Chapter 2

"Hey Clark!" Chloe called from down the busy hall of Smallville high. The dismissal bell to first period had just sounded off and the long stretch of corridor was full of students moving around busily. Clark turned his attention from his conversation with Pete to look at Chloe. A smile instantly formed on his face.

He was wearing a simple blue T-shirt and blue jeans with a red and black, one-strap backpack slung over his shoulder. Chloe walked up wearing a retro outfit that consisted of a red and black skirt that hung below the knee and a pair of high black boots. Her shirt was sleeveless and was a mix of pink, black, and red. Her hair was flipped out in her usual style and her face showed that something interesting had happened in the recent past. It was a look that Clark had gotten used to.

Chloe got close enough for Clark to hear her and then the conversation was underway. "You'll never guess what happened last night."

Clark looked down at Pete and then back to Chloe. Most of her stories were interesting enough to keep their attention, so they listened to what she had to say. "What's going on?"

"Smallville has its very own vigilante." She said it with a smile as the remainder of the students poured out of the halls and into the classrooms.

The threesome started for the Torch as she continued talking. "Last night a black clad figure took out a couple of thugs at the Smallville Warehouse. They are questioning the witnesses as we speak." She took a pause as she started up her computer that sat on her desk. It came to life with a soft hum and a few beeps. "I'm hoping to get an interview from the only witness that isn't in custody today after school. Do you guys wanna come with?"

"Sorry Chloe, I would but my mom has asked me to help her around the house today. I think she is trying to keep me inside during these storms", Pete said.

Chloe's eyes turned up to Clark. "Well?"

"I'd love to, but I have plans with Lana. The Talon has some flood damage that I'm helping her with." Clark said with a strange look on his face. "Sorry."

A look of near pain swept across Chloe's face, but she'd gotten good at hiding her jealousy from Clark. She put on a smile and nodded. "Well you'll be missing out. It's not everyday you get a chance to find a hero."

"I'd hardly call vigilantes heroes", said Clark.

She cocked her head a bit. "Clark, you aren't upset that you won't get to the only mysterious person running around saving people, now are you?" She gave a mocking grin.

"Of course not," he hurried the words out, "but vigilantes can be dangerous."

"Well, from what I heard, this person knew what he or she was doing."

The Tardy bell rang as the last of the students rushed into the classroom.

"So what brings you to Smallville, Bruce." Lex stood over his blood red pool table as he spoke. His eyes were focused on the blue and white, number 2 ball; not on the man that he was speaking to.

"I'm here on business, but you already knew that." Bruce Wayne stood near the doorway, watching Lex stare down the stripped ball. He stood tall with a nicely built frame that showed through his light gray, silk collared shirt. His tie and dress slacks matched with a black that looked as if it had never been washed, or worn for that matter. He had a wet, black trench coat draped over his arm. His face was young and he had handsome features that can only be found in a few. Strong cheekbones, arched eyebrows, sparkling blue eyes, and kissable lips. His hair was black and done in a stylish manner. It was a few inches long and done meticulously messy.

"Yes, I am well aware that you are here on business. What business is the question that I need answered." He stuck the cue ball and sent it rolling into his mark. It was a flawless shot that landed in the corner pocket. The sound of cracks and crashes sounded out with an echo in the large mansion. After the ball sunk into the pocket, he turned around to face Bruce, but his face was not pleasant.

"You are misreading my intentions, Lex. This is not a hostile move at all. I wanted to come down here personally to let you know that your father approached me a few days ago. He wanted me to help him by out your stock. For what reason, I have no idea." Bruce kept his icy eyes locked on Lex. "I'm just here to help."