A nice, long, chapter. Just for you. Enjoy!

Stars and Water

Chapter 17

Clark stood leaning against the wall of a building he had just sped through in search of Lex. His head was hanging, he was breathing hard and he held his eyes shut for a moment and prayed to God for help. "I can't do this alone," he prayed, "I can't find Lex and I can't find Maria." Exhausted physically and emotionally he decided to head home, check in with Chloe and rest for a few minutes before continuing his search.

Lex held the phone out towards Maria. "I put it on speaker phone; please tell your mother how you are enjoying your stay." He commanded.

Maria struggled upright and yelled loudly, "Mom, I'm okay! Tell Clark I'm…" Lex gestured for silence, pressed the button that took her off speaker and walked away while Maria continued to yell for her Mother and Kate begged to talk to her daughter.

"You may talk to her when you comply with my demands. I'll call back in four hours and I expect to hear of major progress in your endeavors." Lex flipped his phone shut with a snap and returned to Maria, She was panting to catch her breath after yelling and she glared at him.

"You could have at least let me hear her voice." she said, her own voice breaking. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back furiously, she didn't want to cry in front of Lex.

Lex stared at her, noticing her blackened eye, bloody lip and disheveled appearance for the first time. Something in him twisted and tried to cry out in pity. He beat the impulse down automatically. Pity and compassion were for the weak. He replaced the emotion with rage at the stupid employee who couldn't follow a simple instruction. He would be dealt with accordingly.

Lex stared at the flannel shirt she was wearing, that was very familiar. "So you were with Clark last night, interesting. I never would have expected him to move so quickly in a relationship." Lex sneered, so if you shared his bed then you must know his secret." The expression of horror that flitted across Maria's face before she schooled it to calm was enough for Lex. "Oh, now this is truly interesting. What a fortuitous development. We have much to discuss my dear Miss Desantis."

Maria lay down, turned her back on Lex and growled out between clenched teeth to hide their chatter. "We have nothing to discuss Mr. Luthor."

Matt and Scott came striding into the warehouse and confronted the guard at the door. "Let us in, we want to check on the prisoner." They exchanged a look of surprise when they heard that Lex was with her and settled into comfortable positions on the floor leaning against the wall. "We'll wait."

What they heard Lex say next to Maria sent them back to their feet and out the door in a hurry. If Lex was talking like that they had better do something quick or the girl would be dead soon.

Oliver called Kate and filled her in on his concern and the plan he had to help. She was a little doubtful at first but he assured her it would work. Kate made the call to her sister Nora so she wouldn't be alarmed when the boy disappeared. She was stunned to find the house in chaos and Nicky already gone.

Clark stopped at the Talon to check in with Chloe and she only shook her head sadly when he asked if she had any leads. "I'm sorry Clark. I can't find any sign of Lex or Maria." Chloe wrapped Clark in a hug and felt his tight muscles relax a little. "She'll be okay." said Chloe.

Nicky looked up into the face of the young man who held him. It was a nice face and Nicky, still being young enough to think that bad guys are always ugly, felt reassured. There was something about this person that reminded Nicky of Clark even though he was younger, and blond and much smaller. It was a look in the eye, the feeling of safety and protection he gave. Nicky rested his head on the man's chest and watched in amazement as the world went past in a flash.

Maria lay on the mattress and tried to conceal her terror, no longer afraid for herself but for Clark. She didn't want to imagine what Lex would do if he knew of Clark's true nature and she resolved to die before telling him a thing. As brave as she tried to be she couldn't hold back the shivering that betrayed her true feelings.

Lex watched her and seethed. What was it about Clark that inspired such loyalty in his friends? "If you don't tell me everything you know about Clark Kent I will literally send pieces of you back to your mother, starting with your big, brown doe eyes." He said in a chillingly calm voice. Lex's cell phone rang and he glanced at it. "I'm afraid I don't have any more time for personal pleasure at the moment but I will be back later and I look forward to a revealing conversation about our mutual friend Clark Kent."

"He's going to kill her. I swear to God. He's going to kill her no matter what." said Matt. He and Scott were standing outside the warehouse talking in hushed voices. "He could never say the things he's said to her and let her go. She could testify against him."

"He mentioned Clark Kent. Isn't that Senator Kent's boy, the one who used to come to the mansion all the time?" said Scott.

"The one who saved Luthor's life, more than once? Yes that's him. Lovely how quickly the gratitude wears off isn't it?" Matt scowled, "Look this is what we should do. We can't go to the police because we're accomplices but we can call Clark Kent and tell him what's going on and where she's being held. Maybe he can do something."

"Let's get out of here before Luthor sees us and go make the call. I don't know about you but I have a bad feeling about how much longer the girl has." said Scott in a hushed, urgent tone. Both men hurried away.

Clark jogged wearily home. He had never run so far, so fast, for so long in his life. He struggled to lift his heavy legs and walk up the last steps to his door. He could hear the phone ringing from the porch and he tried to hurry to answer it but they hung up just as he lifted the receiver. Clark fell onto the couch and sprawled out, too tired to even remove his shoes. He stared at the ceiling and his eyes filled with tears of frustration and worry. "Maria where are you." He murmured. And he fell asleep with a tear spilling down his cheek.

Maria lay on the mattress shaking for a while after Lex left. Then she rolled over and tried to get comfortable. She was so tired that she drifted into an uneasy sleep in spite of her fear.

Kate looked at the young man holding Nicky. He'd appeared suddenly in a whoosh of wind and now he was grinning broadly while holding an armful of wide eyed boy. He handed Nicky to her with care and said "Here's your little guy Ma'am, safe and sound."

Kate thanked him with tear-filled eyes. "What's your name young man?" She asked.

"Bart" he said, Bart Allen" and he threw her a devil may care grin "I've got to go, the boss wants me to report back right away." And he was gone.

Matt was frustrated "Doesn't anyone answer their land line anymore?" he groaned, hanging up after the fifteenth ring.

"Maybe he isn't home." said Scott, "Let's give it twenty minutes and try again."

Stan stormed back to the warehouse, clean and wearing fresh clothes but with the same filthy thoughts. The other guard at the door, Mitch, smirked at him and said "Welcome back lover boy. Mr. Luthor was here, he's not too pleased with you at the moment. Seems a certain idiot didn't just kiss the girl. You gave her a black eye."

Stan's face lost all color and his confident stance fled. "Mr. Luthor saw that? I didn't think he was going to actually come here."

"Face it Stan, you didn't think at all." Mitch looked away in disgust.

Stan leaned with his back to the wall and slid down slowly to sit next to Mitch on the floor. "It was her fault. She made me mad. She puked on me!" he argued.

"If you tell him that, he's going to want to know what you did to make her puke. Quite the ability Stan, making women throw up with one kiss. I'd keep the fact that you messed with her quiet if I was you, you're already in hot water. Now shut up, I'm trying to get some rest." And Mitch shut his eyes and tipped his head back against the wall. Stan sat there trying to come up with an excuse Mr. Luthor would buy.

Chloe stared at her computer screen. She'd found Lex. He was at a business meeting in Metropolis, or at least he was supposed to be there. She picked up the phone to call Clark.

"Miss Sullivan" her editor's angry voice called from across the room. "If you wouldn't mind I'd like a word with you about your latest story that is NOT on my desk as we speak."

"I just need to make a phone call and I'll be right there okay?" pleaded Chloe.

"It is most certainly not okay. I want you in my office, now." And the editor stood waiting for her, tapping her foot impatiently.

Chloe reluctantly put down the phone and followed her editor from the room.

Clark was dragged up from a strange dream where a bell was ringing in a tower to find that the sound was actually the phone in the kitchen. He lunged off the couch and rushed to grab it. This time he got there before the person hung up. "Hello? Yes, this is the Kent residence. Yes, I'm Clark. You what?" Clark had to hang onto the counter as a rush of emotions flooded him, relief, rage, fear, hope, all warring within him at the same time. "Where is she? Is she okay? Oh God…" Clark lost the power to speak for a moment. "Of course I'm going to do something about it." And he hung up. Clark stood tall as energy surged through him, finally he could do something to help Maria. He disappeared in a burst of speed.

Stan got up and unlocked the door to Maria's room. Mitch was sound asleep as he crept past him.

Maria was twitching in her sleep, a whimper escaping her lips as she strained against the tape holding her. She awoke and jerked away as she saw Stan leaning over her with a wild look in his eyes.

"It's all your fault." He snarled. "I'm in trouble with Mr. Luthor and it's all your fault. Well if I'm gonna pay for messing with you then I'm gonna really finish the job." He raised his fist to strike her again and Maria curled up as small as she could.

"Leave her alone." A familiar voice called out.

Stan turned and grabbed his gun from its holster. A young man was standing there, completely unarmed and yet menacing in the way he looked at Stan. A shiver ran up Stan's spine and he fired at him, emptying his clip into the man's chest as the terrifying man continued his approach. Suddenly Stan found himself flying through the air. He crashed into a crate and fell to the floor in a heap.

Maria struggled to sit up at the sound of Clark's voice. When she saw Stan fire on him she couldn't suppress a scream even though she knew the bullets wouldn't hurt him. She watched as Clark tossed Stan aside and came to her. Gentle hands ripped the tape away. Then she was held in a loving embrace and sobs wracked her body as all the terror of the last hours poured out of her.

Clark held her, stroking her back gently as she cried. "It's okay Maria; it's all going to be okay. You're safe now sweetheart. It's okay…" he repeated over and over as she slowly calmed down and returned his hug with a tight grip.

"I knew you'd come." sobbed Maria, "I was scared but I knew you'd find me somehow."

Clark held her away from him a little and looked at her face; gently brushing his hand across the bruises with such a light touch she barely felt it. "I'm so sorry you were hurt Maria," He said, "I should have been with you, protected you. If I hadn't left you alone none of this would have happened."

She looked into his eyes "I'm all right Clark. This wasn't your fault. Lex kidnapped me, and I think the guy who hit me is going to have more bruises than I do when he wakes up." She couldn't restrain a satisfied smile as she looked over at Stan.

Clark followed her eyes to the man lying in a pile of splintered crates on the floor. "You mean he…" Maria felt Clark gather himself for an attack and interrupted. "Clark, can we go now? I want to get out of this place." and she shivered.

Clark scooped her into his arms and stood up. He looked into her face and smiled. "Ready?"

She smiled back and held on tight, snuggling her face into his chest to shield herself from the blast of wind to come. "I'm ready Clark, let's go."

Stan slowly raised his head and peered over to the mattress where Maria had been. He gulped in horror to see that it was empty. Climbing painfully to his feet while hugging his aching ribs he staggered out to find Mitch lying unconscious by the door. Mr. Luthor was going to kill them, he thought. Well Stan decided not to be around for that, and avoiding Mitch he hurried to his car. Once inside, he floored the gas pedal and roared away blowing through two red lights and nearly wiping out a homeless man on the street corner in his hurry. He cursed as he saw the red and blue flashing lights in his rearview mirror. Apparently Metropolis police don't like it when you drive recklessly. They were going to like his stash of cocaine in the glove box even less.

Maria felt Clark slow to a stop and raised her head to look. They were on the porch of the Kent Farm and she took a deep breath of the hay sweet air. The profound silence and peace that surrounded this place entered her soul.

Clark managed to open the door while still holding her, he wasn't ready to let go and she made no effort to get down. Instead she held on tighter until he carried her to the couch and sat down with her in his lap with her head still tucked into his chest. Clark turned and swung his feet up so he could stretch out. Maria draped herself across him and he continued to hold her tight in his arms.

"We need to call your Mom" said Clark, Maria agreed, she desperately wanted to talk to her Mother. "and Chloe, and Oliver." He continued, and she nodded into his chest. He shifted so he could get to his cell phone. Calling Kate first he handed the phone to Maria.

"Mom? Mommy, it's okay. I'm okay, don't cry Mom. Clark saved me and we're safe at the Kent farm. No, I promise I won't go home for anything. Okay Mom. I love you too. I'll see you in the morning." She handed Clark the phone while wiping away her tears, "She wants to talk to you."

Clark gingerly took the receiver. "Yes ma'am, thank you Dr.Desantis. Yes, I'll take good care of her; she'll be safe here tonight. Yes ma'am, first thing in the morning. Thank you, God bless you too ma'am." Clark blushed, "Goodnight Dr. Desantis." Clark smiled at Maria, "I think your Mom likes me." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

Maria rested her head on his chest. "She wants me to stay with you tonight to be safe. I hope that's okay."

"Well, I suppose I could handle having you here tonight." Said Clark in a teasing tone that said it was a hardship but he would suffer though it.

After calling Chloe and Oliver Clark snapped the phone shut and let it drop next to the couch. Maria was nearly asleep on top of him but when he moved she mumbled, "I feel dirty and I need a shower but I'm too tired to get up."

Clark gently stroked her back, "Why don't you rest here and I'll draw you a bath. It'll only take a minute." He eased himself off the couch, sliding her onto the cushions as he went. Her eyes fluttered but never fully opened and she lay limp and exhausted where he put her.

When Clark came back he found her sound asleep. He sat next to her on the couch and studied her as she slept. Maria's face was pale and drawn in pain, the bruise on her cheek had darkened and one eye was swollen nearly shut. Her mouth was cut and puffy and there was blood on her lips and dried blood on her chin. She was still wearing his shirt and it gave him an odd feeling, as though wearing his clothes had made her more a part of him.

Rage at Lex washed over him as he pictured Maria's ordeal. You will not get away with this one Lex, thought Clark, this time you will pay for your crimes. Maria stirred and opened her eyes sleepily and all thought of Lex fled his mind as she reached for him.

Maria was so exhausted that Clark carried her to her bath and helped gently ease the clothes off her stiff and battered body. She clung to him as she stepped into the tub, and then groaned as the warm water wrapped her body in comfort when she slid down into it. Clark had added some of Martha's vanilla bubble bath and the scent filled the room and washed away the last of Maria's tension. Clark left her there in privacy to soak and probably, he thought, to sleep, and went upstairs to take his own shower and change. He found a flannel nightgown that he thought would fit Maria in his Mom's closet and brought it to her.

After her bath Maria's muscles had gone to liquid and she barely found the strength to pull herself upright in the tub. Noticing this, Clark supported her as she got out, helped her dry off, and then let her cling to him as she tried to keep her balance while slipping on the nightgown. Just this small effort left her breathless and he once again scooped her up and carried her, this time to his bed.

Maria breathed in the smell of Clark, damp and smelling of soap and shampoo. She felt him lay her lightly on the flannel sheets of his bed and the dip of the mattress as he climbed in next to her. A feeling of safety and warmth flooded her as she felt him tuck his heavy quilt around her and drape his arm protectively across her body, pulling her close. Maria wanted to give voice to the gratitude and love she was feeling but all that came out was a sigh as she fell into a peaceful sleep. Clark kissed her shoulder tenderly and relaxed into his own exhausted sleep. He would deal with Lex tomorrow.

To be continued

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