Wednesday. Clark woke up, and hearing the sounds of Chloe in the shower, decided to head downstairs for to get some breakfast. Martha Kent sat at the kitchen table, staring down in to her coffee. Her business suit and sleek hair told Clark she was off to Wichita again.

"Morning, Mom." He kissed his mother, and went to the refrigerator for some juice.

"Clark, I don't think I have to say anything to you about you're being out all night with Chloe, and then letting her sleep in your room, do I?" Martha Kent looked up at her son, fixing him with a stern glare. "But, since neither of you moved all day yesterday, I guess no harm was done. Just make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Okay, Mom." Clark drank the juice from the container, catching the dishtowel his mother tossed at him easily, and ignoring her disgusted wail. "Mom, Chloe and I were in Gotham City with Bruce Wayne."

"Really." Martha Kent nodded. "I guess Chloe's interview made an impression on him."

"It's not just that." Clark opened his mouth to tell his mother the basics, but then stopped. "He's going to help me distract Lex for awhile. Lex has been investigating me again."

"Oh, Clark!" Martha gasped. "I'm going to see Lionel today, if…" Clark shook his head. One lesson he had learned from Bruce Wayne is that some secrets need to be kept from the people you think you can trust the most. And it broke his heart to not tell his mother about his new ally.

"Mom, I don't want you to ask Lionel for anything, especially where it concerns me. If Lex wants to dig, let him. But let's leave Lionel out of it. He's already been exposed to too many of my secrets. I don't want to confirm anything he may suspect."

"Okay, Clark." Martha stood on tiptoe and kissed her son goodbye. "Honey?"

"Yeah, Mom." Clark was deep in thought.

"Are you okay? Anything bothering you?" She looked up into his face. "You looked so far away."

'No. I was just thinking that Chloe and I may go up to the Arctic today. It might be time for me to learn some more from Jor-El. "

"Jor-El?" But Martha saw the look on Clark's face. "Honey, every time you are around Jor-El, you're put into danger. Are you sure?" She put her hand on Clark's cheek. "I don't think I'm strong enough to lose you." She smiled at her son. "Just be real careful, okay, Clark?"

"I will." Clark smiled. "It will be okay, I promise. I think he'll like what I have to tell him."

"Good. I'll be back from Wichita on Friday., and oh, an overnight package came for you very early this morning. Do you know someone named Lucius Fox."

"Thanks, Mom." After Martha left, Clark found the package and opened it. There several scarf sized samples of a strange new fabric inside, including two or three squares of a leather-like substance. Clark lifted one fabric samples out, causing a note on creamy executive paper to fall to the floor.

"What's this?" Chloe asked, looking young and innocent in Martha's sweats. She stooped to pick up the note. She cleared her throat and read the note aloud.

"Dear Mr. Kent,

"Mr. Wayne asked me to forward to you some of our experimental polymer fabrics. These are designed to withstand high speeds, massive temperature fluctuation and be light enough to be worn under street clothes. This super polymer fabric is used for space shuttle construction, as a shield that lines and protects the hull on exit and re-entry of the atmosphere. It is as durable as steel, and but wears like silk – it can easily be concealed under street clothing, if you were so inclined. I think it will suit your purposes, and if black isn't what you are looking for, we also have a surplus of white, silver, red and dark blue. Send your reply back through secure channels, and we'll get you all squared away. We even have some red and yellow isopolymers that are heavier and would make outstanding footwear. I have included samples of those as well.

Very sincerely yours,

Lucius Fox,

C.E.O. – Wayne Industries."

"It comes in blue." Chloe smiled, fishing a length of fabric from the box. A vivid sweep of scarlet spilled in her hands. Chloe wrapped herself in it, and smiled flirtatiously at Clark. "And red."

"I don't even believe this." Clark laughed, dropping the black fabric sample back in the box to gather Chloe in his arms. "You put Bruce up to this."

"No, not really." The look Clark had seen on Chloe's face yesterday morning was there again, clearly this time, and he smiled to see it. It was triumph, pride and love combined, and together, they were more beautiful on Chloe than any jewels could have been. "He just told me that we needed to give you a push. There's too much good that you could do to let you stay here in Kansas forever."

"I have been thinking about the good I could do, Chloe. Do you have any of your winter things at Lois' or do we need to go back to Metropolis?" Clark smiled at her. "I'm thinking we could go to the Fortress and get started on my extracurricular activity."

As always, Chloe was amazed at the majesty of Clark's little piece of Krypton on Earth. Although cold, Clark's Fortress was full of clear, bright light. And, unlike Bruce Wayne's underground cavern, there were no flying surprises here, Chloe thought, safely wrapped in blankets against the cold. Except one. Clark had made several attempts at flight, and all had ended abruptly. But there was a similarity that occurred to Chloe as she looked up at the tall, shining beams of ice that made up the Fortress. Both Clark's haven and Bruce's refuge were cathedral-like, places of reflection and learning. Even if Clark's was cold enough to hang meat and Bruce's dark and somber enough to inspire nightmares, they essentially served the same purpose. Finding herself more at home in Clark's sanctuary, Chloe found herself able to concentrate. So, Chloe sat, reading Dr. Swann's theories on Clark's abilities, sipping coffee from one of the thermoses that had made the trip here through the portal in the caves.

"You okay, Chloe?" Clark called out from one of the tallest outcroppings of ice. Chloe looked up and waved, smiling. All afternoon, Clark had reminded Chloe of a little boy learning to dive. His beautiful face was set in resolute lines, his mouth grim. Clark had not discovered the joy in flying, or in learning to fly, that is. Repressing the urge to quote Peter Pan at him, and ordering Clark to find his happy thoughts, Chloe had just gotten used to the almost silent jumps, followed immediately by nearly earth-shaking falls.

"I'm great. Not a Chloe-sicle yet, so it's all good." She turned her attention back to the computer. "There has to be some secret weapon in your battle against gravity in here somewhere. I know I'll find it – I just hope I understand what it means when I do." There was a fairly large, solid thud about ten feet away from where Chloe sat, but she did not divert her attention from the computer. "When you are done channelling Chevy Chase, Clark, come take a look at this."

Laughing, Clark stood, brushing snow from his pants. "Why can't I ask that Lucius Fox guy for a jet pack or something? Maybe Dr. Swann and Bruce are wrong about this." He loped toward Chloe and sat down beside her, wrapping her in his huge embrace. She cuddled a little closer, and smiled. The fact that Chloe had not tried to go back to Smallville yet made Clark happy, but also worried him. She was not impervious to cold, like he was. For the very first time, Clark realized how frail the humans around him really were, and it made him feel very responsible for them, and also, reminded him painfully of the image Cassandra had seen such a long time ago. The idea of being alone, losing everyone he loved was suddenly so real that Clark banished the thought, hugging Chloe closer.

"Right, an alien with a jet pack. That's original, Clark. Who are you, Marvin Martian?" Chloe pointed to the complex equation on the screen. "Anyway, apply your super brain to that and tell me what it means."

Clark frowned at the screen, concentrating. "Well, this," Clark pointed to the first part of the equation, "represents gravity. And this," he moved his finger to the next section, "looks like force" and then, "No way." He seemed to be solving the equation in his head, his eyes fixed on the screen.

"No way, what?" Chloe asked. This math was WAY over her head. But Clark seemed to read the numbers like a favorite language.

"This is a variable, that equals the Earth's magnetic fields. I'm going to definitely need a jet pack." Clark shook his head, glad to give up the flying practice for a few minutes. "Nothing can manipulate the Earth's magnetic fields. It's impossible."

"Indeed? Once again, my son, you underestimate your capacity to control your surroundings." Jor-El's voice echoed through the Fortress. "Simply will it to be so."

"Just like that?" Clark stood, partly out of respect and partly because he didn't want to be low when Jor-El made his appearances. "Did you fly on Krypton?"

"I did not." Jor-El replied. "The yellow sun of this planet affects Kryptonians differently, my son. But you know this." The air grew colder. "What is THAT doing here?"

"Excuse me, sir." Chloe jumped to her feet. "What exactly do you mean by 'That"?"

"I know what you are, daughter of Earth." Jor-El seemed almost amused. "What is that primitive technology at your feet?"

Clark and Chloe simultaneously looked down at their feet. The laptop hummed happily on the blankets Chloe had been sitting on, and mischievously, they grinned together.

"I thought he was dead, Clark," Chloe muttered, and Clark snorted, repressing the laugh.

"Disrespect." Jor-El intoned. "So human."

"Jor-El, I want to learn how to fly." Clark cast a warning glance at Chloe. "I understand what my destiny actually means."

"Is it so? I have detected no change in your attitude, Kal-El,that would assure me that you are ready to embrace your destiny. Simply by bringing your human companion with you, you have illustrated to me that you are not ready." Jor-El rebuked his son. "Go, and return when you are committed."

"He is committed, Jor-El." Chloe yelled loyally at the invisible voice. "I was trying to help him, trying to solve the riddles we've gotten from Dr. Swann."

"The only human that came slightly close to understanding." Jor-El's voice changed. "There is no riddle, daughter of Earth. Kal-El wishes to learn to fly, and I say he already can. All he needs to do is obey, and WILL IT TO BE SO. But, your loyalty to my son is commendable, daughter of Earth. Kal-El will be merciful to those such as yourself, when he is ruler of all."

"You say just will it to be so?" Clark looked up skeptically. "That's it?"

"It is that simple, and yet quite difficult. It requires discipline you don't have, Kal-El."

Clark nodded, jumping away from Chloe to an large, open space. Closing his eyes, Clark visualized leaving the ground, soaring through the sky faster than Bruce's stealth jet, leaving just a streak of blue and red in the sky. The ground beneath him melted away, his feet feeling the air. The sudden, cutting sensation of the air made Clark open his eyes, in time to dodge one of the large, jagged pillars of ice. The speed was blinding, and Clark could barely see at all. Everything was a streak of color.

"CLARK! YOU'RE DOING IT!" Chloe cheered, jumping up and down joyfully. "YOU CAN FLY!" She squealed, holding her arms in the air, like a small child waiting to be picked up, jumping again. Clark zoomed by her, the force of his wake enough to knock her to the floor.

Chloe sat up, smiling. "He can fly." She whispered, tears stinging her eyes. "It's like a dream."

"Simply will yourself to slow down." Jor-El's voice was gentle, almost fatherly. "You have done well for today."

Clark willed himself to slow down, and then to stop, coming to a landing near where Chloe still sat on the heap of blankets she had discarded, weeping joyfully. Neither of them had noticed that the temperature inside of the Fortress had become more temperate, comfortable enough for Chloe to be there without fear of frostbite.

"Daughter of Earth. You have shown evidence of your fidelity and devotion to Kal-El numerous times, and today, I am sure that your presence has been beneficial to him. You are welcome here." Jor-El said, and Chloe felt herself being lifted in Clark's arms. "Whatever your destiny is, daughter of Earth, you are linked forever with Kal-El as his helper and guide on this first part of his journey."

"I guess he likes you." Clark said, looking into Chloe's eyes. Tears made black spikes of her eyelashes, and her hazel eyes shone like topaz jewels. "Which is great, because I love you."

"Clark." Chloe swallowed, sniffling loudly. "I want to fly, too. Make me fly with you."

She put her arms around his neck. Clark lowered his face to hers and kissed her.

"It's too dangerous, Chloe. I can't control it yet. But you saw it, I really did fly, didn't I?" He whispered, and she kissed his cheeks, his eyes, her heart so absolutely full of love and pride that she could not speak. Nodding, she laughed as Clark swung her around. "Chloe Sullivan is speechless." He laughed, calling out to the shimmering ice around them, his voice ringing against the pillars like deep bells. "CHLOE SULLIVAN IS SPEECHLESS AND I CAN FLY!"

"You love me." Chloe whispered into the collar of Clark's jacket. "I love you, so very, very much." And all Chloe could think beyond that was, thank you, thank you, thank you, God. I've waited my whole life for this moment. He really does love me. And, I feel like I can fly.

Friday. Alone in the Gotham Stadium Sky Box, Bruce waited for Lex Luthor and his guest to arrive. Other than the brief meeting in Metropolis and then the phone conversation last week, Bruce had not spent any time with Lex since Excelsior. If what Clark and Chloe said about Lex was even partially true, Lex had not changed very much since then. Getting Lex to invest in the Green Socks was a diversion, of course, because the team was a moneymaking enterprise already. A new investor would simply infuse some capital into the team. The object was to create an interesting enough diversion for Lex for the time being. Keeping Lex and his date amused while they were here in Gotham City wouldn't be that hard, either. There was the gala at the Planetarium, a concert at Gotham Garden Arena, touring the city, and if all else failed, Bruce could take them to the opera or a show in the theater district. The challenge would be keeping Lex diverted, Bruce thought, looking around. He thought a moment about the girl Lex was bringing.

This Lana Lang had, up until very, very recently been involved with Clark. Bruce remembered her file – the standard cheat sheet he tried to have on anyone that came into his acquaintance. She had graduated from Smallville High, spent three months in Paris, studying art, traveled to China on some crazy treasure hunt and owned one of the more profitable businesses in Smallville. But the item Bruce had found most interesting is that she too, had lost her parents at a very young age, during the freak accident that brought Clark to Smallville. He wondered idly if Lana knew about that, but the big mystery to Bruce was what Lex and Lana saw in each other at all. There would be time for figuring that out during this visit. At least everything here was ready, the buffet set with the best the gourmet kitchen here could provide, including some surprises. Alfred had seen to everything and as usual, all was perfect.

A discreet beep sounded from the security panel near the door.

"Mr. Wayne, your guests are here." The female security guard announced, and Bruce nodded.

"Thank you, Aletha. Send them up, please."

"Yes sir, Mr. Wayne." Moments later, there was a knock on the Sky Box door.

"Lex!" Bruce said, opening his arms in welcome. "How great that you could make it!"

Lex smiled. Bruce noted with some satisfaction that Lex had not dressed down, but was elegantly dressed in a dark jacket and pants – the only condescension to the informality of the surroundings was a natty plum silk t-shirt. Which meant that he hadn't changed much from school after all. They shook hands.

"Bruce, wouldn't have missed it. I'd like you to meet my, friend, Lana Lang." Lex introduced the girl smoothly, and Bruce could see why Lex was interested. Lana was very pretty, in an exotic way, long dark hair and almond eyes. She appeared nervous, until she took in that Bruce was wearing jeans too.

"Oh, thank God!" Lana sighed, smiling. Bruce took her small hand in his. "I thought I was going to be grotesquely under-dressed."

"Not at all, Lana. This is baseball." Bruce smiled. "Is this your first trip to Gotham City?"

"Yes. I've been amazed at the architecture here. It's so, omnious." Lana replied. "I'm used to Metropolis, I guess. More glass and steel."

"We've been talking about touring the great cities of America." Lex interjected, taking Lana's hand from Bruce with a small smile. "Lana has been to Paris, but never Edge City."

"Now, Edge City has one of the best Thai restaurants this side of Bangkok, Lana. The pad thai is really worth trying." Bruce rejoined calmly, pretending not to notice Lex's possessive grasp. "I'm sure Metropolis has it's fair share of good restaurants."

"Well, I'm not really in to Thai food." Lana said apologetically. "In Paris, I was always looking for good American food, but it was never quite right."

Bruce saw his opportunity and he took it. Putting an arm around Lana's shoulders, he steered her toward the buffet. "Well, let me tell you a little bit about our chef here at the stadium," He turned to look at Lex over his shoulder. "Baseball stadium dining is definitely heading upscale, and Gotham Stadium is no exception."

"It's quite a trend. We're working on something for the Metropolis Sharks stadium. Now that we're in the off season, we're going to begin construction on a restaurant that has views down to the field." Lex replied. "You'll have to come as our guest when the season opens this fall."

"I will." Bruce nodded, and turned back to Lana. "We can prepare everything from pate to lobster, prime rib to baby back ribs and the fans in the stands have all kinds of options too." As Bruce spoke, the waitstaff opened the steaming trays of food. "Just about anything you can imagine, can be done." He noted Lana's disappointed face.

"Lana? What's wrong? Something not right?"

'Oh, no." Lana drew away, her hand finding Lex's again. She smiled up at Bruce. "It's all just a little much for a girl from Smallville, that's all." Lana eyed the elaborate table with a polite smile. "It's all lovely, really."

"No, there's something not right." Bruce turned, folding his arms and looking at the table with a semi-serious glare. "Lex, anything missing that you can see?"

"Not that I can tell." Lex surveyed the table. "The prime rib looks outstanding."

"Lana, we still haven't looked at that table." Bruce took her hand again and led her to the table opposite them, which was also lined with heavy silver chafing dishes.

"Madamoiselle, permit me to share with you, the piece de resistance." Bruce lifted the lid of the first chafing dish with a flourish, and Lana dissolved into girlish giggles that made Bruce smile. Inside, gourmet hot dogs rested in hand rolled, brioche style buns.

"Bruce, you think of everything." Lex laughed too, seeming to relax himself. "Where are the peanuts and cracker jack?" His tone was mildly challenging, and Bruce winked at Lana, setting the lid he was holding down, and gesturing to the servers. Three waiters came forward, each bearing a large crystal dish – each dish filled with either popcorn, steaming roasted peanuts and finally, a glistening dish of cracker jack, which by the fresh molasses smell, had been just made. The other trays were uncovered, revealing sauerkraut, chili, french fries, and large soft pretzels dotted with white chunks of salt.

"How about now, Lana. Anything missing?" Bruce laughed, and Lana shook her head, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"I'm afraid to say yes.' She grinned, taking a hot dog from the open tray. "When does the game start?"

There was loud crack of a ball hitting a baseball bat, and Lex and Bruce looked at each other over Lana's unsuspecting head.

"It already has." Lex replied, his eyes not leaving Bruce's. "Come on, Lana, let's go watch the game." Together they walked to the plate glass windows, leaving Bruce alone by the buffet.

You bet your ass it has, Lex. Bruce thought to himself, taking hot dog from the tray himself. You ain't seen nothing yet.

Bruce spent the rest of the day being the 'average Joe' with Lana, playing perfectly off Lex's reserved, refined façade. It was a gift of Bruce's; to be for people what they expected. It was a talent that helped the Batman – bad men needed an even worse man to scare them straight and Bruce was glad to oblige. This, flirting with Lana to keep Lex off balance was fun, too. It had been a long time since he'd wanted to flirt with anyone, and with Lana there was zero chance of her falling for him. It was obvious she was devoted to Lex, if maybe a little out of her depth and a little young. The baseball game had gone well, and when Lana mused at how much fun it had all been, Lex offered to buy a partnership in the Gotham Green Socks. Bruce agreed, of course, and set an appointment to meet with the attorney's two days from now, ensuring Lex and Lana staying at least until then. It was time Bruce was buying, and as it turned out, it wasn't at too high a price.

Now, Bruce stood in the lobby of the Gotham Plaza, the most elegant and upscale hotel in the city, waiting for Lex and Lana to appear, so they could all head over to the Planetarium. He looked at his watch, and as he looked up, Lana appeared, looking heavenly in a soft lavender gown, her hair pulled away from her face in an elegant sweep. She stopped when she saw Bruce and twirled playfully, making her skirt drift over her ankles in a graceful swirl. When she stopped, Lana tipped her head and asked, "Well?"

"You look like an angel." Bruce smiled, holding out his hand. "Where's Lex?"

"On a call with London. Something about something he's looking to buy." Lana said, touching the dainty pearl and moonstone necklace she wore. "He said he'll meet us later."

"Well," Bruce bowed. "My Lady. I'd be honored to escort you to the gala. Come on, you can help me make about fifteen debutantes extremely jealous."

"Oh, my!" Lana laughed, taking Bruce's arm. "Let's not keep them waiting."

As Bruce predicted, they made quite an entrance, and Lana was a little overwhelmed by the media attention. Lex most of the time avoided paparazzi, and quite honestly was not quite as high profile as Bruce Wayne. Once past the red carpet, Lana was in awe of the state of the art planetarium.

"Being an astronomy major, this should interest you." Bruce pointed Lana toward a series of small rooms that lined one end of the upper hall. All around them, the dark blue ceiling had been set in with LED lights, mapping out constellations and galaxies. A huge model of the solar system hung from the center of the ceiling, the 'sun' comprised of lead crystals and glittering golden metal supports.

"Mr. Wayne, I doubt Lex would approve of us being alone like this." Lana teased as several couples moved past them, heading toward the ballroom where the gala would be held.

"I understand completely. That's why I'm waiting outside. I want you to check this out." Bruce opened the door, which hissed. "It's a virtual reality room. The goggles go on like sunglasses, so you won't mess up your hair. Go ahead." He pushed her inside gently and closed the door. After five minutes, Lana reappeared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It took me through the Milky Way. I felt like I was flying." Lana said, smiling. "What a wonderful invention."

"These are prototypes, Lana. We're hoping that by sending more explorer probes out, we can enhance these simulators, make astronomy more fun for children to learn. Someday, we'll be mapping routes to Mars, and I hope that the children who use these today as learning tools will be the pilots who fly the missions. It's sort of a strange thing, I guess, but one of my father's greatest legacies to me was the value of education." Bruce took Lana's hand. "Now, on to the grown up fun. Come see the ballroom."

Lana was stunned. The Wayne Planetarium ballroom, though inside, looked for all the world like an Italian terrace, complete with marble, cypress trees and a domed ceiling that twinkled with stars. Everyone and everything was bathed in the most perfect moonlight ever.

"Oh, Bruce." Lana gasped. "Surely you designed this with someone in mind."

"My architect designed it, but I told him about the last vacation with my parents to Tuscany when I was eight. I remembered a place like this, and seeing my parents dance on the terrace of the villa we owned. It has stayed in my memory always as one of the most perfect moments, and I wanted to recreate it here. Because the stars are more than science, don't you think?" The band began to play. "Want to dance?" Bruce held out a hand.

"It would be unfair to the memory of your parents to say no." Lana said, a little shyly.

If not for Lex, Lana thought as Bruce Wayne took her in his arms to sweep her across the dance floor, it would be so easy to lose my head right now. She smiled, enjoying the song, a seemingly odd song, but for Bruce Wayne and his dome of stars, it was perfect.

"And as I float along this ocean
I can feel you like a notion that won't seem to let me go

Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright
And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way when you are here "

Not for the first time, Lana was reminded of Clark, dancing with Bruce Wayne. Perhaps it was his height, or the fact that in spite of the romantic atmosphere and the intoxicating smell of jasmine that surrounded them, he held her no closer than if she were his sister. She smiled up at him, and her eyes filled. Also like Clark, Bruce was a million miles away. Feeling her eyes on him, Bruce looked down at her.

"You okay?" He asked, and Lana was surprised, blinking back tears.

"I'm fine. Thinking of old loves, I guess." Lana laughed. "What a moment."

"Yeah, I know the feeling." Bruce smiled. "Well, whoever he was, I can't imagine he's all that bright. And you and Lex seem happy."

"I think we are." Lana said, simply. "It's all so sudden. "

"Well, that's all you can do, is move on." Bruce pushed Lana out, spinning her under his arm, completely inappropriately, to make her laugh. "The world does not spin on broken hearts, Lana. Be happy." He caught her expertly, and led her into the next dance, a song Lana remembered from when she lived with Nell. "Here's Lex." He bowed and handed her to Lex, who steered Lana back onto the dance floor.

"Tonight, the light of love is in your eyes,

but will you love me, tomorrow?"

"Will you?" Lex asked, as Lana settled her head over his heart. Both Bruce and Lex must have learned to dance at school, because they were equally excellent. She looked up dreamily at Lex, and smiled.

"Will I what?" She asked, and Lex kissed her forehead.

"Love me tomorrow?" Lex said, "You and Bruce seemed to have hit it off. I've been feeling like a third wheel."

"Oh, Lex." Lana stood on tiptoe and kissed him. Lex, not a big believer in public displays of affection, accepted the kiss and returned it. "I'll love you tomorrow, and the next day and the day after that."

"Good." Lex smiled. "Don't ever forget it. And, because I forgot to tell you earlier, Lana, you look beautiful." Lana smiled, and put her head on his chest, in the place exactly over his heart. What a wonderful evening.

And, watching them from the table, Bruce Wayne chuckled to himself. The game was going splendidly. He just hoped Clark would benefit. He'd call the flightless farmboy and bring him up to speed. For now, Bruce thought as he spotted Vicki Vale, his copper haired sometimes girlfriend, resplendent in emerald green was time to dance.

"Clark, Clark!" Chloe pointed to the television in shock. There, Lana and Bruce Wayne, arm in arm, moving past photographers on their way to the gala.

"Wow." Clark and Chloe said at the same time, looking at each other. They had come back from the Fortress, tired and cold. They had spent the last few days there, in flight practice and learning about Kryptonian history. Friday night was for movies, pizza and ice cream, a Sullivan-Kent tradition in the making.

"Look, there's Lex." Chloe gasped. Lex also moved past the photographers, looking quite annoyed and hurried. "Oh, he looks mad."

"When Bruce said he was going to buy me time, I had no idea he meant by breaking Lex and Lana up." Clark laughed, rumpling his own hair.

"I doubt that's what Bruce has in mind. I'll bet that gala is quite the event." Chloe looked a little sad at first, and then she brightened. "Poor Lana probably doesn't know what hit her." Chloe curtseyed, holding the too large t-shirt she was wearing, and smiled, batting her eyelashes. "You know, this time, this Cinderella is glad to be home from the ball. Prince Charming is right here with me."

Clark pulled her close, and kissed her. "Wait, wait. Mom left out this cd for me. I wanted you to hear this song. It reminded me of us." He put on the cd and came back to Chloe. He took her in his arms. "I owed you a dance from prom. It's not your favorite song, but it's how I feel about you." When the music started, Chloe gasped, and smiled. She knew this song.

"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart,

Without saying a word, you can light up the dark.

Try as I may, I could never explain,

What I hear, when you don't say a thing.

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me

There's a truth in your eyes, saying you'll never leave me.

The touch of your hand says that you'll catch me, whenever I fall.

And you say it best, when you say nothing at all."

And they danced too, in the firelit Kent living room. There was no band, no fancy dinner, just pizza, but Clark and Chloe could not have been happier. It was a great way to end the week.

Saturday. Lionel sat alone in the library of Luthor Manor. Lex had gone off to Gotham City with Ms. Lang, and Lionel relished the quiet. It gave him time to think, which he had not had in quite sometime. Getting Lex to take the bait, goading him into a false need to protect Chloe Sullivan and her little job had been only barely amusing. Lionel didn't want Chloe Sullivan anywhere but working at the Daily Planet. Let her believe whatever she liked – the matter of being trustworthy had long since stopped being a worry for Lionel. Trust was never really an issue. Most business arrangements worked well in spite huge lack of trust on either side. Lionel rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment about the blonde intern/co-ed. Her interview with Bruce Wayne had been intriguing. She was the kind of girl he would have been happy to know in his younger days, talented, cute and ambitious. That Lex had missed his chance, if such a chance had ever really existed, was yet another of Lionel's disappointments in his son. Time was growing short, Lionel thought, sipping at his Scotch, even though it wasn't quite noon. The blackouts were growing worse, and Lionel could barely remember three hours together since Wednesday. He'd have to go to the doctor before long, but Lionel did not hold out much hope. He'd cheated death once, with Clark Kent's help, but this time there would be no second chances.

"Bah," Lionel said, aloud waving his free hand. It didn't matter if he died, not really. Lex would carry on the family name, and business, which was as it should be. Instead, Lionel turned his attention to the society column, and the picture of Bruce Wayne, Lana Lang and Lex at some event last night. Bruce Wayne, with Lana Lang all smiles, looking up at him, and Lex standing attentively at her side, expressionless. Lionel smoothed the newspaper and studied the picture again. A slow, amused smile stretched Lionel's lips. Once again, Lex was the odd man out.

"A game of cat and mouse. Brilliant." Lionel set the newspaper down, chuckling. "I tried to warn you, Lex." Lionel let himself relax. "I only wish I could be there to watch."

But Lionel had an appointment. With the erstwhile Professor Milton Fine. And he had his own game of cat and mouse to play, with higher stakes than the fair hand of Miss Lana Lang. Much, much higher stakes indeed.

It could not have been a better day for the Gotham Harbor Regatta. The sun was bright on the water, and there was a breeze from just the right direction. Glad to let his experienced crew deal with the work of sailing the boat, Bruce lounged in a hammock, as Lex and Lana enjoyed the sail. It had been a long night, Bruce thought, after leaving Lana and Lex at the Planetarium and doing his usual patrol. He had to admit, it was clear what Lex was interested in when it came to Lana. There were a few times so far that Bruce had to remind himself to pull back, that this was all just a ruse to keep Lex occupied, and also to find out how much he actually suspected when it came to Clark. If he came out of all of this with Lana as an ally, that would be okay. It would help him keep tabs on Lex for as long as that particular romance survived. She and Bruce shared the scars of losing both parents traumatically, and it had created enough sympathy between them for any illusion of romance to be very, very convincing. As if she could read his mind, Lana peered at Bruce, her hand shielding her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Lana took a deep breath, relishing the salty air. "This is wonderful! How can you just lie there?"

Bruce stretched languidly, noting Lex's subtle sneer. "Oh, too much champagne, too many pretty women." He sat up a little in the hammock. "Be careful, Lex. The sun is pretty strong out here on the water."

"I'm fine." Lex replied, his eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. He looked up from the official looking report he was reading. "How do you ever get anything done? All this leisure." The criticism was clear, and Bruce closed his eyes, glad that his image of the playboy about town was being etched in Lex's mind indelibly.

"Oh, I'm using company manners." Bruce laughed. "It's back to work, sooner than I'd

like to think. Besides, last night I got back from the party in time to take three calls from Tokyo. So, I'm keeping my hand in."

"Hmm" Lex grunted, and Lana smiled.

"Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I'm having a fabulous time. I can't believe there is a ball tonight too." She seemed to take on a girlish air. "I feel like Scarlett O'Hara."

"Oh, it's a big deal, but I usually don't go." Bruce said, climbing out of the hammock and walking to the brass telescope. "Look, there's my house." He aimed the telescope toward his house, glad the entrance to the Batcave was hidden. Lana came and peered through the telescope. She tried to block out the image of Clark in his barn, with his father's telescope, constantly looking out at the stars. With effort, she could see the graceful lines of Bruce's home. The fact that Bruce often made her think of Clark made Lana feel more kindly disposed toward him. He had most of Clark's good qualities, but so comfortable with himself that he put everyone else at ease. Except Lex, Lana thought, a little annoyed. Lex's mood had been progressively worse since yesterday. She took a deep breath, and peered at Wayne Manor again.

"It's lovely. You live there all alone?" Lana asked, not looking away from the image of the house on the cliff. Everything about Bruce was a little lonely, even when he was being his most charming, Lana had seen that immediately.

"Alfred lives with me." Bruce said simply. "The cook and other help come in daily. It's easier."

"It must have been hard, living in that house alone as a child." Lana said, looking up at him over the telescope. "Lonely."

"Sometimes. My uncle came to live with me at first, and to helm Wayne Industries until I came of age. But he died a few years after my parents, and then, it was just Alfred and I." Bruce turned and pointed. "There's the mayor's mansion. Usually, I can watch the Anniversary Day fireworks from home, but this year." He looked back at Lana. "It seems only right that I go."

"Why is that?" Lex asked, looking at them over his sunglasses.

"Because how can I show you Gotham City at it's best if I stay home?" Bruce raised an eyebrow. "But, if you would rather not go, then I'm sure I can amuse myself at home, reading, putting together model airplanes, you know."

"What's the story with this Batman?" Lex asked, getting up to join Bruce and Lana by the telescope. "He's a one man crime fighting force. I might want to hire him for security at my place in Smallville." He put his arm around Lana, watching Bruce's face.

"I know what you know." Bruce replied neutrally. "I know that there are a lot of people in Gotham that would love to know more about him. I owe him myself – saved a shipment of medical supplies from being hijacked."

"Incredible." Lex said, "Gotham City's own superhero. No one is concerned about this guy getting out of control?"

Bruce shrugged. "I'm not the commissioner of police, Lex. He'll be at the ball tonight, so you could ask him. I'm sure he'll be glad to fill you in." Bruce turned to Lana. "Did the gown come?"

"Yes." Lana's face lit up. "Perfect. It's actually Lex's favorite color."

"Really?" Bruce asked, glad his guess of Lex's aspirations extending even to claiming the color purple. "I had it charged to Lex, so I guess that's only fair." When Lana giggled, Bruce turned to Lex. "No hard feelings, right Lex?"

"No, none at all." Lex smiled at his old schoolmate. There were very definitely hard feelings, but Lex was willing to let them go. Business deals with Wayne Industries would only mean better PR for LuthorCorp. There was no room for letting emotion get in the way. "Lana will be beautiful in it, and that's all that matters to me."

"Good job, Smallville." Lois stood in the Kent kitchen, holding a dead plant. "Of all my plants, I have four left. What did you do, put them in the oven instead of watering them?" Her foot tapped impatiently on the floor. "I asked you for one teeny tiny favor."

"Lois." Clark sighed. "I'm really, really sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"Tell that to Polly." Lois held the dead plant out to Clark. "I'm sorry just won't bring her back."

Chloe stood, watching the scene, holding back giggles. Lois was in top form, and Clark, unable to explain why he'd forgotten the plants, couldn't think up a plausible excuse, so he just sputtered. Lois turned and fixed a steely glare at Chloe.

"And you, blood of my blood. You participated in this MURDER." Lois slammed the plant on the counter. "Just see if I do either of you any favors anytime soon."

"Lois." Chloe held out her hands, "Come on. Let's go to the nursery. My treat." It meant not going to the Fortress today, but Chloe had to admit, she needed a break from sitting on ice for awhile. She looked over at Clark, who nodded eagerly.

"Well." Lois folded her arms, tipping her head to the side and studied Clark and Chloe, while she considered her cousin's offer. "HE has to buy me new violets."

"Done." Glad to get rid of Lois, Clark took out his wallet, which Lois snatched from him. She pulled out what little cash he had there, handed the wallet back, and smiled. "Help yourself, Lois."

"You got off easy. Murder is a capital offense." Lois sneered, stuffing the bills in her pocket. "Come on, Chloe." Lois turned majestically to leave, her hair swinging around her shoulders. Chloe shrugged, blew Clark a kiss and started to walk out behind her cousin. Abruptly, Lois turned, stomped back into the kitchen, and grabbed the dead plant from the counter. "Your mother will hear about this, Smallville. Make no mistake. And I'll get even, with you." She said as she walked out with Chloe, and Clark watched them go.

"Bye, Lois." Clark waved, and Lois yelled back at him as she got into her car.

"I'll get you, Smallville. You and your little dog, too." She finally smiled; tantrum over, and Chloe laughed out loud. Clark blew her a kiss, and he could hear Chloe whisper that she'd catch up with him later. He waved again in acknowledgement and watched them drive off to replace Lois' depleted plant family.

Turning away from the window, Clark found himself thinking of his birth mother, Lara. He'd been dreaming about her for weeks, and since his run in with the kryptonite serum Lana had been trying to use to see her dead parents, the dreams had gotten more powerful.

In the dream, Lara showed him a glowing, opalescent crystal, oblong, and shimmering. Clark could see the crystal being placed in the ship that brought him to Earth, but could not recall ever seeing it.

"Find the key, Star-Child. Find the key and you will have the power to send the artificial life form to the Phantom Zone. It is your right to wield that power, Kal-El. Find the key." Lara's voice was softly urgent. "The key will protect you from the evils to come, my son."

Having dreamt the same dream, over and over again, Clark was sure that it had to be more than just a dream. But where to start looking? He looked out the back door, toward where the old storm cellar had been. It was time to dig. A sound, like chimes rang in Clark's ears – not unlike the sounds he had heard when the ship and portal keys had called out to him, but more pleasant. He paused, hand on the door. The sound was coming from inside the house. In moments, Clark found the crystal, locked in his grandmother's antique desk. It glowed when he touched it, and Clark felt renewed, strengthened just having it in hand. There was a flash of light, and Clark felt himself being pulled through time and space. When things became normal again, Clark looked around. The Fortress.

"Kal-El." Lara's soft voice caressed Clark, and he turned in the direction it came from. There she stood, in robes of shimmering color, and she smiled at him. "At last."

"How is this possible?" Clark asked. "I can't see Jor-El when I'm here."

"My son. I wish I could answer all of your questions. As things are, I can only answer a few. You and the world you have embraced as your home are in terrible danger."

"Lara, I know…Dr. Fine, and someone named Zod."

"The crystal you hold in your hand will open the Phantom Zone, the ultimate punishment of our kind." Lara instructed. "You must keep it safe, always. The servant of Zod already is on the move, planning his next attempt to free his master.. Be vigilant."

"NO!" Jor-El's voice boomed across the empty Fortress. Clark flinched, but the hologram of Lara did not. She calmly looked in the direction of Jor-El's voice.

"You do not know what you have done, Lara-El."

"I know I have given my son a weapon to use against the servant of Zod." Lara's smile vanished. She turned to Clark. "Do not return here until the servant of Zod is stopped, Kal-El. This place is not safe. The voice you know as your fathers is not Jor-El. You must believe me."

"Treason!" Jor-El shouted, making ice fall.

"Go, Kal-El." Lara said, and she smiled at Clark again. "My love goes with you, always."

"I don't understand!" Clark yelled, but it was too late. He was being sucked back through the vortex of time. Lara was gone. Clark stood in his kitchen and hung his head. Suddenly, in his mind, he heard Lara's voice.

"Kal-El. Your Fortress of Solitude has been corrupted. I am not entirely certain how long Zod has been communicating with you, pretending to be Jor-El. " Clark was reminded of every pain that had been inflicted by 'Jor-El' over the years. Could it be true?

"Your father was the kindest, most honest man I have ever known." Lara began "Together we planned your escape from Krypton. This crystal you now possess should have been the first you found, but it was not. I do not know how long Zod has masqueraded as your father, but I must help you now, as best I can."

"How could you know that he is Zod?" Clark's mind barely grasping the information he was hearing. Jonathan's death, his illness – as far back as that – could it have been Zod pulling the strings the whole time? Was it possible?

"Your father programmed the crystal himself. When I heard the cries of protest, I knew it was not Jor-El." She said plainly. "When this crisis is past, my son, all of my history is also in this crystal, your father's story and mine. These will be imparted to you once you are safe again. Jor-El is present, somewhere on your planet, and you must find him so things can be put right."

"But I've spoken to him, he helped me to fly. He's been teaching Chloe Kryptonian." Clark exclaimed.

"I do not doubt that Jor-El is sometimes able to break through his imprisonment and speak with you, Kal-El. But until Zod and his servant are defeated, you are not safe, neither is the Daughter of Earth you call Chloe, or what remains of Jor-El." Lara's voice was full of pain. "We must find the vessel that holds Jor-El, Kal-El. If the servant of Zod gets to it first, all will surely be lost."

Lana turned, studying her reflection in the triple pane mirror. The gown Bruce had sent over for her was absolutely perfect. There was nothing young or girlish about it, Lana smiled, smoothing the boned bodice that hugged her waist, and admiring the straight fall of the skirt, which ended in a small, subtle train. It reminded Lana of Paris – elegant, spare and classic. Everything about this life, the whirl of the social scene in Gotham City was exciting. Lex kept out of the social scene in Metropolis, unless it was something he was interested in, like the Opera Benefit, or some other charity event. Lana made a mental note to encourage him to participate more. It was amazing to dance the night away in beautiful clothes, talking to people who had been everywhere, seen everything. If only Aunt Nell could see her now, Lana thought of her ambitious relative and grinned.

"You take my breath away." Lex stood in the doorway of Lana's room. He was dressed for the Bicentennial Ball, and Lana smiled at him. "Bruce certainly knew what he was doing, picking out that gown." Lex smiled bitterly.

"Lex, it's exactly what I would have picked." Lana said with an excited smile. "It's your favorite color."

"I would have dressed you in white. Or pink." Lex's voice was somber. "There would have been miles of skirt, like a princess." He looked her over, his eyes full of regret. "You're all grown up."

"I hope so. I can't be Creamed Corn Princess forever." Lana said, laughing. "Lex, what's wrong?" She went to him. "Why are you so unhappy?"

"This has all been fun, Lana, like a dream. But don't you think we need to get back to real life? What about our research? Have you forgotten how important it is?" He rested his hands on her shoulders. "You let Wayne turn you into an empty headed debutante. Where's my Lana?"

Lana pulled away, her face angry. "I'm here, Lex. I came on this trip with you because you asked me. I made friends with Bruce Wayne to help you – so that I could be the kind of person who exists in your world. As for our research," Lana folded her arms over her chest, disregarding the delicate silk of her gown. "I don't think a few days away from it will hurt. And the last thing I am is an empty-headed debutante."

"This isn't who we are." Lex said, "This isn't the life we have in Smallville. There are more important things to be done, greater things."

"There's nothing wrong with this life, for a few days, Lex." Lana sighed. "Tuesday it will all be over. But, you know what? We won't go tonight. We'll stay here and work on our project, and forget it." Lana turned away and walked back to the dressing table in her room. With a sigh, she reached up to take off the necklace Lex had loaned her, a heavy amethyst and diamond garland that had been his grandmothers.

"You do look amazing." Lex admitted grudgingly. "My maternal grandmother never looked as gorgeous in those jewels as you do."

"Thank you." Lana struggled with the clasp. Frustrated, she stopped what she was doing and stood still. She could hear his muffled footfalls on the heavy carpeting, and then, Lex kissed her just where her shoulders met her neck, under the clasp of the necklace. Still angry, Lana felt a delicious thrill race through up her spine in spite of herself. She did not pull away, and Lex put his hand at her waist, drawing her slightly closer.

"Seems a shame to waste that gown." Lex said from behind Lana, his mouth traveling up to her ear. "We could still go."

Lana turned, and looked at Lex. "We can go? No sulking, no moping, no doing work at the table instead of dancing with me?" Her face was very serious. "And you'll try to enjoy yourself the rest of the trip? "

"I promise." Lex purred, and Lana smiled, putting her arms around him. Men were so easy.