Searching
The summer was mid way through and Metropolis was packed full with partiers and teenagers. The night life was buzzing. He had no wish to join the crowd as they waited in lines to get into the hottest clubs. He had no desire for the fancy sports cars he could get and the babes that came with them. Even if he was Kal, Lana was still the only woman for him. No one else caught his eye.
He patrolled the streets keeping his ears and eyes open. He was searching for answers and after nearly two months he still hadn't found any. Someone had shot him, someone had brought him to the past, and that very someone had wanted him to live out the moments the same. Meaning he had to come to Metropolis. He didn't have to but someone wanted him to and at the time he'd been sure that when he left he would have gotten his answers.
Despite wanting answers he did want to party and a few nights he had. He didn't stop himself from renting out a fancy apartment or fixing the bike up to brand new. So what if he stole the money? He would be Superman one day and repay the town with his good deeds. But for now he was living life and doing what he wanted.
He headed into the club that he always visited. He was a regular over the past two months. He always came in alone and he always left alone. No one questioned his age or his single status. He'd kept up conversations with the bartender but he was a simple source who was listening for him when he wasn't around.
He'd heard of a man, middle aged with slicked-back, black hair. This guy had given a few people the creeps and it had sparked interest in the bartender. Word was he was a rich man having the advantage on many bets. Mostly dealing with races and games. No one would do a single bet with him cause they would surely lose. The guy always knew what was going to happen. And to Kal that sounded like a guy who had future knowledge.
So he would come back to the club hoping the man might have shown up recently or was actually there that night. Since word had reached him he hadn't heard anything else. It was like the man knew he left the bread crumbs and was playing with him from the shadows. It was really pissing him off.
"Solo again tonight, Kal?" The bartender asked.
"Easier to focus on what I want," He answered tossing down a hundred. The bartender shook his head and took the cash.
"Still nothing new. But I did hear that a certain crime boss was looking for him too. You might be able to strike a deal. His names Edge," The bartender updated him.
"How will I find this guy?" He asked.
"Just get your image out there. Make yourself a man he'll want to meet," The bartender answered.
He nodded and turned back to the crowd. Someone else was looking for his prey. Hopefully they could help but first he needed to get himself known.
He moved from the bar and dance floor and back outside. With no new information he was just going to call it a night. After a half hour walk he rode the elevator up to his apartment. Once inside he locked the door and threw his keys down on the table. He ran his hand through his hair and headed for the bedroom. Before he could kick his shoes off his chest began to burn. His mark was heating up and the pain made him drop to his knees.
He doubled over and ripped open his shirt. His mark was glowing a bright red and the pain would not ease. He knew the source and it was the red kryptonite bullet that still protruded from his chest. The skin had healed around it and only a small scar remained on his back where the bullet entered. He withered on the floor for almost an hour before the pain grew so intense that he eventually passed out.
The next morning he rode around town on his bike. After about two hours of nothing he noticed a bank being robbed. He smiled at his opportunity to shine. From a back pocket he pulled on a toboggan and ripped a hole for his eyes and mouth. He sped the bike up and crashed it through the window. As he slid to a halt he ran a guy over who flipped over the back end of his bike and landed unconscious.
He kicked out the stand and propped the bike up. When he swung over his leg and smiled to one of the clown robbers. His leader called out to just shoot him which the lackey did. He slipped into super speed and caught all of the bullets before speeding around behind the guy.
"You should stick to balloon animals," He said dropping the crushed bullets.
He heard the guy curse before he tossed him back into the wall. The other clown turned and rained bullets down on him. He simply took the hit and walked forward. The guy dropped his gun and held his hands up in surrender. He chuckled before punching the guy in the chest and sending him through the counter.
He turned and got back on his bike. He didn't grab the cash like he did last time. He had no need for it. His job was done. He'd taken out a group of bank robbers who had machine guns and he drove off without a scratch on him. Word would get around and someone would get in touch with him. He was sure of it. So he did just as he planned. He revved the bike and sped off, leaving the bank to the cops who were pulling up when he rounded the corner.
(Back in Smallville)
Lana bustled around the Talon doing her best to keep the customers happy. With Lex still on his honeymoon she was having to make ends meet on her own. She didn't mind it one bit, it just meant she had no free time. What free time she did have was spent helping the Kent's find Clark.
She was worried about him. He'd been gone for two months. For all she knew he could be dead considering he'd been shot before he'd left. And the Kent's couldn't immediately follow him since their truck had been blown up. Everyone had been lucky to not get hurt but Lana could only wonder if the entire incident had been connected to the crater found on the Kent farm. Jonathan and Martha hadn't been forth coming with information.
Then there had been the ordeal with Chloe. Clark hadn't the chance to talk to her but she had already known about them being together. She had seen her and Clark kissing in the loft. Chloe had hunted Clark down to talk to him but found an empty farm with a destroyed cellar. Chloe didn't have answers either ands she wasn't on the searching for Clark train. So when Chloe walked into the Talon Lana did not want to deal with her drama.
"Hey. I haven't seen you around. I almost believed we don't live together anymore," Chloe said walking up to her.
"Sorry, I've been really busy," Lana said carrying a tray over to a customer and handing them their coffee.
"I know the feeling. I've been busy at the Daily Planet," Chloe said following her as she cleaned up some empty cups and carried them back to the counter to be washed. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me for a girls day out. We could hit some major shops and that new restaurant. Figured we could go this weekend."
"Sorry. I'm helping the Kent's and then staying with Nell in Metropolis for a few days. I feel bad that I haven't done more to help find him," She explained moving behind the counter to continue with her busy work.
"Look, Clark doesn't want to be found. You're wasting your time," Chloe said.
Little did Lana know, Chloe knew where Clark was. She just wasn't forthcoming with his whereabouts.
"I don't believe that. The right person just hasn't found him yet. Now if you'll excuse me," Lana said moving away from the counter to help some new customers. She watched as Chloe stormed out.
He was sleeping peacefully in his silk sheets when he heard footsteps. Next thing he knew the bed was being shot up. He waited till the bullets stopped and the feathers from his ruined pillows began to rain down before he pulled himself out of bed. The two men standing at the edge looked shocked as he stood and walked over.
"I was having a good dream," He said grabbing them by their jackets and tossing them across the room.
They landed roughly with shattered glass around them from the cabinet he'd tossed them into.
"Who sent you?" He asked.
"I did," A man said from his living room.
He looked over towards that direction and smiled toward Morgan Edge. The man he was assuming he needed to find to help him with his current agenda. He moved forward and Edge held his hand out. He didn't take it. Instead he moved towards the dresser and pulled out a shirt.
"That's a hell of a scar. How'd you get it?" Edge asked as he pulled on his shirt and buttoned it up.
"My dad's a real bastard. What do you want?" He asked taking a seat.
"I hear you and I are looking for the same person. After seeing bullets bounce off of you for myself. I think we can work together to meet our goals," Edge said seating himself.
"How can you help me? It seems nether of us have gotten anywhere," He stated.
"True. But I believe that someone may hold the answers. Someone you know and wouldn't mind breaking into their vault," Edge said with a smirk.
"I assume your talking about Lionel Luthor. What information would he have?" He asked.
"Apparently he has a vial that holds many answers. I know that the person we're looking for wants that blood. If we get our hands on it we get him," Edge said.
He was pretty sure Edge was talking about his blood. If this man wanted it why didn't he just come to the source?
"So this vial will lead him to us?" He asked.
"That, and I'm looking for the answers inside that vial as well. Besides, who would miss an opportunity to screw over Lionel?" Edge asked with a chuckle.
"I'll think about it," He said folding his hands together.
Edge wanted his blood too. But how had Lionel gotten a hold of it in the first place. Truth was he needed to get it back or risk having his secret exposed before he wished it to. Either way the refresher of his memories was good. Now he just had to lose Edge and go after it himself. Whether or not it got him what he was searching for.
"I fly solo. Find someone else," He said before nodding to the door, signaling that this meeting was over.
"You know where to find me if you change your mind," Edge said before standing and motioning for his men to get off their asses and follow him out.
He watched as they left and closed the door behind them. He was getting closer to his answers but so were other people. Things were getting risky and he needed to take care of business.
He left his apartment to make his way out on the town. One he had to buy a new bed considering his had been shot up and two he needed to find out if Lex was back. He super sped to Smallville and found the manor still empty. Lex must really be enjoying his honeymoon. Helen was a good woman who kept his secret and helped him when his family had no one else to help.
He was tempted to stop by the farm and the Talon but he needed to get back to Metropolis and plan his hit on Luthorcorp. In a moment of weakness he did stop by the farm. He stood up in his loft and looked through the boxes there. The Kent farm was being auctioned off because his parents couldn't afford it anymore. He hadn't been around to help with the chores. For a second he felt bad but that second passed. He would simply send enough money to help them get their finances in order. He'd return when he got everything settled and the monster behind his situation found.
As he turned to leave he heard Martha and Jonathan talking. They were talking about him and their baby. Jonathan was hoping that he would be a better father to the little one. And that their new child wouldn't run away some day. Martha explained that Clark was really a grown man and was trying to take care of business. They could only hope he returned soon.
He couldn't listen anymore. He turned and super sped back to Metropolis. As he rode his elevator back up to his apartment he figured his bed would have been delivered by now. He'd spent too long in Smallville. Time had been wasted. As the doors opened he looked up to see Chloe standing at his door.
"Clark, good, I need to talk to you," She said rushing over to him.
"I told you to never come back here," He said storming forward.
He couldn't risk anyone knowing where he was cause the trail might grow cold if whoever knew he was so close. Not to mention his family and girlfriend might come after him and try to get him to come back without his answers. He just couldn't risk it.
"I know," She started.
"Dose anyone else know I'm here?" He asked moving to unlock his door.
"No one. Your secret's safe with me but we need to talk," She said looking up at him worried.
He turned and let her in. The bed was laying against the outside wall so he moved to pull it in as well. Once everything and everyone was safely inside his apartment he closed the door.
"So what's so important that you break a promise and come back here?" He asked rolling his sleeves up.
"I kept your secret cause you asked me too. But things are getting heated up. Lana is worried sick and so are your parents. You came to Metropolis and became a completely different person. You have all this stuff that I can't figure out how you came to afford it. Then you have this mission you're on but no one can help you with it cause its top secret. Another secret Clark Kent has," Chloe said looking around his apartment and then back at him.
"I'm thankful you've kept my secret. But this is important. Hopefully I'll have my answers soon and I'll come home. But I need more time," He said trying to not be rude. She was hinting at too many questions he refused to answer.
"I can't keep your secret much longer. I won't," She said. He heard her warning and it pissed him off.
"Then I suggest you leave and do your best," He said.
She could hear the anger in his voice. Something he didn't hide anymore and he knew it frightened her. She backed up to the door and reached for the handle.
"Be careful Clark. I don't know what kind of trouble you're in but you should know that your family and friends are still here for you no matter how selfish you're being," She said.
When he moved towards her she darted out the door and dashed to the elevator. She knew she was taking a risk with those words. But right now he didn't have the patience for it. He slammed the door closed and went back to his bedroom to clean everything up. It was almost time for him to break into Luthorcorp.
(Back in Smallville)
Lana came down the stairs after checking on the apartment for the Kents. She had a stack of flyers in her hands. She was just about to head to Metropolis and try and find Clark. Hopefully she would have some luck. When she saw Chloe she sighed and walked around the counter to grab her bag.
"Hey Lana. Look I'm sorry about yesterday," Chloe apologized.
"It's okay. We're all dealing with Clark in our own way," She said getting what she needed.
"I know but Clark was my best friend. I hate to think that he left with us still on bad terms," Chloe said rubbing her forehead.
"You butted into his past when he asked you not to. I can understand him being so upset with you," She said taking Clark's side. After two months she was still the loyal and loving girlfriend. Speaking of, "I've got these flyers I'm going to hang up around Metropolis. Hopefully I'll have some luck and when he comes home you two can work it out. Besides I blew it once with Clark. Hopefully finding him will make up for it."
"Blew it? How?" Chloe asked.
"When he was leaving he asked me to come with. I can't help thinking that if I had gone I could have convinced him to come home," She answered.
"Lana, you can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved," Chloe said.
"I love him," It was all she had to say.
She did love Clark and she knew he loved her too. If anyone was going to find him and bring him home it was going to be her.
"Okay. Then let me help," Chloe said after a second of thinking.
"I can handle posting some flyers," She said.
"You won't need to. I know where he is," Chloe said. It took a second for what she said to register and as soon as it did Lana snapped.
"YOU KNEW ALL ALONG WHERE HE'S BEEN AND YOU HAVEN'T TOLD ANYONE?" She yelled at the top of her voice.
She was enraged and the customers next to her jumped and then moved. After a second the Talon began to clear out. No one wanted to see the blonde get her ass kicked.
"I didn't have choice. He said if anyone else found out, he'd run away to someplace where nobody can find him. But then again I shouldn't believe that cause he's in Metropolis looking for someone and he won't leave until he finds him," Chloe said.
"I can't believe you've told me to give up on him," Lana said completely hurt by her best friends actions. It was safe to say them being friends wouldn't remain that way for long.
"He's not acting like himself. He's on this crazy mission and he's got so much anger built up in him that he just snaps. It could be dangerous," Chloe said.
"Give me the address," Lana demanded not wanting to hear anymore.
"Well, I'll take you," Chloe said.
"No, I think you've done enough already," Lana snapped back.
Chloe was hurt but not as hurt as Lana was. Chloe wrote down the address and Lana didn't even say thank you as she rushed out of the Talon to get a ride from Pete.
He was riding back on his bike after scooping out Luthorcorp. He figured he'd just fly up to the roof and cut a way through with his heat vision. It was the only direct way to Lionel's office without bypassing security. He was coming back to his apartment to change into all black attire so he would be harder to see on camera in case he missed one.
When he pulled his bike up and turned it off he noticed someone waiting up by his door. He swung himself off and took the keys. The person wasn't blonde so it wasn't Chloe. He figured she finally got the hint. But that persons backside was familiar. The way her hips curved and her hair fell over her shoulders. He moved to the elevator and rode it up to his floor his heart beating rapidly. He knew who was waiting for him and a part of him wished it wasn't her. He couldn't push her away but he didn't need her here, at this moment.
The doors opened as she looked over to him. Her eyes were wide and she was about to cry. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her back. It felt great to have her in his arms again. To smell her hair and feel her breath against his skin. How he could live two months without this was beyond him. Hell, it was simple. He hadn't been living.
"Clark, I've been so worried about you," She said into his chest. Her arms tightened against him.
"Come on inside and we'll talk. It's not safe out here," He said reaching over to the door and unlocking it. Reluctantly she pulled away and followed him inside. She was amazed by his apartment. He was surrounded by extremely nice stuff.
"How could you afford all of this?" She asked.
"It doesn't matter. How did you find me?" He asked moving to his dresser and pulling out the clothes he would need. Lana would just have to wait here while he went and took care of business.
"Chloe told me," She answered.
"Way to keep a secret," He said sarcastically. She watched as he rummaged around and then kicked off his boots.
"Where are you going?" She asked noticing he was getting a set of clothes out.
"I have business to take care of tonight. It's important. You can wait here till I get back," He said unbuckling his belt.
"What's so important that you left Smallville and haven't been back in two months?" She asked stepping forward.
"Someone shot me. I'm hunting that person down," He answered.
"Why don't you let the cops handle that?" She asked stepping closer to him.
She was looking up into his eyes and he looked down into hers. He missed looking into her eyes and seeing the love she held for him.
"This is personal. One day I'll explain but right now there is too much going on. Telling you would only put you in more danger. Just telling you about my speed was risky enough. I can't lose you," He said. The emotions he was feeling was causing his chest to burn.
"And you think that by running away and leaving me behind with no idea if you were alive and okay or dead somewhere wasn't hurting me?" She asked.
He could see the tears about to spill from her beautiful eyes. Knowing he was the cause made his heart ache and his chest burn. He doubled over and gripped at his mark. The pain was enough to have him fall to his knees. Lana panicked and fell to his side.
"Clark! What's wrong?" She asked reaching for his shoulders but trying not to hurt him any worse than he was.
He gripped his shirt and ripped it apart. His scar was glowing intensely and he fell over. Lana gasped and her eyes widened.
"God, Clark, what happened?" She asked.
She reached out and noticed a small red rock type bullet sticking out from his chest. The veins around it were bright red and extending to his scar. All she could think to do was remove it. She reached for her purse and pulled out some tweezers.
"This is going to hurt but hold on," She said.
Sweat covered his forehead and he just nodded. Normally the pain would ease by now but it hadn't. He fell back and his head rolled to the side. He watched as she reached forward and grabbed onto the red kryptonite bullet still stuck in his skin. After a few tugs the bullet came free and she tossed it to the side. Immediately he felt the rush leave him. She tossed her tweezers aside and reached out towards his chest. The mark had stopped glowing and his veins returned to normal.
"Are you okay?" She asked reaching up and rubbing his cheeks.
"I am now," He answered taking deep breaths.
The pain was easing and his thoughts were clearing. Suddenly he didn't have the urge to go and find answers. All he wanted to do was hold Lana in his arms and never let her go. He had a lot to explain but he would and was going to be as honest as he could. He couldn't lose her. Not now that he knew someone was after him and Lionel was involved. He had to keep her close, not just to protect her but because he wanted her no where but his side.
"I'm so sorry," He said pulling her into his chest and holding on to her for dear life. She took handfuls of his shirt and held him tight.
"I'm glad you're okay and that I found you. But I need to know what's going on," She said crying into his chest.
He kissed the top of her head, "I know and I'll explain. Just let me get up off the floor."
She nodded and got off of him before helping him up to sit on the bed. She sat next to him and waited for him to explain.
"Someone shot me with a red meteor rock bullet. That person knew what it would do to me. I'm allergic to all kinds of meteor rock. The green can kill me. It attacks me physically, making it harder to breath and draining all of my strength. Red meteor rock affects me mentally. It's hard to explain but it basically makes me act out of character. Like I have no regards for the consequences and I'll do what I want. There are other types such as silver and black, gold and orange. Each have a different affect on me," He started to explain.
"Have I ever seen you on red meteor rock before?" She asked.
"Yes. Remember when I showed up to school wearing black leather and on my dad's bike?" He asked. She nodded so he continued, "The class rings had red meteor rock instead of the ruby. I put the ring on and it affected me. So I acted like a total jerk to you."
He recalled how differently that day had been but how equally horrible it had turned out.
"I understand now. But who would want to shoot you? Did they have something to do with the crater on your farm and your dad's truck exploding?" She asked.
"No. I think the explosion was a distraction so I couldn't dodge the bullet. That person knows my weakness and I have to find them. Once the rock took its hold on me I knew I had to come to Metropolis to find the answers. I can't explain how I knew though," He said.
"It's okay. You're being honest about this and it's a lot to process. I don't think I could take anymore information overload," She said turning to look him in the eyes.
She wasn't freaked out and she wasn't running out the door. All in all, the situation was turning out better than he thought. She reached out and touched his chest where the scar was burned into his skin.
"Can you tell me how you got this?" She asked.
She touched him so gently that he almost didn't feel it. She was being careful not to hurt him.
"My biological father. It's linked to the crater on the farm. I can't go into to much detail just yet," He answered.
She moved her hand from his chest to his cheek. He leaned into her touch and smiled softly. He wished this moment wouldn't end. He opened his eyes and saw her watching him.
"Clark, I love you. I just want you to come home," She pleaded.
He could hear something in her voice. It sounded like her heart would break if he declined. He couldn't say no. He wanted nothing more than to go home with her. Lionel could wait, his answers could wait. Everything would be revealed to him in due time. His place was in Smallville helping his family and taking Lana out on a date. Whoever was after him would be back once they knew he was back to living his life. No villain could stay in the shadows forever. He knew that very well.
"I love you, Lana. If I'm going home to a life with you, I couldn't refuse," He said.
"I never gave up on you. I'm not leaving you now," She said.
He smiled softly and leaned down and kissed her. Softly at first but after so much time apart they had longed for this. To be in each others arms, tasting their dueling tongues. He pulled her into his chest and held her tight. Her hands snaked up his back and buried into his thick hair. She moaned against him and he continued to attack her lips feverishly.
Finally they had to pull away for air. He opened his eyes to see that her lips were swollen and her eyes still closed. She was having trouble catching her breath so he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and pulled her into a hug. They stayed that way for almost an hour before she finally got him to get off his butt so they could go home.
He pulled on a fresh shirt and put his boots back on. She followed him as he grabbed what was important and headed down to his bike. On the way out of town he made a quick stop but didn't tell her what he was doing. Just said it was important before he went home. She waited by his bike and he returned not even five minutes later.
He had broken into Lionel's vault and took the vial that held his blood. It wasn't safe here in Metropolis and Lionel wasn't a man to be trusted. He would always remember that. History would only prove that fact over and over. The small vial was in his inside jacket pocket.
Lana wrapped her arms around him and he revved the bike. She held on tight, careful not to squeeze the area he was branded. The entire ride home was amazing. She was pressed firmly against his back and he could feel every inch through his jacket. She was his girl and he was damn lucky. Nothing would get him to screw this up. Not this time.
It wasn't too long before he was pulling up into the farms driveway. He pulled the bike to a stop and turned it off. He helped Lana off and he looked down at his hands nervously.
"It'll be okay. Your parents love you. They will be so happy you're back home." She said.
"I know but I can't even imagine the yelling I'm going to get for just taking off like I did. Stay with me?" He asked.
"I refuse to leave your side," She said with a smile.
He smiled back and took her hand in his. They walked into the house through the kitchen. Martha looked up from her seat at the kitchen table.
"Clark?" She called out when she saw him standing there.
"Mom," He said softly.
Jonathan came rushing in from the living room.
"Dad," He added.
"Clark," Jonathan said relief filled his voice. Both his parents rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"Clark, honey you're home. We've been so worried," Martha said clutching onto him for dear life.
Lana stood back and watched. When they finally released him they enveloped Lana in the same hug.
"Where did you find him?" Jonathan asked finally letting Lana go. She had to admit, they always made her feel like part of the family.
"I've been in Metropolis. I was looking for someone," He said.
"You couldn't just tell us? We've been worried sick," Jonathan asked.
"I was shot with red kry…meteor rock. I didn't stop to think about your feelings," He said.
He hoped Lana didn't catch his slip but from her look he was sure she did. He would just explain later. Right now his parents were hugging him again. Nothing could have made them happier than that moment. He was home. That was all that mattered. They all knew that.