A/N: You have an epilogue after this one, but this is it. ;D
Chapter 20
I have no idea how long I was in that dark emptiness, but my mind slowly came back to itself. My eyes fluttered open, but absolutely nothing was clear. As I continued to blink, my sight cleared slightly. Everything was surrounded by that glow I'd last seen in my "interviews" with the PTB. I had to sigh because it seemed that I actually had died and I knew that it would absolutely crush my dad.
Almost as soon as my sigh escaped my lips, the light was slightly blocked and I knew that someone was leaning over me. "Chloe?" came an unexpected but oh so familiar voice.
Tears sprang to my eyes. I'd failed him. Somehow I had killed my invulnerable Clark. The only good thing was that the tears did seem to help and Clark came into better focus. "Clark," I wailed, "I'm so sorry!"
He looked really worried and anxious, but I wasn't surprised. Clark was always unnerved by tears. He grabbed my hand and I was glad to realize I could feel in the afterlife. "Chloe, what are you talking about?"
I didn't answer for a moment because I realized that something odd was happening to my sight. The glow was receding as everything became clearer. I was able to focus beyond Clark and noticed the wood beams on a rough ceiling. I focused on Clark again and gasped, "We're not dead?"
Clark laughed… a little strained, perhaps, but filled with relief. "To be honest, I wasn't sure at first. When the warehouse practically disintegrated around you, I was finally able to see. You looked like a broken doll held up on a string surrounded by light and fire. I could barely make you out. But then you just dropped to the ground and everything… turned off, I guess."
I could only gape at him. It was nearly impossible for me to acknowledge that I wasn't dead and my mind was casting about for anything I could intelligently comment on. I looked down and realized that I only had a blanket on. I shrieked and sat straight up, clutching it to me. "What happened to my clothes?"
Clark blushed hotly and had trouble meeting my eyes… but, I was gratified to realize, he didn't let go of my hand. "I have no idea. When you dropped, you were in a crater of molten concrete… totally naked… and the sirens were getting closer… and I didn't know if you were dead or not… and I couldn't let them see you like that… I had to get you out of there…"
I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. As much as I may have wanted to get naked with Clark, I wanted to be awake while it was happening… maybe sucked in my tummy or something… Then I gasped. "Clark, please tell me you didn't race across Kansas with me buck naked…"
His face flamed even hotter, but his eyes seemed to have a glimpse of defensiveness. "Was I supposed to go shopping for something while you could have been discovered? Besides… no one could have possibly seen you!"
He was right, of course, but it didn't lessen my mortification. At least he was super-fast and the trip may have taken five minutes to complete. I sighed. "You're right, Clark. Sorry for freaking out…"
He smiled. "I'd have the same problem, so no worries. But I brought you directly here…" His face paled and he swallowed hard. "I wasn't sure… I didn't know…" I patted his hand and he took a deep breath. "I could tell you were still breathing but…"
I had to admit it now. All barriers were down and I was emotionally, as well as physically, naked before him. I couldn't brush this off with my usual bravado. "I did think I wasn't going to make it. When the plan hit my head, I was sure I wasn't going to survive it."
"You almost didn't," he admitted, looking pained. "I have never been so scared… All I could think was that I should have done something… anything… even just staying by your side…!"
I would have tried to assuage his sense of guilt, but a huge sense of Presence made itself felt and I knew I needed to concentrate on that other than Clark's ever-present guilt. I glanced at him and noticed that his eyes had widened and he was looking around as well. Well, that's something new! I thought wryly.
"You have both done a fabulous job during this trial," the PTB's familiar voice rang out. In fact, it felt like it was vibrating throughout the entire barn.
"Sheesh!" I exclaimed testily. "Tone it down, wouldja?"
"No one but you and Clark can hear me, but I will attempt to 'tone it down' as you put it." His voice did decrease in its intensity and I nodded in appreciation.
I had to smirk. "So I guess this means I've graduated from the fainting communications?" Clark looked at me in shock and I could have laughed. He never would have talked to a person of authority like that.
"Yes," he said wryly. "You have transcended the need for that cruder and more inconvenient method of communication. But Clark also deserves to hear our congratulations on a job well done."
"Thank you, sir," Clark said and I could tell that he was restraining himself from either a bow or a salute. Somehow I managed to hold in my smile.
"Clark has been a superb partner for you, Chloe. You chose extremely well." The PTB seemed to be semi-surprised that I'd managed to make that kind of choice.
This time, I let loose and started to laugh. "Of course Clark Kent is the best choice. He's the best choice for many things…" I almost laughed harder as Clark looked embarrassed but pleased and the PTB let the silence drag on. I, of course, interpreted that as embarrassment on his part. But I decided to give him some slack. "Will all the missions you send me on be like this?"
"Unfortunately, no," the PTB said grimly. "Sometimes they will be much, much worse." Clark and I looked at each other in horror. Worse? Worse than me almost dying?
The feeling of a Presence died away and I knew that our latest interview was over. I looked over at Clark and smiled. "Do you think I could borrow a shirt or something?"
He blushed again and that made me happy. How bad could the world possibly be with such sweet innocence being willing to lay down his life to protect others? He whisked away and I contemplated what would happen next. I was going to have to do a lot of practicing… and deciding who to trust with my latest secret. It wasn't going to be easy, but with Clark by my side, I was willing to face it all.
A/N: Well, it's been an interesting ride. I have lots of requests for a sequel, so I'll be working on that. If you have any ideas, that's always welcome. ;D
iluvsmallville1: I understand about being too busy to write. It's a tough activity, but I can't imagine my life without it. I know my family isn't surprised because I'm always the novel letter writer! ;D I'm sorry you've been depressed, but perhaps it's just that time of year. I've had a bad couple of weeks myself… but I'm feeling better. Sometimes it's all about taking some time and giving yourself a break. You want to feel better, but it doesn't always happen so quickly. ;D
MacGateFan: Well, how was the next to the last chapter? I will tell you that I'll be working on a sequel after I outline the "What's Up in Smallville?" trilogy and outline some of my ideas… but I'm always open to suggestions! ;D
carcassi: I'm evil… What can I say? ;D You're right that the PTB of "Smallville" had written of Coast City in Kansas, but doesn't that seem silly? ;D You know, living in the Pacific Northwest, I'll tell you that I'm tempted to go up into B.C. and find their location. That would totally make my day!
BabyC2003: I'm not holding my breath about Jimmy, but I'm willing to give it an open mind. After all, that's what I had to do for "Thirst"!
Cherri202: Well, I don't have the specific definition, but it's my understanding that a landlocked state is one that is not bordered at all by an ocean or sea or bay or something. It's all those middle states. They may have water, but they don't have a "coast", ya' know?
markmark261: Oh my! Look at all those errors! I should be spanked! ;D However, while making the changes, my Word copy had a lot of them. Maybe there was a problem saving the changes on the site. Hmmm… I definitely felt that her solar power did make Clark stronger and is one of the things that is attracting them to each other. However, Clark's still working into his powers. I figured, the high heat might hurt him a bit by being so close to it. ;D
