-1Metamorphosis
The next morning Clark woke up floating above his bed. It wasn't a shock like he would have found it to be while he was in high school. Instead he focused on keeping himself in the air. After a few minutes of rising up and down above his bed he was able to float himself up to the ceiling and around his room without losing altitude. When his mother called him down for breakfast he landed and super sped to get dressed. A minute later he was storming down the stairs to see what his mother had laid out for breakfast.
"About time you got up. We're leaving for the farmer's market in a few minutes and you haven't eaten or gotten your chores done," Martha said as he smiled at her.
"Don't worry mom, I'll have them done in no time," He said. To prove his point he rapidly ate and zoomed out of the kitchen only to pop back in after a minute.
"Show off," Jonathan said walking into the kitchen. Clark smiled up at his dad and grabbed another biscuit. Jonathan couldn't hold back laughter as Clark ate at regular speed.
"How was the dance last night?" Martha asked cleaning up the empty dishes.
"It was a lot of fun. I'm glad I actually went this time," He said.
"What do you mean?" Jonathan asked.
"Before I just went but ended up coming back without staying. I mean I wasn't about to show myself to Whitney after he tied me up in the cornfield," He said.
"Whitney did what?" Jonathan asked looking at Clark in disbelief. Whitney was the star of the town. Why would he tie up Clark?
"He didn't like me talking to Lana. I never really figured it out," He answered.
"I can't believe Whitney would do that," Jonathan went on.
"Alright boys, lets talk about this more when we get back," Martha said having finished with the kitchen.
Clark placed the sign up against the post and pushed the nail in when no one was looking. It was simple being a farm boy if you were from another planet.
"All hail the homecoming king and queen," Chloe announced getting his attention. He looked over to Lana and Whitney who were looking at a booth. Seeing Lana brought a smile to his face. They walked over when they saw Pete, Chloe and Clark at the Kent booth.
"Hey Clark, thanks for the dance last night," Lana said smiling up at him.
"I'm surprised he made it considering he was all tied up," Pete said sending Whitney a glare. Lana noticed the tension and the looks both Clark and Pete sent Whitney.
"Hey, congratulations. That was one heck of a game last night," Jonathan said walking up to Whitney and shaking his hand. If his dad was upset with Whitney he was hiding it very well.
"I'm going to get the rest of the boxes out of the trunk," He said wanting to get his chore done so he could enjoy the fair.
"Kent!" Whitney called running to catch up. Clark tried to ignore him but he jogged up to his side. "You realize last night was just a joke right?" He asked trying to ease the tension or make it better. It wasn't working. When Clark continued to walk forward he grabbed his shoulder and turned him to face him. "I need that necklace back," He said with all seriousness.
"I don't have it," Clark replied sending Whitney a look that could kill. If only he had his heat vision. Of course he wouldn't have actually used it on Whitney but the thought eased his anger. A bit.
"Look, it's Lana's favorite so if I could get it back?" Whitney asked.
"Well then you should go out into that cornfield and find it," He shot back.
With a glare and silence between the two of them Clark walked off to the truck. After he unloaded the boxes he went back for the crates of apples. On his way back to the booth he saw Whitney kiss Lana goodbye and then get into his truck.
"Can't knock your taste in women," Lex said joining his side. He grabbed an apple from the crate and turned toward him, "Wanna tell me what happened last night?"
"It was just a stupid prank," He answered setting the crate down.
"You were tied to the stake in the middle of a field," Lex stated, "Even the romans saved that for special occasions. You could have died out there."
"Well I don't think Whitney would have cared. He was upset that I was talking to Lana," Clark said.
"The hottie you were just watching?" Lex asked. Clark nodded, and Lex smiled. "In that case let the war begin."
Jonathan came over and set a crate down, "Clark what's the hold up?"
"Mr. Kent good to see you again," Lex said holding his hand out. Jonathan looked up and ignored his outstretched hand.
"Lex," He said before turning to Clark, "Let's go, we need to finish this up."
Jonathan walked off and Clark turned to Lex.
"Sorry but he has a thing against the Luthors," He said knowing the full story and that one day he and Lex could very well be enemies again.
"Doesn't everyone?" Lex asked with a small smile. Clark shrugged and walked off to go help his dad.
Jonathan pulled the truck to an abrupt stop and Clark looked out the window to see why. A truck was overturned on the road and gas was leaking everywhere. Clark rushed out of the truck, apples still flying from his dad pulling the truck to a stop.
He pulled off the windshield and reached in to pull Whitney out. The football jock was knocked out cold as he carried him away from the truck. He heard his dad call his name as a low rumble filled his ears. That rumble turned into an explosion and Clark covered Whitney's body with his own.
Fire surrounded him and he could feel debris bounce off his back and his head. A few seconds later the fire withdrew and the air began to clear. His parents called for him and he got up to check on Whitney. He had a few bruises but nothing life threating. He picked the blonde back up and carried him to where his parents were. His dad rushed over and went to touch his shoulder but pulled back and hissed in pain. When Whitney coughed they smiled in relief that he was okay.
Jonathan came out onto the porch where Clark was looking out over the fields and thinking. He had been able to fly this morning. That ability had always been available to him, he just had to tap into it. He was trying to get his x-ray vision and heat vision but his eyes just wouldn't cooperate. Did that mean they had to develop like some form of puberty?
"Whitney will be alright. Just a few cuts and bruises nothing serious," Jonathan said getting Clark's attention.
"Does he remember anything," He asked wondering if his secret was still safe.
"Nothing," Jonathan said.
Clark looked over at the barn and saw his mom working hard. He knew he freaked her out but his abilities weren't a mystery to him. His parents just didn't know everything and it would be best if he just held off until the right time to tell them just how alien their son was. He knew they would understand but only at the right times.
"You should talk to mom. I think I really freaked her out today," Jonathan said.
"You made her proud son. As long as you don't abuse your abilities and hurt someone then we will always be proud of you. You may freak us out but you're still our son…even if you come from the future," Jonathan said.
Clark smiled, "I was actually amazed by how well you two are handling that."
"Actually we still don't quite get it but you're still our son and we're here to support you. After all our family is far from normal so a son from the future who also happens to be an alien…we'll adjust," Jonathan said with a smile.
He looked down at the model table where the war of troy was playing out. He figured if he was going to change things then he wouldn't hold his anger for Lex in this time. Lex hadn't done anything wrong yet and Clark was willing to give it a chance.
"Save any lives on your way over?" Lex asked walking in. Clark looked up and smiled. He'd forgotten how Lex had been. "Careful you could make a career out of it."
Clark laughed off the comment so he wouldn't say anything to give away the truth of that statement.
"Just thought I'd bring by your produce," He said before turning back to his table. "Planning an invasion?"
"My father gave this to me when I was nine," He said leaning against the table.
"Cool gift," He said.
"It wasn't a gift but a strategy tool," Lex said walking around to join Clark's side, "My father associates business with war. Take the battle of troy for instance. It started with two men who were in love with the same woman like you and quarterback."
"You're right, Whitney and I are at war. He won that battle," Clark said talking the same terms as Lex.
"Yea, but if you hadn't pulled him out of that truck your problems would be solved," Lex said walking back around the table. When Clark didn't say anything he turned back around
with a smile, "I'm kidding of course. Don't worry Clark, I've got your Trojan horse."
He walked over to the mantle and pulled down a small box. He turned and opened it to reveal Lana's necklace. Clark felt the nausea in his lower abdomen and fought the urge to take a step back. He didn't need to make Lex suspicious. Lex closed the lid and handed him the box.
"Give her back her necklace and you win the next battle. Even score," he said.
Clark took the box from Lex knowing he was right.
"That necklace gives you the power, all you've got to do is use it," Lex said.
"Thanks Lex," Clark said.
"What are friends for?" The bald man asked.
Clark headed into the barn and up the stairs to the loft. Before he reached the top he noticed Lana looking out his telescope. He still had the box in his hand. He headed up the rest of the stairs and laid the box down on his desk which got Lana's attention.
"Your mom said I could wait up here, hope you don't mind?" She asked. He shook his head no and she went on, "This is an amazing place up here."
"Yea, my dad built it for me. Calls it my fortress of solitude," He said smiling.
"I didn't know you were into astronomy," She said going back to his telescope.
"Yea, that's a hobby," He said walking forward.
"Did you know you could see my house from here?" She asked.
Busted! "Really?" He asked playing innocent hoping she bought it. He knew Lana was smart and she always knew when he was lying.
"You know we've lived a mile apart our whole lives and you've never come over," He said trying to change the subject.
"And you're wondering why I'm here now?" She asked.
"It's not like I don't enjoy the company, but yea," He said with a small smile.
"I found out what Whitney did to you," She said walking away from his telescope. "The whole scarecrow thing and I came to apologize."
"It's not your fault so don't worry about it," he said walking over to his desk.
"I can't help it. He had no right to do that and you turn around and save his life," She went on.
"I appreciate you coming over here, but you're not the one who should be apologizing," He said looking at her.
"I didn't come here to defend him. I came here to see you," She said causing Clark to smile.
"Who told you?" Clark asked wondering if maybe Pete or Chloe had spilled about what Whitney had done.
"Lex Luthor," She answered. Clark should have known the way Lex was talking about war and how he had a chance. "He dropped the bread crumbs and I followed the trail. I'm glad he did, he was just being a good friend," She said getting him to look back up.
"Lex is definetely one of a kind," He said knowing how true that was.
Lana smiled and Clark felt something melt inside his chest. It felt good to get her to smile like that again.
"What are you going to do?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I thought I knew Whitney but I wonder what else I've been blind to in my life," She said turning to look out the loft window. Clark wanted to say something but was lost for words. "He even lost my favorite necklace."
Clark looked over to the lead box that Lex had given him. He remembered having left it on her door for her to believe that Whitney found it and left it for her. He walked over and picked up the box.
"You wouldn't be talking about this would you?" He asked holding it out and lifting the lid. The lead still protected him but he was sure to keep his fingers away from the rock. It didn't matter since he still felt the nausea in his stomach. She looked over and her eyes got wide.
"You found my necklace," She said.
"Yea. Whitney put it around my neck before he tied me up. You see I'm allergic to meteor rocks so I wasn't able to do anything to stop him," Clark explained.
"Is that why you would get sick around me?" She asked pulling the box from his hands and closing the lid.
"Yea. It bothers me even when I'm a few feet away. If it's sealed like you have it now, I'm okay," He explained. It wasn't a lie but it wasn't the whole truth. But it was a different start then he had first time around.
"I never knew that. In that case I'll take it off when I see you," she said.
"That's kind to offer," He said with a smile.
She looked down at her watch, "I better go." She headed to the stairs but before she started down she turned back to him, "I'm glad you're okay Clark."
With a smile she headed down the stairs and Clark watched as she left. Whitney 1 Clark 1. It was an even playing field.
He was upstairs in the loft when he heard his dad working on some tractor parts. He leaned over the rail.
"Need some help?" He asked.
"Best thing I've heard all night," Jonathan responded looking up.
Clark smiled and went to make his way down the stairs when he heard insects and lots of them. He looked around but didn't see anything. He turned right as some black dressed figured tackled him and pushed him to the ground. With a grunt he landed on his back and he tossed him off his chest.
"Clark!" His dad called before running up the stairs to check on him.
"Hey, you alright?" He asked as Clark pulled himself to this feet.
"There's someone in the rafters," He said.
They both began to look around trying to find that person. His dad pulled out a flash light and began looking around. Clark heard a crash and turned around to see Jonathan being pushed through the railing.
He shifted into super speed and jumped over the stairs while watching his father move inch by inch. He jumped down and landed on the barn floor before moving to catch his dad before he hit the blade wheels that were beneath him.
Jonathan pulled himself off Clark when he became aware that he had landed on his son. He helped Clark to his feet and stared at the blade wheels in shock. They were bent and broken in the outline of Clark's back. His son had just saved his life.
"What the hell just happened?" Jonathan asked.
"I've never seen anyone move so fast, aside from our son," Jonathan told Martha who had rushed to the barn after hearing all the commotion.
"I think it was Greg Arkin," Clark said trying to remember the face.
"That's a name I haven't heard in years. You and Pete used to spend time with him when you were in grade school," Martha said.
"Why would he want to hurt you?" Jonathan asked.
"I don't know, but I think something infected him." Clark said.
"I don't think that is possible," Jonathan said.
"How do you explain this?" Clark asked pointing his light from his flashlight onto slime like footprints.
"I have no idea," Jonathan said.
"Hey Chloe, have you seen Greg?" Clark asked the next day at school. He really wanted to find Greg and help him before something bad happened.
"Nope, he hasn't shown his face in the torch for over a week. Why?" She asked.
"It's nothing," He said before walking off.
"I hate it when you do that," She called after him.
He turned back around and looked at her questioningly, "What?"
"You're there one minute and gone the next," She paused, "You're not outgrowing me as a friend?"
He smiled and walked forward, "Chloe I could never outgrow you, other than vertically."
He smiled and got her to laugh.
"It's amazing how far that Kent charm will get you," She said with a smile. "Now what's up with Greg?"
Clark had just split from Chloe and Pete after searching Greg's house. Seeing Lana on the TV screen had jolted him into movement. He remembered that Greg had taken Lana to the old tree house and covered her in some type of web. Greg and himself had gotten into a fight and then Greg had gotten crushed. Remembering gave him an extra advantage. He had to beat Greg to the tree house.
Instead of moving in super speed he pushed from the ground and took to the skies. He reached the tree house but Greg wasn't there and neither was Lana. He must not have taken her yet. So where else could he look? Lana spent most of her time at the ranch with her horses. He'd always been able to find her there. With a burst of speed he flew to the ranch. He landed outside the doors and heard a small yell. It almost sounded like Whitney. He ran around the corner to see Greg stalking closer to Lana.
"It's too late. You're mine now," He said.
"Leave her alone," Clark called.
Greg turned and cracked his neck in Clark's direction. He could notice how scared Lana was.
"I thought you would be busy mourning your father," Greg said obviously thinking he had succeeded in killing Jonathan at the barn last night.
"My father's fine. No thanks to you. Just stay away from Lana," He called.
"Or what?" Greg challenged.
Clark rushed forward hoping to knock Greg out of the way but without using his abilities Greg was faster. He grabbed Lana and took off. Knowing where he was taking her he checked on Whitney really quickly before super speeding after Greg and Lana. By the time he had gotten there and up the ladder, Lana was already cocooned. He moved to pull the webs off.
"Don't do that," Greg called from the corner.
"I won't let you hurt her," He said.
"You can't stop me. I'm a god among men and I will have what I want," He said.
He moved to attack Clark but he shifted into super speed and dodged. With no one as a witness he punched Greg with all his strength and he went flying through the tree house walls. Clark moved and pulled the web from Lana's face and as the fresh air hit her, she slowly regained consciousness.
"Clark?" She asked.
"You're safe now," He said pulling the rest of the web off.
Her eyes grew wide, "Look out!"
Clark turned in time to see Greg swing and hit him in the jaw. He backed up a few feet surprised by his strength. Greg charged and tackled him, sending them both through a wall. He landed with a grunt and pulled himself to his feet. He looked up to see Lana looking out the destroyed wall with worry. He looked around for Greg and saw him take off through the woods. He needed to stop him before he got himself or someone else hurt.
"Clark?" Lana called down to him.
"I'm okay. I landed on some soft soil. Follow the dirt road," He called up to her, pointing down the road. "I'll catch up."
He took off and jumped the fence. He didn't look back at Lana but instead broke out into a run. When he was clear from Lana's eyes he ran at full speed to catch up with Greg. He followed him to an abandoned warehouse. As soon as he entered the doors he felt the familiar effects of kryptonite. The place was full of it.
He could wait outside but instead he moved on inside. He needed to help Greg before anything bad happened. Of course it would be easier to find him if he had his enhanced hearing. He heard metal move and turned to get hit in the chest with a metal pipe.
He landed in a pile of rocks, his body seared in pain. He looked down at his hand and saw his veins turn green as the rocks infected him. He grunted and moved away from the rocks. Greg walked up and grabbed him by his jacket. Clark grabbed his jacket and wrestled with him. They slammed each other into the stone pillars before Clark was able to toss him. As Greg was pulling himself up he pushed in a switch which dropped a large slab of metal on top of him.
Clark headed back and found Lana making her way down the dirt road. He jogged up to her calling out her name so he wouldn't scare her. She turned and smiled in relief when she saw him.
"Clark I'm so glad you're okay. I was going for help," She said.
He reached her side and smiled down, "Everything is fine."
"Greg?" She asked.
"There was an accident," He said not wanting to go into much detail.
"Is he?" She tried to ask but couldn't get it all out. Clark only nodded. She was clearly upset and he pulled her into a hug.
"I'm just glad you're alright," He whispered.
"You saved me," She said looking up at him.
"Anyone would have done the same," He replied.
"What is it and you saving people?" She asked with a smile, "Not like I'm complaining."
"Lana, I couldn't let anything happen to you. Not this time," He slipped.
"This time?" She asked catching his slip.
"Lana…" He couldn't think of a lie. How do you lie about being from the future? "I'm sorry. I had a bad dream that I couldn't save you. Guess it was more real than I thought," He covered quickly.
"You dream about me?" She asked with a slight smile.
He let out a small laugh, "Yea."
He didn't say anything else as he walked her back home. She thanked him again and he watched as she walked up to her front door. She turned and smiled at him and he smiled back. She headed inside and he turned to go back to the farm. Things would definetely be different this time around.