Thanks for the reviews everyone! Just a small note I forgot to mention before, but I'll be posting the new part of this story every Tuesday :) I thought I'd mention it as I didn't want people to think I'd forgotten about it.

The cool entrepreneur side of Lex's personality kicked in like an autopilot. He didn't come across as angry, or confrontational, and yet it was obvious Chloe's comments had struck some kind of nerve. Whether it was knowledge or guilt about their predicament remained to be seen.

"If my people were experimenting on anything, and I must emphasize if, then what makes you think it would be remotely related to miniaturization?" Lex pinched the brow of his nose, indicating his frustration, "The new lab is conducting tests on the effects of organic fertilizers enhanced with meteor rock radiation. Luthorcorp was hoping to be able to move away from some of the more reputedly harmful chemical products we now manufacture. It might be a highly unusual experiment, but nothing that would reduce us in size or cause anything like what we flew into." He sighed at having given so much of his privacy up to placate the teenagers.

Chloe's eyes narrowed. Normally, she wouldn't take anything a Luthor said for granted- not even Lex, but this time she was actually half-believing the bald millionaire. "Yeah, right, but who is to say your little research project didn't go wrong with unexpected side effects? After all, it wouldn't be the first time meteor rock experiments caused a fiasco!"

"Chloe!" Clark looked at both his friends and shook his head. Everyone was upset and scared, but bickering wouldn't solve their predicament. "If Lex is telling the truth we need to figure out what really happened or we could be stuck like this. I say we wait until morning and split up and do a little reconnaissance. Maybe find some food and supplies too."

Lex flinched as he noted the 'if' at the beginning of Clark's sentence. It implied the teen wasn't one hundred percent sure of his honesty. The implication hurt, but Lex realized it was warranted. I've given him so many reasons to doubt me in the past, and now I need his trust I don't have it. Eventually, Lex simply nodded at Clark's suggestion. "Come on; let's get back inside before Sylvester the cat decides to pay us a return visit."

Chloe's stomach decided to grumble in agreement. She still hadn't eaten her share of the munchies, and she wasn't waiting around for Apollo the cat or some other creature to beat her to it now. She took Clark's hand back up into the cabin gratefully, "You guys just stay away from my pretzels. I'm so not buying they've shrunk if they happen to have vanished when I get back in here…"

Both Clark and Lex had to smile. Chloe would never change, no matter what size she became.

The rest of the night passed by without incident, and as Chloe peeked from under her blanket the next morning she spotted Clark was already up and sipping Tynant water.

"Boy, what I wouldn't give for a hot cup of coffee right now!" She sat up and yawned, wondering where Lex had gotten to. He didn't appear to be in the cabin. "Where's Luthorboy?" She sniped, already missing her caffeine.

Clark smiled and gestured towards the door with his half empty bottle. "Lex has been stranded before, remember? He was up bright and early this morning searching for something more interesting for breakfast than pretzel crumbs."

Chloe tossed the blanket to one side and looked at Richard. He seemed to still be dozing by the window so she ignored him. "I thought farm boys were the earlier risers?" She raised a brow and then stretched her arms, "So did he find anything, or am I to starve as well as be coffee deprived?"

"Lex found a potato crop in the next field and cut some slices out of one with his pocket knife. He's out there cooking yours right now."

"Cooking?" Chloe edged to the door to see the millionaire hovering over a camp fire he'd made. "Well, looks like we have a regular boy scout among us after all!" She clambered out, already sniffing the glorious aroma of the potato slices. Clark followed, shaking his head in amusement.

As the two teenagers approached, Lex glanced up from his culinary task and smiled. "Back for seconds, Clark?"

Clark grimaced and looked at Chloe sheepishly as she frowned at him. He and Lex may have already eaten, but he was, after all used to Martha's immense breakfasts, and he probably could have eaten a whole giant potato to himself, or at least that's what his stomach was telling him.

"I'm fine, Lex," He tugged off his jacket and laid it on a nearby stone that appeared the size of a boulder. "I've been thinking about where you found the potato crop, though." He looked directly at the millionaire, "The only farm I know that has corn and potatoes so closely planted is the Hawthorne's. That fits in with Apollo, Mrs. Hawthorne's cat being around."

"And this helps us how exactly?" Chloe asked while blowing on her newly acquired piece of red hot potato to cool it down, "I mean, we can't go there for help, right?" She munched on her food as she finished her sentence.

"It tells us exactly where we are," Clark explained, "We can split up after we've eaten and each take an area to search where we might best find food, tools or help. Since I've already dined I'm going to start out now and head home. Maybe if I can get mom or dad see me they can help somehow. I'm sure they're frantic about me being missing already."

"Maybe you should wait for us?" Chloe mumbled while stuffing in more potato.

Clark shook his head. "I need to get moving as soon as I can. Short distances are like crossing the States while we're this size." Not to mention I can't use my speed if anyone else is with me.

Lex didn't seem to like the idea. "And what if Apollo the cat decides you're his breakfast?" He touched his trouser pocket without thinking, and as Clark x-rayed it he spotted the automatic from the locked box in the pilot's cabin. It was what he had expected to see, but it didn't comfort him. Clark hated guns and what they stood for, even at their current size.

"I managed okay last night, didn't I?" He shrugged, "Don't worry guys, I'll be careful." He looked at Chloe pointedly. Just how much does she know?

The blonde reporter shot him a wary glance back and he saw a wicked sparkle in her eyes. Somehow, she knew he was trying to 'lose them.' "We would cover more ground if we split up, Lex." She finished off the last part of her potato, and the millionaire gave in to the majority ruling.

"All right, but we all agree to make it back here by," He checked his pure gold Rolex, "Midday?"

Clark nodded and picked his jacket back up, laying it over his arm rather than donning it. "I think I can make it to the farm and back by then." He shot Chloe the Kent grin and it was obvious she understood the implication. It was kind of fun to toy with her this way. When I get back we so need to talk, though…

Lex's brow furrowed and he couldn't help but smirk at the pair as he put more kindling on the fire. He had no clue what silent, private messages their occasional glances meant, but something was definitely going on between the two teens. "Richard always approaches from the South when he comes in to land. I didn't see anything of note that way as we were descending. If you're taking East towards the farm, Chloe and I will go North and West respectively once we've made sure Richard is comfortable."

"Sounds good," Clark slung his jacket over his shoulder and sighed before heading off into the corn. It was going to be a long and very strange day.

Clark had easily supersped to the edge of the cornfield in less than a minute, even though it was quite a distance while he was still so small. Now, he was looking out past the crops to an open pasture. Between him and the lush green grassland was a ditch he had helped to dig out with their neighbors. At the time, it had seemed a small undertaking, but as he looked at the huge furrow of earth before him it now appeared more like the Grand Canyon.

The teen glanced down at the water filled gorge's basin and gulped. If he was to meet Lex's deadline for returning he didn't have time to go around.

"I guess it's time to see if I can jump across a trench as easily as I can onto a moving trailer…" He grimaced as he spoke to himself while backing up to make the leap at super speed. "I hope being small doesn't affect this…"

With another sharp intake of breathe, the teen pushed his muscles into overdrive. The tiny blur across the ground whisked up a microscopic, russet colored dust trail, but Clark never noticed. He was putting all his attention on the gap he was about to traverse. Once he reached the very edge of the chasm he pushed off, using his immense strength to propel his body into the air.

"Whoa…" Twice in the past he had managed such a leap, but this was the first occasion when he wasn't under pressure to save an innocent life. This time, he could actually savor the moment as he almost soared into the sky like he had while possessed by 'Kal.'

The euphoria was shot lived, as was the trip. Clark made a somewhat ungraceful landing in a clump of mud, and skidded right through it onto the thick blades of grass the other side. I guess I should be thankful it's just mud! He stood after regaining his composure and looked down at his soiled clothes. Great, now I'm camouflaged! He rolled his eyes and kicked back into superspeed under the warm morning sun.

Ten minutes after his 'mud bath,' Clark was dashing across the gravel in the Kent driveway towards home. As the colossal yellow farmhouse loomed tall in his vision, he slowed to a more reasonable pace. How do I confront mom and dad like this? Being small was suddenly terrifying.

The barn was closer than the house, and he abruptly had the urge to go there first. It was, after all, his refuge and there was a small water trough out back he could probably clean up in.

The yard seemed quiet as he dashed across it, or was that just his imagination? What if something happened to mom and dad too? What if Chloe's right and a Luthorcorp experiment made everyone in its range tiny? A grumble from the old, but very faithful Kent tractor allayed his fears. Someone was obviously up bright and early and it was probably Jonathan.

Clark inhaled. It looked like his parents were okay, so now it was time to freshen up and face them. He walked around the far corner of the barn and shook his head as he realized just how tall the water trough was from his newfound height. If he wanted to take a wash it meant he'd have to climb up and probably be more like taking a swim.

"Great! First I jump the Grand Canyon, now I have to ascend Everest!" Clark surveyed his hands and clothes. The mud had now dried into a thick baked on mess all over him. There was no way he wanted to stay like that for long. Sighing, he let his fingers search out nicks in the wooden trough's surface and began to tug his body up its side.

Every section of wood had been chipped or damaged at some point in the aged square water butt's career. And every such chip and nick gave Clark something to hold on to on his way up. He paused half way and was glad his skin was impenetrable as a splinter jutted out menacingly near his face. Normally, such a small sliver wouldn't even be noticed, but today it was like a vicious spear of timber. Clark made a note to keep a more watchful eye on Chloe upon his return. Chloe could be out in the fields up against all kinds of new and hidden perils!

Eventually, Clark reached the summit of his ascent and pulled his body over the timber lipped surface that edged the trough. After a quick look around he swiftly tugged off his jacket and plaid shirt and dunked them in the huge, square tub. It wasn't exactly the greatest launderette, but after scrubbing with his hands under the water for a few moments the mud and dirt began to dissolve.

Once he was satisfied with his clothes he hung them over the lip to dry in the sunlight while he focused on his hands and face. After a few seconds of trying to scoop water up he gave in and decided on a little fun. No one could see him up here, so he gingerly tugged off his jeans and t-shirt and took the plunge.

The water was ice-cold, but remarkably refreshing, and as he swam the length of the trough, Clark realized he had already missed the uplifting sensation his morning shower gave. Even if I haven't missed Lois barging in on me! He splashed in the water making tiny ripples like some frolicking frog, and then dived deep under the surface intent on coming up where he had abandoned his clothes. I better go find my parents now and check out what's going on.

Clark bobbed back through the water at the edge of the butt and wiped away excess moisture from his face. When his eyes were free of water he glanced up expecting clear blue skies, only to find some horrid black alien thing staring down at him making a hellish snorting sound.

Clark yelped in surprise and backed up in the water until he realized just what he was looking at. It was Shelby's rather damp nose, sniffing at him in mutual disbelief. The dog's eyes glistened and his tail began to sway as he recognized his master's scent.

"Hey, boy…" Clark remained static in the water, uncertain whether or not to approach the mammoth animal even though he was sure of Shelby's harmless nature.

Shelby's tail swished back and forth even faster at the sound of Clark's voice, and he stuck his nose in the water, affectionately trying to nuzzle his miniscule owner. Clark was pushed backwards like he'd been hit by a tidal wave, and only his super strength saved his spine from snapping as he was washed up harshly against the trough's side.

"Ugh…next time I keep on the muddy clothes…" The teen regained his breath and clambered back on to the lip where his clothes lay. In a split second, he was dressed and staring at Shelby. "Now what do we do, boy?"

Shelby sat down and looked at his master while cocking his head to one side. He sniffed again, just to be certain he wasn't seeing things, and then decided it was time for more affection.

Clark really should have seen the move coming and used his speed to avoid it, but Shelby looked so innocent he never expected what came next. One minute he was perched atop the trough, the next, Shelby's huge tongue was heading for him with every intention of an affection lick. The dog's wet tongue lashed against him, knocking him from his precarious position, and for a split second Clark thought he might even be swallowed like Jonah and the whale.

Instead, the teen sensed his body tumbling backwards towards the sandy earth below. Shelby whined, realizing his mistake, and when Clark landed with a thud he pawed the ground at his master's side gently until the teen moved with a groan. "Remind me to revoke your doggie treats when I get back to full size!"

Shelby's ears shot back a second, and Clark thought the dog had actually understood his little joke. Then, in the distance, Clark heard the real reason for the dog's sudden attentiveness. Someone was calling his name.

"Shelby! Here, boy!" Martha was shouting across the yard in her usual, cheerful morning voice.

Clark scrambled to his feet at the sound and decided to hitch a ride. As Shelby turned to trot up to the house, Clark made another 'super leap,' this time at the dog's leather collar. He grabbed at Shelby's name tag, and just managed to keep a grip on the metal loop that held it fast as the dog's gait changed to more of a sprint.

Shelby smelled food, and knew Martha probably had something tasty waiting in his feeding bowl. He almost leapt into the kitchen, and then slowed as he spotted Jonathan pouring coffee in the corner. If there was one person who would not tolerate careering around the house it was Clark's dad. Shelby knew from experience that Jonathan was not to be crossed after the 'T-bone' incident.

Clark glanced around when his ride reduced speed, and he decided it was time to get down. As Shelby crossed the kitchen, the teen let go of the metal loop he had clung too and slid down the dog's long fur until he was close enough to the floor to drop easily. Spurred on by breakfast, Shelby never noticed his passenger depart.

"Martha, what did I tell you?" Clark watched from beneath the dining table as his dad pointed to Shelby and then rolled his eyes, "I knew we'd end up looking after the dog!"

Martha smiled fondly at Shelby as the dog wagged his tail at some unseen thing beneath the table. "You know Clark's been busy with the school seminar and homework. He's been under so much pressure lately…"

"Still, he could have walked Shelby before leaving this morning," Jonathan put down his coffee cup and looked at his wife before returning her smile, "I know, I know, I'll take the dog with me while I check on the herd." He surrendered, and then leaned over and kissed his wife affectionately before heading for the door. "Oh, can you ask Clark to move me those barrels from the barn when he gets in tonight, sweetheart?"

Martha nodded as she packed muffins to take to the Talon. "And I'll remind him to walk Shelby."

Clark almost gaped. Something was wrong, and it wasn't just his size. Why haven't mom and dad noticed I didn't come home last night? They're acting like this is an ordinary day and I've gone to school! The idea was unnerving, and it made Clark want to back up and hide further under the table instead of confront his parents with his problem. Why haven't they got Adams around here making out a missing person report on me?

TBC...