-1Leech
Clark smiled over at Pete when he made the bet to find the last two rocks first. Pete rushed over to a spot and Clark x-rayed the area. He found one over in a corner and looked back at the rest of the class. No one was watching so he went ahead and punched his fist through the ground and pulled out what he was searching for. He broke the rock in half and turned back to Pete.
"Found one," He called out.
Pete turned around and smiled, "You're a natural."
Clark shrugged and felt the slight nausea in his abdomen. Kryptonite was nearby. He looked down at his hand and his veins were the abnormal grayish green color. He hid his hand in his pocket and tried to fight off the nausea. Pete looked at him weird and Clark shook his head like it was nothing.
"Hey Clark," Lana called from behind him.
Clark turned around and smiled the best he could.
Hey Lana," he said weakly. She looked at him confused but then realized she was wearing her necklace and he was allergic to it. She took it off and pocketed it.
"I'm sorry Clark. I forgot," She said.
"No, it's alright. You shouldn't have to go without wearing your necklace on my behalf," He said with a smile.
As soon as her necklace was away he immediately felt better. He noticed Chloe come up from behind Lana. "I think spending time with you is more important than jewelry," Lana replied.
"I think my time would be better spent at the Torch right now. What's the point of this? I could just have them bought on eBay and shipped to my door, bubble wrapped," Chloe said with irritation.
"Someone's grouchy," Pete said.
"That's because I think Geology is more pointless than Algebra," Chloe said.
"Actually Chloe you should probably care about all this, I mean after all…" He stopped himself.
The Chloe he knew in the future was a on the go Journalist. She was traveling all over the world and sending back stories to the Daily Planet. She ended up needing all the Geology and Algebra skills.
"What?" Chloe asked.
He shrugged and shook his head. The rest of the fieldtrip wrapped up quickly and they all piled back onto the bus. Their teacher got on and looked over the roster and then the students on the bus.
"Anyone seen Eric?" He asked. He got no's for answers. "I hope he didn't get lost."
"I'll find him," Clark volunteered.
For Clark it would only take a second to find him. He got off the bus and as soon as he was from sight he super sped away. He found Eric up on the bridge straddling the ledge. The clouds rumbled and Clark could sense the electricity in the air.
He rushed to the top and called out to Eric, "Eric get away from the ledge!"
Eric didn't hear him over the music he was listening to. Clark stepped forward and waved his hands hoping to get his attention. He felt sick again as he got closer. He noticed the Kryptonite in Eric's hands. Eric turned around and pulled off his headphones. Before he could ask Clark anything, lightning struck next to where he was standing. The shock of it sent Eric over the edge. Clark rushed forward and grabbed a hold of whatever he could.
He kept Eric from falling but as he was pulling him up Clark was hit with something forceful. He immediately felt the weight of Eric and it pulled him into the railing. He managed to grab a hold with both hands and slowly pull Eric up and over the edge back to the safety of the bridge. He looked at Eric and breathed heavily. This was not good.
"What do you mean you've lost your abilities?" Jonathan asked as they sat around the kitchen table eating dinner.
"When I was struck by lighting tonight, Eric had Kryptonite in his hands. Add the two together along with me in touching distance and you have a power swap. Eric has my abilities and I'm left as a human," Clark explained before taking another bite of mashed potatoes.
"So how will you get them back?" Martha asked.
"Normally the effects wear off on whoever got them and mine slowly return. But I don't think that was the case with Eric. I just can't remember," Clark said in frustration.
"So what are you going to do son?" Jonathan asked.
"I'm going to school and try to do damage control while I figure this out," Clark said.
He racked his brain for whatever he could remember. If he had the fortress he could simply go to Jor-el but the key hadn't shown up yet thus he couldn't go to the cave. All he was allowed to do for now was wait and help those around him. Times like these were going to be tough.
Clark woke in the morning and quickly got dressed. He couldn't super speed to school so he couldn't miss the bus. When he came downstairs he found Jonathan out in the driveway trying to get the truck unstuck from the mud.
"Not a good morning to not have my abilities," Clark said as he grabbed breakfast.
Martha smiled and shooed him on his way. Clark rushed outside and Jonathan just waved him on. With no way of helping Clark headed on down to the end of the driveway and waited for the bus. The bus stopped and Clark got on. He joined Pete and they talked about the Math test they had today. The bus stopped at school and they all rushed off. Clark followed Pete inside and they met up with Chloe. She had come in early to add in an article for the Torch.
"Hey Chloe," Pete said as they all went to their lockers.
"Hey guys. How are you feeling Clark?" She asked.
"I'm a little tired but otherwise alright," He answered while reaching for his books.
"Well I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt yesterday," She went on.
Clark smiled, "Me too."
Not wanting to talk about it he headed on to his class.
Pete walked beside him as he hobbled back into the locker room. He was covered in sweat and was experiencing a leg cramp. Pete told him to walk it off and mentioned that he wasn't the same Clark today. Pete went on and Clark hobbled into the weight room. He found Eric lifting weights. He was holding a good six hundred pounds over his chest. Looked like he figured out the super strength.
"How you feeling Eric?" Clark asked.
Eric looked up shocked and acted like he couldn't hold the weight up.
"No need to pretend. I know you've got my abilities."
"Wait, you could normally do this?" Eric asked setting the weight down and sitting up.
"Yea," Clark answered.
"How the hell?" Eric asked.
"It's a long story but I need you to be careful with them. You could hurt a lot of people," Clark reasoned with him.
"How come you act like it's nothing. These gifts are amazing!" Eric exclaimed.
"Look, don't let them get to your head," Clark tried again.
"I'm sorry Clark but unlike you I'm going to use them to be who I want to be," Eric said.
"I am who I want to be. I didn't need abilities to have that," Clark reasoned.
"Sorry Clark but they're not your abilities anymore," Eric said.
"Eric, you have to listen to me," Clark kept trying.
"No I don't have to. Now if you'll excuse me," Eric said before speeding off.
Clark looked back at the doorway and sighed. This was going to be difficult.
Clark made it home and started on his chores. Just because he was as strong as a human didn't mean he could slack on his responsibilities. Jonathan and Martha watched as he started work. Only when Clark started on the fence did Jonathan go to talk to him.
"I can get that in the morning," Jonathan said.
"It's okay, I can get it." Clark said as he lifted a piece of wood and placed it where it needed to be.
"Something's bothering you. Wanna talk about it?" Jonathan asked.
"I talked to Eric. He's not going to be reasonable with my abilities," Clark said voicing his worries.
"How did you get them back before?" Jonathan asked.
"I remember fighting with him and electricity was involved. I just can't remember exactly how," Clark said.
He'd been racking his memory all day and that was all he'd come up with. He was great at remembering all kinds of things. Why couldn't he remember in detail his high school years? Unless the kryptonite that brought him here had something to do with it.
"Go on inside and I'll finish up tomorrow. How about you keep an eye on Eric and try talking to him again," Jonathan suggested.
"Sure dad," Clark said as he finished with the last nail.
Clark couldn't believe the buzz the next day about Eric. He had tossed someone across the street and saved Chloe's computer. The newspaper had an article naming him 'Super Boy'. This was the buzz that would have it go to Eric's head. Clark joined up with Chloe and Pete and they filled him in on what happened yesterday while he was doing his chores.
Eric came up and talked to Chloe. Clark stood there silent. He didn't want to say anything and have Eric reveal where he got his abilities. They finished up and Eric went one way while Chloe headed to the Torch. Clark watched Eric for a good minute until he heard Lana from behind.
"Hey guys," She said.
Both Clark and Pete turned around. Lana was holding Whitney's hand and the other held her books. He looked down and saw her necklace around her neck. For once he wasn't sick and it was a good feeling.
"Clark are you okay?" She asked.
"I feel great," He answered with a smile.
"Ross, I'm getting a pick up game together. How about you and Kent join us?" Whitney asked.
"Clark doesn't really play," Pete said.
"I think a game would be fun," Clark chimed in.
"Alright. Bring it on," Whitney said with a smile. Lana looked over at Clark and smiled before she went off with Whitney.
"Since when do you play?" Pete asked as they walked off.
"I have for awhile," Clark answered.
The game was rough as the guys were trying to impress the ladies in the stands. Clark was actually pretty good. The game was a close tie as they played during lunch. As close as it was Whitney scored the last basket and brought the game to a close.
"Great game guys. We play every Tuesday and Thursday," Whitney said.
The guys smiled and headed to get their stuff. Clark watched as Lana joined Whitney and sent him a smile.
"Good game Clark," She called.
Clark entered the Talon and saw Lana looking around. He remembered all the times he had walked in and saw her standing there with a smile on her face.
"Trying to score the last box of candy before this place is sold?" He asked getting her attention.
She spun around and smiled at him, "They would probably survive a nuclear storm."
Clark smiled and walked forward, "Guess you must have a thing about stale popcorn and old movies."
"My parents met here," She explained, "She got bored watching close encounters and my dad was working concession. She stayed out here and they talked all night."
"How do you get bored watching close encounters?" Clark asked taking a seat.
"I don't know but I'm glad she did," She said.
"So am I," Clark said.
She turned and looked at him, her brows furrowed together.
"There you go with that Kent charm," She said.
"I seem to only have it when it comes to you," He replied.
Her eyes grew wide as she looked at him in shock. Clark had just flirted and he had flirted with her. Clark's heart was pounding.
"I can't believe Nell is selling this place," She said moving on the subject, "It feels like everything I have of my parents is slowly slipping away."
"Sometimes letting go is the only way to move forward," He said remembering that advice she had given him.
"Guess you're right," She said after a moment, "Besides there's nothing I can do to stop it. How did you find me anyway?"
"Nell said you might be over here. I thought we could talk and I could maybe borrow your English notes?" He asked.
She laughed and took a seat next to him while reaching for her notes, "Never thought I'd see the day when you would ask to borrow my notes."
"I sort of face planted on my desk today," He explained.
She handed him the notes.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Depends on okay. My past couple of days have been off," He answered.
"You seem like you don't have the weight of the world on your shoulders," She said.
"Funny, cause its still there," He said.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"It's nothing to worry about. I can work it out," He said.
"Well I'm here for you," She said.
"Thanks. That means a lot to me," He said. She smiled.
The next day at school a commotion broke out in the school parking lot. Clark rushed outside with Pete, Chloe and Lana. They stared wide eyed as Eric was flipping cars like it was nothing. Clark rushed forward and grabbed Eric's shoulder.
"Don't do this. You could seriously hurt someone," He said trying to get Eric to cool down.
"Clark, you had the abilities to do whatever you want, have whoever you want. You lost your chance now it's mine. I'll crush whoever gets in my way," Eric said.
"Don't do this Eric. This isn't you!" Clark tried to convince him.
"You're not my father," Eric said punching Clark in his chest and sending him flying into the windshield of a truck.
His body crunched the glass and he flipped up and rolled over the top of the truck and landed roughly on the concrete. He blacked out from the pain.
Clark held his arm up as the doctor wrapped his ribs.
"I think you'll be okay here in a few weeks," The doctor went on.
Jonathan and Martha walked in.
"Is he going to be okay?" Jonathan asked.
Martha hugged Clark.
"He'll be fine. I just want to see him in a few weeks," The doctor answered.
"Will do. I'll go fill out the paperwork," Jonathan said.
Martha helped him get dressed and she followed him out.
"Will you be okay?" She asked.
"Don't worry mom. I'll get this straightened out," He answered with a smile.
Clark made his way to the Talon. He knew Lana would be there and he needed her necklace. He would need the Kryptonite to transfer his powers back. He walked in and saw her busy at the counter.
"I was walking by and saw the light on," He said announcing his presence.
She turned and he could see the concern in her eyes.
"Are you okay?" She asked as he walked up to the counter. "I called your house earlier but your mom said you were asleep. I was really scared."
He looked over to her, "I'm sorry." He hadn't called her back when his mom gave him the message.
"How do you think he got that strong over night?" She asked.
"This is Smallville. Weirder things have happened," He explained.
"True but still," She said. "Can you imagine waking up with powers?"
"It's scary sometimes," He whispered. She looked at him funny. "Just look at Eric, it hasn't helped him any."
"Still I wouldn't mind being able to fly," She said.
"Yea. Nothing like clouds beneath your knees," He said.
"What is it?" She asked noticing some under tone to his voice.
"This is going to sound crazy but can I borrow your necklace?" He asked.
"Aren't you allergic?" She asked.
"Yea but I could really use it," He went on.
"Sure," She said reaching up and unhooking it.
She handed it to him and he gently took it from her.
"I promise you that no matter what happens to me, you'll get this back," He swore.
"You're scaring me. What's going on?" She asked.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. With a small smile he turned and left the rundown movie theater. She watched him leave.
Clark watched Eric who stood on the ledge of the bridge.
"ERIC!" Clark called.
Eric looked down at him and then jumped. Clark calmly watched as Eric fell to the ground. He was by the electrical fence and Eric sped up to him.
"You should have just let me fall," Eric said.
"You should have listened to me instead of going power crazy," Clark responded.
"I don't need your help," He grabbed Clark by his jacket and tossed him into the electrical fence. Eric walked forward and picked up some of the sparking wires.
"Leave me alone or I'll make you," Eric threatened.
"What are you going to do? Kill me?" Clark asked. "You're not that type of person."
"You don't know what type of person I really am," Eric said.
He reached out to shock Clark but Clark grabbed his leg, necklace in his palm. The electricity flowed as Eric jabbed the wires into Clark's chest. The Kryptonite glowed and Clark got sick to his stomach. Eric fell to his knees and Clark slid Lana's necklace into the lead box Lex gave him. He immediately felt better. He had gotten his powers back.
Clark met back up with Lana outside of the Talon.
"Hey I was just locking up," She said when she saw him.
"I brought your necklace back," He said.
He handed her the lead box with her necklace inside.
"This is beautiful," She said admiring the craftsmanship.
"I thought it could help protect your memories. I don't want your necklace to hold you back," He explained.
"I guess the only way to move forward is to let go," She said quoting him from earlier.
She watched him for a moment. "You okay? You've got the weight of the world on your shoulders again." She said.
"I guess I do," He responded. "Can I walk you home?" He asked.
"Actually I'm meeting Whitney to help him out with his homework. He's really falling behind," She said.
"Sorry to hear that. If he needs anything I'm here to help," He offered.
"Thanks Clark, that's really kind of you," She said.
"It's no problem," He said.
"Well can I get a rain check on that walk?" She asked.
"Anytime," he said with a smile.
She smiled back and they parted ways.