Disclaimer: I do not own Smallville or any of these characters

AN: Update! Yay.. Sorry it took so long. It took me a while to write. But enjoy and always thanks for the Reviews and reading.

Chapter 13:Into the Fire

"Chloe, I know you're mad at me right now. But I really need your help cuz! This is my fifth phone call. Smallville isn't answering, Mrs. K is in the capital, and you know I can't call the General. Please when you get this, come bail your favorite cuz out. " Lois said into the payphone and hung it up.

Chloe was her last hope, there was no one left to come and bail her out. It was already morning, she had spent a sobering night in jail. Her crime wasn't all that bad. It wasn't like she hadn't been in the big house before, but this time she had a perfectly good reason.

That doctor was being unreasonably rude to Lana. After everything the poor girl had gone through. Losing a child or feeling both emotionally and physically like you lost one was no small thing. It surely hurt both body and soul. Lois sighed in frustration what in the world was going on with Lana, or anyone else in this crazy town and where the hell was Clark or her cousin?

The scent was foul as Chloe opened her eyes to a darkened room. There was a dripping sound in the background like a faucet that needed turned off. She tried to take in her surroundings the place looked shabbier than she had ever seen it. The Talon apartment was in shambles. How had she gotten here? The last thing she remembered, nothing, it hurt to try and remember.

This didn't make any sense, Chloe had just been here yesterday. She turned around looking everywhere examining every untidy detail of the old space. There were newspaper clippings plastered to every available wall service. Chloe read a few of the headlines, most of them were about the meteor infected like those on her wall of weird. But then she found it. The headline read 'Farm Boy More Superman than human' she read a few lines only to realize one of her worst fears had come true. The article was all about Clark and his alien origins.

"How the hell did that happen?" Chloe said out loud to no one and heard a disembodied voice coming from behind her.

"You thought you could run away, but you were wrong Chloe. You couldn't keep your loose lips shut forever. You betrayed him," The words were coming out of thin air no body for them to come from, but the strange thing was. It was Chloe's own voice accusing her of betraying her best friend. "You told the whole world his secret. "

"No I didn't I would never…" It was then she looked at the author of said article, it was her. But she would never do that she was loyal to those she loved. Chloe tried to reason with herself of her worth, but then she heard a faint whimper from the other side of the apartment.

Whipping her head around to where she was just standing, Chloe saw it. It was old that much she could tell, but why was it in the apartment. Chloe heard the whimper again and made her way over to the old style baby cradle taking in the sight of it. The Queen crest was carved on the headboard, and as her gaze fell to the green blanket she pulled the soft fabric back.

What she expected to see she didn't know, something scary maybe? But the only thing in the crib was the most beautiful green eyed blond baby Chloe had ever seen. The little bundle of joy started to cry screaming and crying like only a baby could. With reflexes faster than those of even Clark Kent, Chloe picked up the child and shushed the poor creature trying to calm it.

Chloe was surprised at herself she was not the baby type, but for some reason she felt an unfathomable worry for this child. She cradled the infant for a moment bouncing her hip in an effort to comfort him or her. Green was really a neutral color, but why green and where was the baby's parents? It was at that moment Chloe really took in the features of the child and she almost gasped suddenly remembering.

"Looks just like her father doesn't she?" That voice, what was that snake doing here? They had already taken care of him for the time being.

"Get out of my apartment you monster." Chloe instinctively held her child closer to herself, no one was going to hurt the baby.

"To bad for her, he isn't within a thousand miles of this town or the continent. Really did a number on him didn't you Chloe?" He knew who the father was, how did he know? How did he get in here? Where was here or when? With her mind racing Chloe did the first thing she thought of, she ran. Lex's very presence was all the reason she needed, after last night.

That was right last night that was when she put her plan in action. She saved Bart, got herself captured, went through the whole torture bit and didn't find anything about her mother. Those idiots ruined everything. It was a dream it had to be, the hall only got longer as Chloe tried to run, still hearing Lex coming after here.

"You can run, but you can't hide. I will always find you I will never stop coming after…" The loud threat faded into the background and the scenery changed from a dark corridor to an open field on a summer day in a moment.

Chloe looked around thinking that this place was so familiar, but she didn't remember ever being in a place like this. She had been in many large open fields, Smallville was not in short supply of them, but this one. Where was this place? Why the change from dark to light, so quickly what was her mind doing to her?

"She's quite a cutie, Chloe. What are you going to name her?" That caring tone the way the words comforted her, it couldn't be. But Chloe's doubts were put to rest as she climbed a small hill in the middle of the field towards a figure in a sundress flying a kite.

"I don't know yet, but shes going to be a Queen...Mom is that really you?" she trembled at the realization that it was her mother, and then doubt set in as the older woman hugged her careful not to squeeze the baby. "It is you,but not you. This is all just a dream. Even you little one."

"The rest of it is honey, but I'm really here and I can help you. And before you ask, just go with it for the few moments that's all we have." Was she telling the truth, could this mental image of her mother really be from the outside of her mind, and if so how? Chloe had so many questions for her mother, but now was not the time for those.

"A few moments, are you okay mom? Where are you? I have resources, powerful friends tell me where you are and I'll come get you. We can be together again a family and that monster will never touch you again." Chloe tried to get as much as she could out in as little time as she could. If this was really some real version of her mother then Chloe could find out where she was and save her.

"You've grown so much, and I'm so proud of you." Moira's hands were on Chloe's shoulders and she put a hand on her daughter's cheek in a motherly gesture. "I don't know where I am it's so dark and damp, there's a constant sound of rushing water."

"Cold damp rushing water? Sounds like some water treatment plant there's one over on…" There was a loud explosion coming from out of nowhere causing dirt to fly everywhere and the earth to shake. Chloe looked down to the bundle in her arms, the baby was gone and she could feel her mother's presence fading. "No mom, I can't lose you now"

"You never lost me, I have always been with you… save me Chloe,you're the only one that can." Their hands grasp for each other only to fall just out of reach.

Tears formed in her eyes and she shut them not wanting to see the world around her anymore, but they shot open at the feel of a warm substance on her hands. Blood, there was blood everywhere, groans of pain accompanied the unpleasant sensation and smell.

"Chloe...I love you..." The Green Arrow groaned using his last breathe to confess his feelings, but it wasn't real none of this could be real.

"Oliver, no I won't let it end like this. There's more to your story, you can't die not because of me. " Where was this coming from there was no way to know how he got shot, but for some reason Chloe felt like she was at fault.

"If it's any consolation he died a hero's death though I don't see why he ever fell for someone like you." The viper was there again, a gun raised high aimed towards her, "Or maybe it wasn't for you maybe it was for her?"

"Her...who?" Chloe's gaze fell to her enlarged belly, the baby he was going to shoot their baby, no she wouldn't let it happen. It was a dream, but it all felt so real which was why Chloe turned and ran. Where to she didn't know? There was no hallway there weren't even any walls just endless darkness.

He was no saint, that much was obvious to anyone that knew what a Luthor was truly capable of, but Lionel Luthor had a few redeeming qualities. The older man could only thank the likes of Clark Kent for his turn at the path of redemption. There were many people affected by his past aggressions, people he had used and hurt. The guilt he felt for all those he had victimized was nothing compared to the guilt he felt for letting his own son turn out the way Lex did.

He looked down to the hospital bed and then up at the Martian gazing contemplatively through the window. Lionel had met the Martian Manhunter over a year ago, when he first gained all the Kryptonian knowledge Jor-El had to offer his emissary.

"Will he be okay, detective?" Lionel asked using John's professional title. He knew what John had really done to his Lex, and that he would have to make up a cover story to fool his son and throw him off Chloe's trail.

"Your son, will just fine Emissary. However the repercussions of both his actions and yours may have hindered our efforts to protect Kal-El more than help them." His demeanor was remorseful with a hint of resentment. Something the billionaire was not use to hearing in the Manhunter's voice. In the few times they had actually been in the same room, this Martian was normally stoic in manner. Lionel could only guess what was truly bothering, his newest ally.

"How is Ms. Sullivan?" His concern for the intrepid reporter was genuine. Genuinely more for Clark than Chloe, She was the farm-boy's best friend and if she was in some pain, Clark would clearly be affected by it and lose focus.

"Watchtower is none of your concern," The older being turned a stern gaze on him, something not many human beings dared to do. But then again this Martian Manhunter was not human. "But if you must know, Chloe will be fine. She would be better with news of her mother though. Have you recovered anymore about Mrs. Sullivan?"

At the sound of her name Lionel's mind quickly flashed backed to the week before and his secret meeting with the older Sullivan. The visit was of course a secret from Lex not an easy feat, when Moira was being monitored 24/7.

"I knew you had to have something to do with this, but what else would I expect from the man that convinced me to leave my family in the first place."Moira Sullivan said reminding him this was not the first time he had met her, and when he had found out about her power all those years ago.

"It's nice to see you as well, Mrs. Sullivan. I trust you have been treated with respect." Lionel responded always the gentlemen.

"Don't even try that Luthor charm on me again, Lionel. It worked the first time, but it won't again. Tell me does that little viper you call a son know you're here?" She raised an eyebrow in fake shock and then a snarky smirk formed on her lips as she finished. "Or are you going to try and steal me away only to use me for your own devious plans in conquering the planet?"

"This is not a comic-book Mrs. Sullivan and I'm not the villain of the story." He put on his most sincere understanding smile knowing that any other person would fall for it, but this was someone he had already wronged.

"No, it's more like a Greek tragedy, and like Lex you think your some god perhaps Zeus himself. Or is he, like you were, trapped under the shadow of the previous generation and considers himself like Hercules, a savior of mankind." Her brazenness was no surprise, this was not the first time he had been on her bad side. There was the time they first met at Excelsior boarding school, when he had enrolled Lex before his son was even born.

"Ever the poet Mrs. Sullivan, but as much as I have missed our easy banter and your brazen use of mythology to insult my ego," Lionel paused, still a pleasant expression on his older features. He still stood as she sat on her bed, Moira Sullivan had more dirt on him then her daughter ever did. She could easily always be a move ahead of him in any conversation they ever had. "Our less then friendly history with each other is not the reason I'm here."

"What other answer could there be for me to be graced with your unpleasant company?"He would never miss this, he never did like being talked down to.

"Your daughter, Chloe I'm here for her. To help protect her." Lionel answered truthfully. He really was here for Chloe he had so much to atone for when it came to the Sullivan family.

"Protect her? As I recall the last time we met. You blackmailed me into checking myself into that mental facility. We had a deal I keep my mouth shut about everything Veritas and you stay the hell away from my family."Moira finally shot back with the truth.

"I regret to admit I have gone back on our arrangement... I know you don't believe me, sometimes the truth seems too good to believe. But I have wronged you and yours and now I'm here to repent." Beyond that point the conversation had turned to more pleasant things. Lionel tried his best to convince Moira of his good intentions. Going as far as to give her proof to counter everything Lex told her about Chloe helping him.

"It was hard, but I believe that I was successful in convincing Mrs. Sullivan to trust me. Though I still don't know where Lex has her now. Was the plan at all productive?" Lionel was aware of the intent of Chloe's plan, but not how she put it into motion or how it came out.

John Jones did not reply, he merely headed for the door seeming to be in his own little world. Lionel could only theorize that he had somewhere to be. Perhaps it was some catastrophe of epic proportions. They would meet again soon, maybe with Clark with the way things were going the chance of that happening had become quite high.

"I still think we should have taken Chloe back to the farm, I don't know why I let you talk me into letting her stay here." Clark Kent said breaking the silence that had fallen over the penthouse after Oliver had come back from putting Chloe up stairs a few hours earlier. They were all tired and they would have normally followed Chloe's example and slept for at least a few hours. But with everything that had just been revealed they couldn't.

"Chloe is here because this is where she wanted to go. It was her choice not mine. And keep it down she needs all the rest she can get after what Lex did to her." Their leader was ever vigilant and they all heard the undeniable truth behind his statement. "And for the hundredth time I did not recruit her, like I said before I would never put her in danger.'"

"You may not have recruited her, but you two sure as hell know each other better than I thought. How long have you been together? How long has she known about your dual identity? Has she been working with you to take down Lex? Why did you two sneak around behind my back?" There it was again that endless barrage of questions, but what else was Oliver suppose to expect from Clark after last night.

"Were not together, and before you give me a lecture on using women. We were together, at least until the other day." Oliver knew this all was going to be a loss cause, Clark may never believe a word that came out of his mouth for the rest of his life.

"What happened? You didn't want her anymore and decided to break her heart?" Clark's snide remark stung and they all could see it in Oliver's eyes. The rest of the team went back to what they were doing knowing that the archer would surly unleash his wrath on the boy-scout.

"I'm going to let the fact you think I'm a egotistical pig go, because well I don't exactly have the best track record with women. But I swear to you Clark I would never and have never used Chloe like that. Anyway, she's the one that broke up with me. " So much for a battle of giants now was not a time to let his ego get into it. As a man it was hard for Oliver to admit that he was the one that got dumped and it was going to be even harder to explain the rest of it.

"I wonder why that was? That still doesn't explain how Chloe knows about you and why or how she has a crossbow like yours." That was the question still rolling around in Oliver's mind.

"Yeah she sure was prepared for everything wasn't she? I wonder how good she is with it, from the trail of body guards she left probably really good." Oliver stared off into space for a moment envisioning Chloe in action, he was so proud. "Um…right, yeah I don't know where she got it. I haven't designed or made any crossbrow that small."

Clark furrowed his brow trying to answer the inward questions he had about the enigma that his best friend turned out to be. Oliver's thought went back to the question rolling around in his mind. Why had Chloe broken up with him, all signs pointed to her mission. But now her mission was completed or least a big part of it was. And after that kiss and her impromptu declaration of love, were they back together? What were the rules when life endangering circumstances were involved? Did Chloe even mean anything that she said after Lex dosed her?

"NOOooo … I won't…" Everyone in the room turned their heads towards the spiral staircase hearing Chloe's scream and hurried footsteps coming from the upper level. In seconds the young woman was on the metallic stairway and would have slipped if Oliver with reflexes as quick as lightening hadn't caught her.

"Chloe...Chloe I'm here you're safe." Oliver tried to calm her, but she still thrashed around like she was running from something. It was then he realized that Chloe was still asleep. She was having a nightmare. "Professor wake up."

His tone was firm but kind and as Chloe opened her eyes and realized where she really was, her eyes immediately locked with Oliver's. In that second Chloe felt safe again and was only aware of Oliver and her, letting her body fall into his for the first time in what felt like an eternity, her arms snaked around his waist.

"God I missed you Romeo, what do you say we give the kitchen counter another go?" Chloe said leaning in to kiss him, but stopped when he didn't move to return display of affection. She was about to ask what was wrong when she heard Clark clear his throat and Bart gag as he and the boys jumped back from the kitchen island.

"I guess you're feeling better," Clark was uncomfortable now as was the rest of Oliver's team. "But, awkwardness aside Chloe. Now that you're awake I want answers."

"Always the prude Clark, just because you haven't gotten any in over a year doesn't mean that I have to deny my own desires. Right Ollie," Where did that come from and how was she not blushing at her own statement? "And if you want answers ask away."

Clark would have said something, but really what was there to reply to that. For the first time in a long time Clark Kent was at a loss for words. He wanted answers about everything. Why had Chloe hidden her relationship with Oliver from him? And then there was her pregnancy, how far along was she and that was if Lex was even telling the truth.

"And before you interrogate me about my nonrelationship with Ollie, Let me just say that unlike you I didn't want to trap my best friend in a front seat to the Oliver/Chloe operetta. Though I have to admit the first act was Oscar worthy." They all sat back and listened to another insult at the farm-boy from the petite blond. Wow, did Chloe have some unresolved anger towards Clark.

"Chloe this isn't you. Your snarky but you're not this rude, not towards me anyway. Oliver what's wrong with her?" Clark swallowed his pride and started to talk to Chloe but soon got the idea that it was a loss cause. By the way she dropped her head into Oliver shoulder, like it was too heavy for her to hold up.

"Like he would know, no offense babe but your more of the brawn than brains when it comes to the two of us, don't worry I still love you." Chloe didn't lift her head at all as she spoke. The insults were just everywhere today, and Oliver let the small jab at his intelligence slide she was still obviously being affected by whatever Lex dosed her with. "Truth serum and if it came from where I think it did, my edit button is going to be absent for pretty much the next 24 hours or so."

"How do you know that? Where do you think it came from?" Oliver interjected knowing that they should probably be getting her to a doctor before asking her anymore questions.

"My mother, Lex created it from her spinal fluid. She has the ability to control other meteor infected people. Shouldn't you be calling Dr. Hamilton by now, Ollie, my head is killing me." Her endless list of secrets was unraveling more and more in the past twelve hours. Chloe was off her high again and feeling bad.

She felt like a drug attic suffering from withdraw, everything hurt and didn't hurt at once. The minute she stopped talking there was a ring at the elevator and the lift opened revealing Dr. Emil Hamilton, the older man was heaving like he was out of breathe.

"Speak of the devil." Chloe commented and fell back into Oliver's shoulder who himself was just as stun as the rest of the room. This was turning out to be a very interesting puzzle, how many secrets did the woman he love have?

AN: Didn't really get anywhere with plot development in this chapter but I felt it was important to write about Chloe's worst fears. And I needed to reveal more about the empathic connection she has with her mother. Thanks again for reading.