Smallville

The Evil Legend

Chapter Five: News Coverage

                The sky of New York City was rainy and cold. An afternoon of traffic never really crossed everyone's mind. Buildings cascaded down the long streets as busses and cars drove by to get out of the wet weather. Just beyond the middle of town sat New York's Planetarium. Its tall frame stretched high above the road as people hurried inside to see the exotic examples of life. A dome sat on top of the large building near the back which provided New York a better look at the stars from Dr. Virgil Swann's point of view. Looking outside the second story window Dr. Swann exhaled a long breath and listened to Professor Charles discussion on the mutant act that was being talked about over the past few months on the late night news. Moving his wheel chair around to face the Professor again Dr. Swann wasn't really interested in the mutant act, he was only having the meeting to help out the Professor's school. They had become fast friends after a resent meeting at the school board. Since then Swann has known to the fact the elder wanted Swann to help them. Swann new he couldn't hide it from him the man in the wheel chair in front of him had more things in common with him than he knew. Swann just wished he could read Charles mind more than Charles read his. The bald man in front of him had a kind face, not one that you'd see yelling at you all day long. His voice was calm and set a tone to the room. His gray suit and black shoes that match his formal attire. Most people would think of him as one who'd walk the Earth and write a novel about it, but with his disability that left him crippled most of his life said other wise.

                Swann enjoyed meeting with him at times, and also liked the fact they both had wheel chairs. Charles had given him a newer model of a wheel chair a year ago after they met for his birthday and Charles was always glad to see him using it. Charles on the other hand felt sorry for Swann knowing he couldn't get oxygen from his nose, a tube ran up from his stomach into his neck to allow the air flow. His dark hair and blue eyes shinned brightly intrigued with some of the good courage he got out of their conversation. The clock on the wall read one o'clock in the afternoon on a Friday. He had missed the afternoon news, but Charles seemed to be filling him on that as well.

                Charles sat there looking at Swann seeing the man wasn't in the mood to talk about the latest coverage. He moved his wheel chair to the other side of the desk. Charles wanted to know why this man wouldn't help with the mutant act. He knew that Swann was a good man, and wasn't against his kind like a lot of people where in the world.

                Turning to his small lap top, Swann opened it and turned it on. Charles watched as he saw Swann give orders about the room turning on the large TV over on the ceiling; "You've missed the news." Charles informed him. Swann smiled; "I know, but I just want to see if I see anything that I missed." Swann explained.

                A news lady sat at the desk as she read off the sports news and weather for the week. Swann hated rainy days and it looked like more on the way. He just didn't understand why May and June had to be so cold, for this year. As the lady started to talk again Swann's eyes widened seeing the fire from a store in Michigan from the other night. Swann had a bad feeling that Clark had something to do with this, and tried to keep Charles out of his head so he could keep Clark a secret as he promised him.

                                "You know something about the accident the other night in Michigan?" Charles asked knowing he was already reading the thoughts that sat at the surface of Swann's mind. He could have gone in farther but the man didn't want him to. Charles smiled; "I can help you." He offered. Swann shook his head disagreeing.

                                "I have someone meeting me here today. Is there a way we can have another meeting later in the week?" Swann paused; "I have a new project on the way that one of your students might like." Swann told him. Charles nodded his head; "I'm sure I can work something out." He answered.

                With that the two made their way to the door of the office and allowed the door to slide open allowing them out into the hallway. Swann looked down the corridor watching Charles move slowly. He knew that Swann hated it when he read his mind. All his life work and findings were open to him just as easy as a kid taking candy from a store. As they entered the elevator they headed down to the main floor.

                The main floor was crowed with people and kids as they explored all the exciting exhibits in the area around them. Some of the kids were in a small corner of the building looking at a tall machine that would say your name in different languages. Charles and Swann moved through the crowed up to the double doors and stopped. A young man at the front desk came up to them; "There is a man waiting for you Professor Xavier." He told him. Charles smiled; "Thank you." He answered.

                Scott Summers stood by the double doors on the other side, he watched closely as the doctor and professor talked. He was glad they got along a lot better than Erik Lensherr. It had only been a few months since their last exciting adventure lead a wake up call to Scott. His heart was still heavy from losing Dr. Jean Gray, but the Professor always tried to give him high hopes and an open mind. Watching Charles end his conversation with Virgil he smiled down at the bald man; "I know what's on your mind." Charles said to him with small smile. Scott pulled the memories away and helped Charles out of the building.

                                "So how did the meeting go?" Scott asked him. The young man placed his hand through his reddish brown hair back, as they made their way to the car down below near the side of the street.

                                "It went well, though the doctor has a lot on his hands right now. Most of them he hasn't opened up me." Charles explained to him. Scott sighed and opened the side door for him to get in; "Well I'm sure the good doctor will call you if you if he needs help." Scott assured him. Charles nodded his head agreeing with him as they started the car and drove off down the road.

                Swann sat there as he watched them leave the building. A tour guide had already entered the building with another dozen kids for the exhibits for that afternoon. The rain came pouring down on the streets below as he watched cars zoom by. He turned his head down the street more and saw a young man standing by a telephone both just across the street. He was surprised the young man didn't carry an umbrella or over coat. Instead he wore a black leather coat with a white shirt underneath. His eyes grew big along with a smile that spread across his face. He knew who it was from that moment and waved his hand to him to come inside.

~*~

                The rain hit Clark like tiny ice droplets that hadn't melted yet. He was just glad that Swann saw him, and wondered who the people were that he was talking to earlier. The one man he saw with the reddish brown hair wore some kind of sun visor over his eyes. 'Maybe he was blind.' Clark told himself remembering the old lady from the nursing home who gave him visions of the future. Though this vision of the future was never foretold to him, he was unlocking it all himself. As he waited for the street to clear a bit he crossed and walked up the steps of the planetarium.

                Swann hit the button on the side of the wall as he watched the doors open to allow Clark inside. He was glad to see him it had been a while since their last visit. It was also surprising he came alone once more. He had high hopes to meet his parents and have more questions asked about how it was on bringing this young alien boy up into the world. The young man was dripping wet, and Swann could tell he had no other clothes with him. The only questions he had was; how did he get there; and why was he running?

                                "It's good to see you Clark." Swann said to him. Clark grimaced at that name. Clark was no longer inside him. Once in a while old memories filled his head, but after the last few nights of running through the high way he pushed that farm boy way inside his head.

                                "It's Kal'El now Dr. Swann." Clark answered him. Swann didn't miss that hint of irritation in his voice.

                                "Is something wrong?" Swann asked him as they slowly entered the main lobby area. Kids ran by them and almost tripped over Clark's big feet. Clark flashed them a tired upset smile and let it pass. He waited till they reached the elevator before he told Swann what happened. Swann sat there listening intently as the adventure of the story unfolded. This young man had gone through a lot at home, and he was still confused on all the news coverage lately on why they were calling him a mutant. He had only knew of meteor rock infected mutants whom he had to fight against back at home. Nothing like this, and really didn't want to turn himself in. Though he was glad they never thought of him as an alien. A smiled crossed his face as they now entered Swann's office upstairs; "Why the smile?" Swann asked him.

                                "My parents had always been worried for me. Letting myself lose control and run while causing chaos, yet I've done that already and they only think of me as a mutant." Clark explained to him. Swann nodded his head agreeing with him. He was right, an alien was standing in front of him, yet mutants were sometimes called aliens as well, and that worried the doctor even more on how to protect him. There were still cops on his case, and Swann didn't want any but his own in the building. The question was on where to keep him till it cooled off and they gave up on searching for him. He sighed and looked at Clark wondering what else this young man could do other than destroy a mid-size town under five seconds.

~*~

                Martha's eyes opened wider as the late night news coverage on the TV came on. Jonathan was in the other room. His eyes were blood shot from staying up all night crying. Normally he wasn't a man that cried but after what he did to his son he felt partly responsible for his actions shortly after he saw him in the hospital. He walked slowly into the family room where Pete and Martha were. Pete had taken notes on what the reporter was saying.

                                "Any news yet;" Jonathan asked. Martha sighed and leaned her tired head on Jonathans shoulder. They both hadn't done any work on the farm during most of the week. They've been watching every news report, or read the news paper that came in town to see if they had an article on 'Alien Found!' or anything else that would take them closer to Clark.

                Pete took a sip of his chocolate milk and shook his head; "Not yet Mr. Kent. So far all they are talking about is this mutant act taken place in New York." Pete said to them. Martha had been tired all week after the long nights in the hospital. She remembered when they arrived home and saw the storm cellar. The bottomless pit that covered their land made her sick, and had rushed inside to find Clark right after they saw the aftermath of what had happened. She just hoped Lex was having fun on his honeymoon and wouldn't come home as soon as she'd hoped.

~*~

                Lionel sat across the table reading the papers from the veil of blood that had been tested. A nock was heard on his office door; "Come in." He said as he turned down the sounds of Mozart. A blond haired head popped in the door way, her red out fit blended with the oak wooden room. Lionel smiled seeing the young lady since their last meeting.

                                "Miss Sullivan;" Lionel began as he waved his hand to tell her to sit down in her seat; "I see you've been hard at work on the story." Lionel asked her. He smiled briefly and allowed her to fill him in.

                Chloe Sullivan crossed her legs and took the cup of tea that Lionel handed her. She still wanted to know all hidden cards he had on Clark, yet she knew she had to find out those on her own. During the last few days after his disappearance she had been going to the farm offend when Martha and Jonathan where inside the house. She hadn't really found any thing yet, though she still had high hopes the evening news coverage would be more interesting.

                                "I have someone I'd like you to meet." Lionel told her. Chloe shrugged unsure on what he was talking about, until the door of the office opened again. Chloe's heart stopped at what she saw.

                Dr. Helen Luthor stood in the doorway her black suit fell into a skirt. She smiled at Chloe and made her way around to the table. Chloe really wondered now where Lex was; "Where's Lex?" She asked. Lionel grinned; "I'm afraid Lex won't be joining us." Lionel told her.

                                "I've brought Dr. Helen Luthor here to help you uncover Clark's secret. I'm sure with her help it will be much easer for you. Plus we are one step ahead of you than you think." Lionel told her. Chloe looked puzzled; "Was there something on the news I didn't see?" Chloe asked him. Helen smiled; "There was a small story over in Michigan were some boys say some kind of mutant had whipped out most of street they lived on. The coverage on the story wasn't allowed out but one of the reporters in the area was at the site the next day taking pictures." Helen told her.

                                "So you want me to go to Michigan?" Chloe asked still confused on what this had to do with Clark.

                                "No, we want you to go to New York." Lionel told her; "I already have your ticket." He explained as he took out his envelope and handed it to her.

                Chloe still wasn't putting the puzzle together one why Lionel wanted her to go to New York. Clark wouldn't go there, and how could a farm boy do so much damaged to a mid-sized town? She smiled up at him; "I'll do my best." She told him.

                                "I'm counting on you to unfold the rest of the story. No if you'll excuse me Dr. Helen and I have an important meeting." Lionel told her. Chloe smiled at Helen and left the room.

                As she made her way down the corridor of the mansion she all of sudden felt sorry for Lex. She really wanted to know if he was okay, why his wife would not be with him on their honeymoon. She had to get back to the Torch and bring up some old files she had on Clark to find out why Lionel new he was in New York. Then it hit her, she remember the crazy emails Dr. Virgil Swann had emailed her a while back. They where for Clark, she had asked him why that symbol on his barn was so important; yet he shrugged the question back by giving her a silly answer; 'He just wanted to know more about my barn.' Some famous doctor, but it still got her somewhere. She hurried out of the mansion, out to her car, and started the engine. She still wanted to know why Helen was there with Lionel, but knew she only had until noon Saturday before her flight left for New York. This time she wasn't telling Lana where she was going, or her father. This was her time alone to pay back the man she once dreamed about.

~*~

                Lana slowly took orders at the Talon. It had been three ruff days since Clark left her life. She didn't want to keep thinking about it. But it was what she had dreamed about and hoped for after she broke up with Whitney. Thinking back to everything they had been through the thought never crossed her mind when he had said bad things always happened to the people he loved. The door swung open as Pete came into the Talon. He looked tired as well from the long week of silence that held everyone's breath. She hated it and wanted it to end.

                                "Hey Pete;" Lana smiled.

                                "Hey;" Pete answered and sat down at a near by table as Lana made another coffee.

                                "So how are Clark's parents?" Lana asked dreading the thought. Pete leaned on the table and looked up into her soft brown eyes; "They are taking it hard. Every time the news comes on, or the paper shows up at their door step they are already reading it. I've tried to look up information on the internet but still haven't found anything. I just came by to see how you are doing." Pete told her honestly.

                Lana sighed, 'Great, I hope Clark didn't tell him at last minute to watch me.' She said to herself. The only person she was worried about now was Clark.

                                "Don't worry he didn't ask me to be your watch dog or anything." Pete assured her.

                                "Good." Lana answered with a smile as she sat down across from him; "I just feel like I could have done something else to make Clark stay." Lana told him.

                                "Don't blame yourself. Jonathan's already having trouble with that one." Pete informed him.

                                "What do you mean?" Lana asked.

                                "He had yelled at Clark right before Clark went off to the school." Pete told her.

                                "I just hope we find him." Lana said to him.

                                "I hope so to." Pete answered. Another customer sat across from them and waved over to Lana for another cup of coffee, she said goodbye to Pete and headed back to work.

~*~

                Friday nights seemed long and lonely for Clark as he sat up in the extra room Swann had set up for him. The small room was a little bit larger than his own bedroom he remembered back at home. The bed sat up against the wall off to the side with a desk next to it. The dresser was far on the other side of the room with a closet. Hearing a nock at the door Clark went to open it seeing Swann there.

                                "Hello." Swann said as he rolled into the room.

                                "Hi." Clark said quietly.

                                "I've made an appointment with Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr in the morning and have both agreed to meet you." Swann said to him. Clark gave him a confused look; "Who are they?" He asked.

                                "They are good friends of mine and I've told them that I've had a busy business and won't be able to keep you here. They have offered to take you in." Swann explained.

                                "Alright, but I'll only go to the one that has the most power over me." Clark told him. Swann shrugged surprised by the answer; "Why's that?" He asked.

                                "Because if one is weaker than the other then the cops will have me no matter what, and I don't really want to deal with them anymore." Clark told him.

                                "Kal'El I'm sure you won't have to worry about that. I just want to make sure your safe." Swann answered. Clark sat on the bed near the far wall and smiled up at Swann, "I hope your right about that." Clark told him as they sat quietly in the room.

~ End of Chapter Five

 Authors Notes: Please tell me what you think. If you see anything I should fix as in mistakes let me know. I had my friend beta read a little for me. But there may be more. Thanks. Have a great week. I'll try to update Night Watcher sometime before the end of the week. But who knows. Take care.