrayed and...and...used."
"You don't have to tell me twice. I'm with you girl. And to think we thought they were special enough to invite them out for dinner." Their eyes bat simultaneously as the boys look on in bewilderment.
"Hey CK, do you recall me saying anything about other girls?"
"Well, I believe I do recall you mentioning something about two beautiful, talkative, smart, great looking girls...so I could only assume that you were talking about our friends, Sandy and Rachel." While the girls were feeling belittled, congratulatory hands were slapping each other behind the boys' backs.
"Oh you know you are only saying that because food is involved. Come on you two, lets go." The four locked their arms in with a partner and walked along the sidewalk together.
Looking around at the elegance of the restaurant, "Wow. I feel so under dressed."
"You should Chris. We all should. I can't believe you girls would bring us to a wine and dine dressed like this."
"Ray, cutie, there is nothing wrong with taking life easy sometimes. My family are regulars here so it isn't like we are going to be kicked out for informal attire."
"Yeah Ray...just enjoy this fabulous opportunity. Look...what could possibly be better than eating at a joint as high class as this with two beautiful and high-class young ladies? It's like Cinderella, but with reversed genders."
"If that's the case...you girls will have to settle for a holey sneaker. My glassware stays in the kitchen." People from surrounding tables gave the four stares as they laughed up the place.
"If you girls will excuse me, I need to get a breathe of fresh air. That guy's cigar behind me is getting to me."
"Certainly, we'll excuse you." stated Rachel as she stood up in courtesy at his departure.
"You girls really have been too kind to us gents." Ray was starting to feel more at home with his hostesses.
"We little ol' girls try our best." Sandy was having a good time hanging out with her friends.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Clark sat on a bench making small talk with an elderly couple enjoying their night out on the town.
"You two young love birds have a great evening." The couple stood up.
"Oh aren't you such a doll." The elderly woman leaned down to hug the polite stranger. "With an outlook on life as yours...you will go far and beyond in the world we live in." The elderly man smiles as he helps his wife with her coat before walking off into the darkness of the night.
"Too bad that world is about to change," thought Clark as he sat back enjoying the city life.
The elderly woman's hug had made him miss his family all that much more. Standing up, he jogs across the street to a lone payphone and quickly dials his home number.
"You have reached Martha and Jonathan Kent. We are not home at the moment, but if you will leave us your name, number, and reason for calling we will get back to you as soon as possible. Leave your message after the beep." Tears slipped out of his eyes.
"I Love You" was all Clark could bring himself to say to the machine before hanging up the receiver.
As he slowly drifted back across the street he heard a loud siren wailing down an adjacent street. Honking and screeches could be heard as well indicating to him a car chase was taking place nearby. Looking through the restaurant's window and seeing his friends sitting, eating and laughing, he took off toward the night interrupting sound.
It didn't take the young man long to locate the chase scene as the lead car weaved in and out of traffic carelessly as the pursuing cop car slower and more carefully attempted to follow. Racing ahead of the action and waiting at the precise angle, Clark watched the car quickly approaching before speedily dashing out in front and colliding into it. The driver didn't know what hit him as the front end of his car was totaled, leaving him stranded in the middle of the street, blood dripping from his head wounds.
Clark stood in the shadow of a nearby building and waited for the pursuing police car to pull to a halt. The cops couldn't figure out what had happened being that the car wasn't near an intersection or a drive or any sort.
"Marty, can you explain this?" The other cop just shook his head as he called for wrecker and an ambulance. Some time had passed in all the chaos as Clark returned to the restaurant only to see that his friends had left him. He knew he would have some explaining to do.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Can you believe those two?" asked Sandy as she settled down at the kitchen table with a bowl of ice cream staring her in the face.
"Nope...and not going to try." Rachel plopped her own bowl of the good stuff in front of her. "What are the chances of them both having to vanish like that?"
"Yeah, it's like we did something to run them off or something. Did we?" Rachel shrugged her shoulders as her mouth was consumed and chilled over.
"I know what we need..." Rachel raised her eyebrow at the remark. "No Rachel, not that...though that could be nice and it has been a while...no, no, no...not now at least. We need to watch some Perry Mason and Columbo. I got a bunch of their old shows on vhs tape. Back in the day, they were supposed to be the best at what they did...solving mysteries and winning court cases. Maybe if we see how they worked the clues and always nabbed the bad guy, we can use the same type techniques in solving the mystery of our friend Chris...or Clark...or whoever he is."
"Sounds like a plan, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm kind of tired and going to try and get to bed before Chris does."
"You're right, you should get some sleep. Hey, you never know, maybe this way you won't be feeding off his brainwaves."
"That is what I was thinking. Goodnight, Sandy."
"Night, Rach." Rachel walked off in the direction of her room, while Sandy took her bowl of ice cream and plopped down in her favorite reclining chair.
"It was nice spending time with those two. We both needed it," thought Sandy as she relaxed and continued eating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Barry, what do you mean you saw something...or somebody? Be more specific." Ray was impatiently waiting for something more to go on.
"I can't be more. I saw a glimpse of something...or like you said, somebody, fly by while I was in an alley. Whatever it was was running a street parallel to a speeding car that came by a little later. One second there were tires screeching and people yelling and the next...Bam! I took off after hearing the crash. I'm with the cops on this one. There is no way to explain the way that car looked."
"So you think this whatever might have had something to do with it? Interesting. So you only caught a glimpse. Hmmm, sounds like your speed title might be in jeopardy my friend."
"Scary thought, huh? Whatever it was, was fast and if it caused the damage to that car...whoaaa...strong too."
"Well, I'll first find out where the car was taken to and then we'll steal it for tests and have fun playing 'what if.' Sound good to you?"
"I'll bring the popcorn. Speaking of mysteries...found out anything more on your friend?"
"He's the dark hole that consumes me. He doesn't exist in any form, in any papers or databases anywhere. He's a ghost unlike any I've seen before...a true mystery."
"Well I'm sure something is bound to turn up. I'll see ya. Going to make a couple rounds around the track to clear my head before turning down for the night."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Clark watched the dust stir up more and more on the university running track until his normal relaxed vision couldn't see nothing more than a whirlwind of dust, but with additional effort could easily see the guy that had raced by him on the drive leading up to the university during orientation week.
"I wonder if he's ever been to Smallville," thought Clark as he watched with interest. His time of being a freak and alone was over. He decided right then that he needed to bond with people other than Sandy, Rachel, and X-Ray. In a split second he had penetrated the whirling, tough winds and had paced himself behind the other young man.
Clark knew life was full of taking chances and now was one of those times. See, keeping his abilities had been extremely hard over the years, but making a bond or showing this guy couldn't hurt me because as I do...he also has a secret. He had finally reasoned with himself and decided to just do it. With a little extra effort, he pulled along side Barry.
"Hey, name's Chris. We met bef..." Clark's introduction trailed off as Barry came to complete stop and stared at the intruder in disbelief. Clark jogged back over to the young man. "Like I was trying say..."
"How? That is all I want to know."
"Maybe I'm thinking I should ask you the same thing."
"You're that thing I saw...earlier tonight. No freakin way. You're it...I mean him?"
"You saw me?"
"I saw something really fast and then that sound and the car. That was you wasn't it?"
"Since I know a little something about you now...yeah, I was there. Terrible accident wasn't it?"
"Yeah, you did a bang up..."
"Oh hold on there partner, I only said that I was there...in the shadows. Never said anything about knowing what happened."
"Ohhh...so you have no idea either then?" Barry thought he had figured it all out.
"I'm just as clueless as the next man." Over the years, Clark had perfected the art of lying so much that it scared him sometimes. Okay, so the guy knows that he can match his speed, but does the guy really need to know about his other abilities? Who is to say the guy can be trusted or that he is using his own talent and abilities to fight the good fight. He could very well be working for the Luthors or one of the new players in town. Nope, Clark was playing it calm, cool, and collected.
"So what is your top speed?"
"About what you saw tonight in the city. Never clocked myself so I can't really be specific. I'm sure you got me by a bit more from the way you were just jogging around the track."
"I do okay." Barry didn't want to admit that he had been running close to his top speed and to think Clark only thought he was jogging. He didn't feel like being openly shamed...that was something he would keep to himself. "So did you get hit by lightning as well?"
"Lightning? Ouch, that had to have hurt."
"Quite a bit of pain if I do remember right...yep, quite a bit. I was working at a lab in Central City a year or so ago, during my internship at the Central City Police Department, and late one night out of no where...Bam. I woke up later in a hospital bed. It took a while for me to learn of my ability and once I did figure it out...practice just isn't the word for it. I busted my butt trying to learn how to control it. The wife of the deceased owner of Star Labs helped me to turn it into an advantage and not a hindrance."
"Yeah, I believe I read a paper on a some of their research. Wow, so you did have the best to work with then. Good for you. At least you had somebody. All I had were my parents and there are just things that you go through growing up that you don't want to talk to them about."
"Growing up? Do you mean to tell me that this ability of yours as been with you for a while?"
"Pretty much most of my life." Clark calmly answered.
"Damn. And you've kept it a secret for so long. No wonder we couldn't find anything on y..."
"What do you mean we? And why were you trying to find something on me? I think this conversation is over." Shaking his head, Clark started to walk away. He knew he could have ran away and dusted the guy, but by walking away it gave the guy an opportunity to catch up and for Clark to possibly learn more about who was trying to pry into his life.
"Hold up, Chris." Barry jogged over to join him. They started down the sidewalk together.
"I have someone you need to meet. He's a friend."
"Is this other guy, in the we that you spoke of?" he asked.
"Yeah, he's the we I spoke of. I'll let him tell you more if he chooses."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Barry, what are you doing back here? I thought you went out for a jog." Ray called out over his shoulder as he furiously worked his fingers on the keyboard in front of him.
"I did, but I...I ran into somebody...somebody I believe you know." Ray swiveled around in his chair as Barry had gained his interest.
"Who might that have been?"
Stepping through the steel door, "Me!" Ray immediately starred daggers into Barry's eyes as if mentally asking him why.
"Chris...so good to see you. What exactly would bring you around these parts?" He didn't know what to say to a guy who on many occasions had called him friend.
"Lets cut through the crap, Ray, what do you say? Barry here tells me that you have been searching for me. Well, I'm here...so what do you want? Oh that's right, you weren't searching for the physical me...no, you were going behind my back trying to find the electronic version of me."
He looked at the consoles and monitors behind Ray and noticed the still blinking and blank search form.
"Let me be upfront with you...that thing...well, it won't find me. See, I don't exist and there are people out there that are working to make sure that I stay that way. We called each other friends...and this is how you repay a friend? You try digging up dirt on me. Oh no, I'm sure it wasn't anything like that. It was research wasn't it? You wanted to know more about me so you could buy me an appropriate gift for my birthday or better yet, Christmas. You know...you are too kind, my friend." The room turned awkwardly silent.
"I think you know what this means." He turned to Barry and thanked him for introducing him to the other part of the 'we' before walking back out the way he had come in.
"Well..." now looking at Barry "are you going after him or not?" He just shrugged a whatever shrug before taking off after Clark and running face first into the large steel door that quickly closed as he reached the threshold. Ray was mesmerized at the speed of what had just happened. While leaning down checking on Barry, he sniffed the air and was sure he smelled the heating of steel. All of a sudden the room's temperature had risen a few degrees. Looking toward the door, he saw the metal hinges being welded to the steel door and frame.
"How is that possible? Chris!!" he screamed out in anger, but quickly turned his attention back to his fallen friend.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"CK, do you know it took him hours upon hours before breaking through that seal? Do you? Don't walk away from me. This is serious, dude. I must know how you did it?"
Ray walked beside a quiet Clark. Everywhere he went the next day, Ray was there...like a good little puppy. At anytime Clark could have lost him and it was knowing that he had that advantage...that control over Ray and the others that kept him calm and quiet.
"Okay Chris, I'm sorry. I truly am sorry, man...but you have to hear me out. This thing...it doesn't just involve Barry, you and me. Oh no, there are other much more important players and this is why I need you to hear me out. Come on dude, what do you say? Lunch...dinner, a month worth of food...my treat. How can you turn that down?" Quite easily as he started walking in the opposite direction of his previous friend.
Ray was a fighter and wasn't about to give up so he followed him and kept on with his constant bugging and questions...anything, just to get a response from the guy, but the guy wasn't listening. Oh he was listening and quite interested in what Ray had to say, but he didn't let on that he was. He was calm, cool and went on with his own business and classes. Ray skipped the few classes he didn't have with Clark just so he could stay with him.
Deciding that he needed stronger artillery, Ray brought Sandy and Rachel into the mix, but even they couldn't crack the protective mold that Clark had put up. Little did Ray know, but Rachel definitely wasn't the person to help him out considering Clark's feelings toward him was much the same with the girls...more so with Rachel than Sandy.
The prying Ray had been doing was bad, but no worse than the mental prying Rachel had been doing each night, along with the anguish that came with it. Then there was Sandy. Clark would never have thought that she would be in the mix with these two. While starring at the computer monitors the previous night in Ray's lair, he recognized Sandy's network screen name in one of the search fields along with the words Smallville and Torch. Putting one and one or even two and million clues together he realized that Sandy was in the same boat with Ray and Rachel at this point.
Taking the easy way out, Clark just ignored them, all which of course brought about quite a bit of confusion where the girls were concerned. After sitting back and studying Clark's reaction to the girls as well to him and deducted that he must have really got a good look at all his search database screens and this was his way of keeping himself tight lipped.
Rachel was frustrated at Clark's behavior more than the others and decided she had to get to bottom of it. Sandy realized what her friend was tying to do as she relaxed her body and drifted off into her subconscious inner self. Clark was ready for her mental invasion as he thought of sending a blazing fire from within his eyes. She got frightened and came back to, quicker than she had ever done before.
"Rachel, are you okay? You don't look so good. What happened?" whispered Sandy as she leaned into Rachel's ear.
"I tapped him and then fire...it was coming straight at me. I got scared. He's changed. He has so much more rage burning inside him. He's gotten to me. I can't do it anymore."
"Maybe it's for the better, Rach." Ray just stood back watching the girls hugging each other; more confused than ever.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Hey Sandy, it's Whitney. Well I guess you aren't there. My mom told me you were trying to get in touch with me, but it looks like we missed each other. I'll call back later at hopefully a more convenient time." Rachel hit the skip button on the answer machine as she was checking her and Sandy's messages.
"Sandy, your cousin Whitney called and left you a message." she screamed through the closed bathroom door, trying to be louder than the running water in the shower. Occupants in the next room over banged on the joining wall telling her to shut up. That...she found rude.
Wrapping a towel around her wet hair and her freshly cleaned body, Sandy stepped out into the opening of their upgraded dorm room. "Who did you say called?"
"You cousin Whitney called while we were out. Said he would call back later."
"He didn't leave a number did he?"
"Nope. Just said he would call you back. So...does this have to do with Clark and Smallville?" The two girls had secretly decided that Clark was a better name for Chris and so they agreed that while alone he was Clark, but anywhere else he was to be called Chris.
"Somewhat. Right now...I really want to know what is so secretive about that gym collapsing and the unsung hero. You know me and mysteries and always having to know the unknowing. I'm much like yourself...I'm addicted to it. If it is okay with Whitney for me to stay with him at his apartment, I'm planning on taking a small trip to Smallville this weekend. I've got the rental car all signed up for. Yeah, I know...I should have just borrowed one from your family's cars, but I don't want anyone else knowing about the trip."
"So, you need a navigator?"
"Could always use one. Know someone interested in the job?"
"Hey...don't kid around. Of course I want to go. Might be some rowdy and raunchy boys...or girls to hang out with. I'm all for road trips."
"Then it is settled. Now to just wait to hear from Whitney again."
"Why do you have to wait? We both have money so finding a place to stay wouldn't be that hard."
"It's just the idea of me being there. If Whitney doesn't want me there then I won't go. It is that simple. I told you before he used to hold grudges...I don't know if he's changed or has forgiven me yet for ratting him and his girl out."
"Alright then...we'll wait for the call. I'm going to bed now to get some real sleep. I don't believe I'll be mind burrowing any tonight."
"Night then." "Thank you Clark for scaring her into some rational realm of reasoning." she spoke to herself before crashing on the couch with her Calculus notes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It's good to hear from you, Clark. How are things going?"
"Kind of bumpy at the moment, Chloe. You know I miss you don't ya? You and the rest of the gang."
"I know Clark...and we miss you as well. At least we all did before I left to take this internship in Paris. I believe you hurt Pete the most because between you and me...he really didn't have anyone else. He never said anything, but I think he understood the cryptic message you left behind. He's a lot like you and me in that regards."
"And Lana?"
"All I know is she was heart broken and the package found it's way into the trash bin. I really have no idea if she even gave it a look-see. You hurt her a lot, but she had Whitney to help her pick up the pieces. More so than ever...those two are inseparable...unlike us, huh?"
"Chloe, you know I had to do it."
"I know...I just wish you hadn't is all. So how do you like living in my home?"
"Ahh, girl, Metropolis is a great place. University life is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Hey, guess what I majored in?"
"What?"
"Journalism. Yep, Clark Kent could possibly be a reporter one day."
"And a fine one you'll be at that. You've always had the talent and slowly but surely I guess I wore on you."
"Yes you did. I tell you...I wish I were wearing you right now. It would be nice to have you close to me. I so dearly miss you. Would you mind if I came for a visit? I might have to rob a small convenient market to get the money, but to see you up close and in person again would be well worth the effort."
"Clark, I know you. Something is really wrong there isn't it? Open up and just tell me."
"I should have known you would see right through me. And I thought that was my job. Things were great here. I started the semester with three pretty great friends, but one by one they've started to show their true selves. My disguise is fading and fading fast. They are all three sniffing at my trail...the trail that you and your net buddies helped me hide."
"So that would explain the increase in hits to my website and so many of the other Smallville related sites. Can you believe it, someone sent me an email asking what I knew about the gym incident and who was the unnamed hero?"
"Did the person sign the email?"
"One second while I see if I can't bring it back up on my computer. Just take a moment. Here it is...her name was Sandy."
"Damn!" screamed out from the young man's lips.
"What Clark? Do you know her?"
"She's one on the three so-called friends I was telling you about. I should have known. You know what I find scary about those three...they could easily be your clone. They all three have that drive that won't let them quit until they have what they want."
"Uhhh, Clark. I hate to tell you this, but if this program is working the way my friend said it should...we've got company. Someone is reverse tracking back to your location."
"Is it just a tracker or a bug as well?"
"I'm not that sophisticated, but if I had to guess then I'd say it's only a tracker."
"Must be Ray and his super computers then. Don't worry...I'm using a phone in Louisiana. I figured something like this would happen."
"People never gave you credit for you brains. You know Clark, if coming to see me is just your way of running away from your problems then you aren't welcomed here. I won't be having one of my friends running from pesky problems. The Clark I know and love would never back down unless a certain green rock was being used. Attack them head on. Find out if these so-called friends are true friends or not. I'm sure they is something else bothering you, but it's obvious that you don't want to talk about it so we will leave things as they are; you in Metropolis and me here. I love you Clark, always have and always will."
"I second that notion with an added forever. Take care girl. If you happen to talk to my parents before I do tell them I love them. Night sweetie." Clark hung up the phone and walked into a nearby diner for a bite to eat before heading back to Metropolis.
Meanwhile, halfway across the globe, "Yes ma'am, I would like to buy a ticket. Where to you ask? The Continental US. Yes ma'am, business related. Company jet would be perfect if it is available and authorized. Tomorrow at six you say? Thank you, ma'am." Chloe ended one call and immediately dialed another number.
"Hello Mrs. Ross. It's Chloe...Chloe Sullivan. Yes ma'am, I'm doing great. Would Pete be around perhaps? Thank you. Pete, is that you? Oh it is so great to hear your voice again. The reason I'm calling...well, a friend of ours could use us. I feel you know what I mean by a friend. I thought so. I'll be arriving in the US sometime around midday I believe. I should be seeing you within the next 24 hours. See you then."
An hour later a call was placed to the editor of the Paris Gazette. "Herb, it's Chloe. Yeah, I figured she would give you a call to confirm the use of the plane. Thank you. I'm glad that you feel that I deserve a small...yes I got that...a very small vacation. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Is there any chance to get a small article in before the next printing? My source...a little old lady in Louisiana, sir. Thank you so much. I'm sending it to you now. Please, make sure it is clear that it is my byline and that the source is clear as well. Thanks again, sir. Yes, I know I now owe you a big one. I'll be back soon sir. Thanks again."
Chloe had been a reporter for a number of years and knew how her kind worked. So if someone was tracing her and Clark's call they now have a newspaper-aided alibi for such a strange call in the middle of the night. The call would go down as nothing more than a call to a relative of a recently deceased elderly gentleman, who upon calling was confirmed to have passed away herself. A fake story that involved a cover up of a cover up. The young woman had talent and knew her job quite well.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You tracked him to Louisiana? Did I hear you right?"
"Yeah, Ray. I tracked him there...and then we had supper together. We had quite a long talk and he will be dropping by sometime over the next couple days. We've talked, but even I can see that he is more than what I know and have seen. He's special. I just have this feeling in my bones and I believe if you two can talk things out and get everything out in the open...he could be a very reliable ally. And when I mean everything out...I meant for you to open up...not him. It is quite clear to me that you don't want to have to deal with whatever it is he is running from."
"Fine then...I'll open all my doors."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Did you say, Louisiana?"
"Yes, Mr. Luthor."
"Why would Ms. Chloe Sullivan be talking to someone in Louisiana in the middle of the night. She is still in Paris correct?"
"The two sources were Kentwood, Louisiana and her apartment duplex in Paris, sir. I had our research personnel check to see if she had any story leads coming from that part of the country. One source has been verified and the lady was from Louisiana. It was definitely business related, sir."
"Or if I know Ms. Sullivan...that is what she wants people to think. Run a check for all flights leaving out of Paris and coming to the US. I bet anything she is on one of those flights. And be sure to check the Paris Gazette's charter plane flights as well. I don't want that young lady entering international air until I know exactly where she is and where she is headed. Maybe I'm wrong and the story will play out to be true, but wrong isn't something I do much of."
"Sir, might I ask why you are so interested in this small group of people from your past?"
"Let's just say...there were secrets amongst us...some bigger than others...and I like knowing the secrets of others."
(To be continued in part 10)