Revelations (PG/PG-13)

[Ketchup]

Title/Link: Revelations
Author: Eldar ("Ketchup" or "Shamu")
Pairing(s): Clark and Lana originally, twists to come
Rating: PG/PG-13
Spoilers (when applicable): Read below
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Before you read the story read the following: *SPOILERS*
1. To understand whats going on I recommend reading the latest spoilers (as of 7/1/05). Moreover this story contains references to the events in "Arrival" and parts of Season 4, so watch out for spoilers.
2. Chloe is transported to the North Pole with Clark, but they don't reappear in the same place. By the time Chloe finds Clark, he's almost finished with the FoS. Chloe is barely alive, its kinda cold there, so Clark takes her in and warms her up. Before she regains consciousness, Clark teleports her back to Smallville, avoiding the inevitable discussion with her for a few more days. After this he goes on to complete his training. Chloe call 911 when she gets back to SV from her cell phone which is still lying in the cave.
3. During the fight between Nam-Ek, Aethyr, and Kal-El, Clark banishes both his opponents into the Phantom Zone. Lana witnesses the whole thing happening, and wonders who Clark really is. She is, however, on the verge of passing out, because of her burns. Clark searches around for a medkit, finds one, and covers her wounds. By this time she's already passed out. He leaves her side for a moment to check up on Lois. She seems unresponsive and her head is bleeding. Clark super-speeds her to the hospital, and then comes back for Lana, who has by now regained consciousness and is asking a billion questions. Clark tells her to calm down, and that he's going to take her to the hospital. She responds that she's alright, and would much rather stay with him and soon passes out again. Unsure of the Talon's condition after the meteor shower, Clark takes her to his house.
4. Jason Teague's body is removed shortly after Kents are found.

DISCLAIMER:
I am in no way affiliated with WB, TPTB, or DC comics. I also apologize for using too many words to describe unimportant situations. I will post at least twice a week, hopefully more frequently. If you are ever confused about anything feel free to ask. I intend for this fanfic to cover at least half a season and to follow SV's plot development trends (FoTWs, Lex vs. Lionel, reuse of old FoTWs, (Ill do my best to keep this down to a minimum) etc.)
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Chapter 1: "Aftermath"
Part I: "Deduction"

The smoke cleared over Smallville, leaving not a speck of white across the neverending sea of blue. The green fields, now ruined with innumerable crates, slowly regained their buzz, as nature itself carefully creeped out of its hidden adobe. The devastated landscape was once again coming to live, with nothing but bleak reminiscence of the events of the past few days. Helicopters could be heard in the distance, adding to the lively symphony of the area, making the past known to people around the globe. With the second meteor shower to hit Smallville, the town was bound to get all the media attention in the world. The softly blowing bursts of wind circled the plains, supressing fire amidst the remnants of the Kent Farm house. An observer couldn't help but notice the contrast the completely undamaged barn added to this masterpiece of unearthly destruction.

The sense of abandonment the picture envoked was undermined once a man appeared, in a blur, out of nowhere. His tall stature and potent build revealed a felling of strength and good will; his hesitation at the sight of his previously impenetrable residence revealed a feeling of indetemination. The man held in his hands a young woman, barely nineteen, clearly very dear to him. She remained, her body curled up and close to his, motionless with nothing but her hair drifting in the wind. One glance at her face, a reminder of her heavenly beauty, was enough to lift the man's heart, as he proceeded towards the barn.

Climbing the familiar steps, the man was relieved to find the loft, his escape from all the troubles of the world, untouched and unhindred. After witnessing the havoc Smallville endured in the past few days, seeing a half of his life unchanged, lit up by sundown, rid his mind of any traces of calamity. He set the girl down on the worn-out couch by the paneless window, gently resting her head on the soft of a pillow. Feeling something pushing against her neck, she slightly turned her head, eyes still shut, and felt her hand meet his.

"Clark," she whispered, but never finished her thought.

"I'm here, Lana, it's going to be alright," Clark said with a reasuring smile on his face, which she felt, although she couldn't see. "I'm going to let go of you and try to find something to ease your pain. I'll be back in a moment." He slowly pulled his hand away from hers, wishing he didn't have to, and disappeared into the thin air.

Clark reappeared in front of the ruins of what he once called home, pausing, refusing to believe the damage it sustained. He lived in this house for his entire life, yet now he could barely tell the kitchen and the living rooms apart. The upper floor was no longer existant - the meteor tore it right off, landing pieces of Clark's bedroom some fifty feet from the house. The southern wall collapsed, leaving a side of the house exposed to the unforgiving wind that only recently calmed down. Making his way through the debris, Clark proceeded towards the kitchen, scanning the rubbles for displaced medicine and disinfectants. Unable to find either, he settled for half-melted ice he found in the freezer - one of the few objects still intact.

Clark walked up the stairs once again to find Lana fully conscious, thoughtfully marveling at the sunset. He stepped up to her without saying a word, and carefully placed his hand upon her shoulder.

"Beautiful isn't it," he broke the silence as softly as he could manage.

She shifted her eyes just enough to catch a brief glimpse of Clark's face, to make sure it matched her own's sadness.

"It's never-changing, " Lana's voice was weak and trembling, "the Sun has no memory, and no matter what happens down here on Earth, it will set and rise the way it always has."

She turned to face Clark. He saw her hands shaking with held-back tears in her eyes, as she uttered the words he always feared:

"You... you were adopted after the first shower," her voice was breaking up, "you have powers no human has," her voice was growing louder, "YOU are an alien," her palms were forming two fists, "my parents died when you came down to Earth!" She was striking Clark's chest with all of her power, letting her emotions overcome the pain she felt every time she hit his steel, "you are not even human..." Lana's voice died out, as she lowered her fists and threw herself forward, embracing Clark, and started weeping gently.

Clark returned her warm grisp, holding her tighter than he ever has before, but he already regreted that she found out. Every time he saved her, his friends, his enemies, he acted out of compassion and love. But Lana spoke the truth, and he really wasn't human, how was he to know if he could ever love or feel for anything. He cared about her, that's all he knew, and he wasn't going to let her shed anymore tears on his account.

"Lana," he whispered into her ear, "I would think myself nonhuman, a cold-blooded beast incapable of feeling, if I never met you, but I have and I've loved you ever since the first time I saw you. Everytime our eyes met, I was reminded that if nothing else, my heart is still human," Clark heard her sobbing grow quieter, so he continued, "I have tortured and hated myself for being sent here and causing everyone pain, especially you, and I would do anything to give back everything I took away, but I know I'll never be able to. I'll understand if you'll hate me for the rest of your life, if you will never want to talk to or see me again, and if this is what you want I would just like to say one thing to you," holding onto both of her shoulders, he leaned away so he could look into her eyes, "I will always love you, and I will never come to peace with myself for the pain I've put you through."

Silence filled the loft, as the two silhouettes faded into the dimming sky.

TO BE CONTINUED

sorry for the super-short entry, but my bro's been trying to kick me off the comp for the past hour. I might post more tonight

[peaches4cream]

cool story so lana is confused and depresed at clark but does she still love him

[dreammaster]

this intetesting

[Ketchup]

Thx guys, and Im not gonna tell you anything about Lana... that would be spoiling it =)

Added a few paragraphs that didnt get copied over for some reason.

[binkys711]

MAN!!!THAT IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WROTE IT!!! YOUR CHOICE OF WORDS WERE PERFECT AND UNIQUE!!!I LOVED IT!!! PPMS!!!

[Rain88]

THis is a great story please keep going.

[ajfinn]

Whoohoo Ketchup! Awesome writing. I'm an eager new fan of yours. In fact, I'm going to stop writing my fan fic now and just enjoy this one ;)

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Whoohoo Ketchup! Awesome writing. I'm an eager new fan of yours. In fact, I'm going to stop writing my fan fic now and just enjoy this one ;)

NOOO! I love your fanfic too much please keep writing. But thx guys! Im working with a publisher right now on a novel I started writing last year (it sucks cuz I couldnt write worth sh*t last year), and they complain about too many useless descriptions and too little action lol hope u guys arent like them. I write REALLY slow, like this entry took me 3+ hours :( but Ill post something tmrw.

[kewl]

what a really cool story! great start!!!....

just one comment though... (refer to red words below) i think the correct words should be consciousness and conscious :D other than that superb choice of words!!! PPMS! :)

Originally posted by Ketchup

Before she regains conscientiousness, Clark teleports her back to Smallville.

Clark super-speeds her to the hospital, and then comes back for Lana, who has by now regained conscientiousness and is asking a billion questions.

Clark walked up the stairs once again to find Lana fully conscientious, thoughtfully marveling at the sunset.

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by kewl
what a really cool story! great start!!!....

just one comment though... (refer to red words below) i think the correct words should be consciousness and conscious :D other than that superb choice of words!!! PPMS! :)

Whoops, thats what you get for posting rough drafts =)

[kewl]

LOL!!! ok ketchup ur forgiven :D:D:D PPMS!

[Ketchup]

Remember how I promised more twists than jsut a Clana pairing... Well sorry Clana fans, but this update has nothing to do with either Clark or Lana, but its an introduction of a very important character.
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Chapter 1: "Aftermath"
Part II: "Reisse"

The Luthor mansion was sprawling with men of all trades and professions. Most gathered in a circle around what was supposed to be an indestructible safe their host positioned in his office. AMSEC (world's best safe makers, in case u didn't know) representatives stared in disbelieve at the torn out face plate, which alone weigh more than half a ton, demolition experts were disappointed to find no traces of explosives, while forensic analysts complained at the crowd in general, for destroying valuable evidence. The rest were insignificant bystanders, mesmerized by the enigmatic contents of the vault.

The group was joined by a bald, pale skinned man, dusky of appearance, dressed fittingly in black. As he entered his own office, it filled, at once, with obedience and incontestability. The man had an air of power about him, of unforgiving determination that could crush a man, but never stop until he has turned to dust.

"I was unaware that we were having an exhibit," he began with a voice so calm that chills crept down the backs of everyone in the room, "I suppose I also have the right to charge you for attendance, after all I own the museum."

All commotion vanished, as the congregation of some of the brightest men and women of Metropolis stood, abashed, looking at one another, not knowing how to respond. The atmosphere was getting increasingly frustrating as moments passed and still no one uttered a word, until a young woman, younger than the owner of the residence himself, made her way through the crowd. Unlike the monotone majority of the crowd, she wasn't dressed for a meeting or a funeral. She seemed more of a teenage girl than she did a scientist, but a girl with enough experience in life to know when not to put on too much make-up, or dye her glittering brown hair too radical a hue. She would strike most men as attractive and elegant at first; with an impetuous intelligence once they would fail to acquire her phone number. This time she chose to not only break the silence, but also to point out the cowardice of her colleagues.

"You must be Lex Luthor," she held out her hand which he readily shook, "don't mind them," she pointed at the scientists, "they have yet to get over the fact that they can't explain what happened here. I can of course," she paused, "if you are willing to listen, Lex." She turned around, without waiting for a response, and walked past the livid faces she just insulted.

Lex was the only one smiling. "That's a speculative claim, Miss-?"

"Reisse, call me Jennifer if you wish," she answered, refusing to take her wondering eyes off the vault.

"Miss Reisse, that's a speculative claim, and I would hate for you to be wrong."

At the word "wrong," Jennifer turned to face Lex's smirk, "I would LOVE for you to stop being an ass and listen to what I have to say." The intent with which she spoke those words caught him slightly off guard. She turned towards the safe once more and began:

"In the police report you mentioned that you left this room for only a few minutes to get some," she checked her notes, "Ms. Lana Lang on a helicopter to Metropolis. When you returned after just five minutes you found your vault the way it is right now, as well as," she checked her notes again, "Ms. Chloe Sullivan, who clearly lacks both the strength and resources to cause any damage to the locking mechanism. Now my fellow 'experts' have, for the past few hours, been trying to figure out how anyone could bring in enough explosives, set up, blow them up, and clean up afterwards in about five minutes," the crowd was dispersing not willing to listen to her any longer, "The truth is, it can't be done, and the vault door wasn't blown off with explosives."

Lex appreciated the straight-forward attitude, as well as her ignorance of others' opinions - she reminded him of himself, his junior year in college.

"How then do you suppose the deed was accomplished? Surely you aren't saying that we had a Hercules show up and tear the door right off," he refused to hide his sarcasm.

"Actually that is precisely what I am trying to say." She saw the look on Lex's face, knowing she'd have to back up her claim, and the backing had better be good. "If you take a closer look at the sides of the face plate, you will notice finger imprints," she got on her knees and pointed at two sets of four dents each. Lex knelled down with her to examine the prints. "My colleagues of course wouldn't listen to me, but this is Smallville - something they have yet to realize - and there are many meteor-enhanced humans in these parts."

Jennifer's smile was filled with a sense of accomplishment in seeing the concern her words brought upon Lex. "Glad to finally meet someone smart enough to consider all the possibilities."

"Miss Reisse, you theory is intriguing," Lex responded once he snapped out of his musings, "what college do you attend?"

That was about the last thing she expected him to say. "Metropolis University, why?"

"I would love to meet you here at say... seven tonight to discuss the possibility of you going to Harvard."

***

As he made his way through the familiar halls of Lex's mansion, Clark didn't know what to expect. He anticipated an interrogation, one he feared he couldn't escape as easily as he did at the hospital. It bothered him, then, to see Lex so angry at him, as if he was a completely different man, one Clark felt he had to avoid and be well aware of. He could not, however, allow his once best friend to wonder about the events of the past week, or to conduct investigations into his and his friends' lives.

"Hey Kal," said a young woman as she passed him by, and turned the corner.

"Hey," Clark replied autonomously without realizing what just happened. When it finally hit him, he took off in the direction the girl walked away, but all he found were more lavishly decorated halls of the mansion.

[binkys711]

COOL UPDATE!!!:D PPMS!!!:D

[booze_is_me09]

PPMS!! you are doing a great job! keep it up.

[kewl]

this is getting really interesting. please keep going!

[Ketchup]

Wth why do my last paragraphs always get cut off? Thx guys =)

[NYC300Z]

Hey great start!! ur very detailed I like that keep it up~PPMS!!

[peaches4cream]

who called him kal

[spacewalker_33.3]

nice update, u describe everything in a very nice/amazing way. I was writing a fic. but i have a lot to learn from ya, keep posting!!

[Ketchup]

Sorry didn't update yesterday. In case you missed the two paragraphs which I added to the last update, I added them to this one. Already in the middle of my next scene, so might post that tonight :D
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As he made his way through the familiar halls of Lex's mansion, Clark didn't know what to expect. He anticipated an interrogation, one he feared he couldn't escape as easily as he did at the hospital. It bothered him then, to see Lex so angry at him, as if he was a completely different man, one Clark felt he had to avoid and be well aware of. He could not, however, allow his once best friend to wonder about the events of the past week, or to conduct investigations into his and his friends' lives.

"Hey Kal," said a young woman as she passed him by, and turned the corner.

"Hey,"Clark replied autonomously without realizing what just happened. When it finally hit him, he took off in the direction the girl walked away, but all he found were more lavishly decorated halls of the mansion.

Chapter 1: "Aftermath"
Part III: "Turnabout"

Lex's figure formed a dark outline against the blinding white-red light emerging through the tinted windows of the office. Clark's eyes refused to adopt to the change, making it impossible for him to see the surprise on Lex's face upon noticing Clark.

"I have to admit I didn't expect for you to come and see me for... at least a week," he said as he walked up to Clark.

"Yeah, well I just-"

"Clark," Lex interrupted, "I think I owe you an apology. Yesterday at the hospital, I shouldn't have taken all this out on you the way I did." He placed his hand on Clark's shoulder to try and make his sham concession more believable. "It's just that Lana gave you one of the stones, and then, as you can see, someone broke another stone out of my vault," he pointed at the face plate that Clark tore out of his safe. "I hope my rash actions won't ruin this friendship."

"Trust me Lex I'm the last person who'd want that," Clark played along.

"Then we have nothing to hide from each other do we?"

"When have I ever lied to you, Lex?"

Lex smiled. "You're right, I'm sorry," he said with his head tipped down, as if he was looking for something that was no where to be found. Lex walked over to the vault door that was still lying in the middle of the office, knelt down before it, and looked back up at Clark. "I find it interesting and quite unbelievable," he said, "how anyone could tear the half-a-ton door of this safe right off. None of the experts I invited today, save one, could explain what happened. A bright young lady, named Jennifer Reisse, spoke her mind today, and I think her theory is correct. If you look here," Led pointed at the imprints, "you'll see markings left by a human hand." He got up and walked up to Clark, "Hey Clark, are you listening?"

For a few moments Clark's thoughts wandered off in a completely different direction. The name, Jennifer Reisse, sounded familiar, very familiar. He felt as if he knew her once, years ago, in a setting much bigger than Smallville. Then it hit him, and the renewed memories flooded his mind. In Metropolis, when he was under the influence of Red Kryptonite, that's where he first met her. He remembered saving her life, even telling her his secret; he remembered spending a few nights with her at the Atlantis Club downtown; he remembered her being "special," somehow different from most women he spent his time with during those three months of his life. What he couldn't remember was what happened to her, and where she disappeared to. Jennifer was the one he walked past earlier on his way to Lex's office.

"Lex," Clark said upon his return to reality, "sorry I-"

"It's alright I'm used to it," Lex sounded irritated, "But as I was saying the door was torn right off, and thanks to the mansion's surveillance system I got the whole thing on tape," he pointed at a camera on the opposite side of the room, "and any moment now my security guard will bring me the recording. I for one am dying to get to the bottom of this."

Clark stared at the camera as it was patiently screening the room, terrified, not knowing what to do. Surely if his entire venture into the mansion was revealed, all of his endeavors to hide the truth from the world would have been in vain. In his head he desperately searched for an argument, an explanation that could help him convince Lex, but nothing came to mind. As Clark was about to utter a spontaneous, unthought through, made up acknowledgment, a voice came from the entrance to the office:

"Lex, my son, what exactly are you trying to accomplished by lying to Mr. Kent about the security tapes? Surely you are well aware that the entire surveillance system shorted out during the meteor shower."

"Mr. Luthor," said Clark, turning to him at once. He couldn't believe that Lionel of all people would come to his aid.

"Clark, glad to see you are alive and unharmed," surprisingly he seemed truly concerned, "How is Mar-, how are your parents?"

Clark's eyes shifted towards Lex, who seemed entirely calm and unconcerned with his father's presence.

"They are both going to be alright, thank you," he said, still looking at Lex. Though Clark's stare was largely ignored, Lionel's gaze finally evoked a reaction in his son's eyes.

"Lex, I suppose you are looking for an answer as to how a half of your office was ripped right out of the wall, and where one of the stones you were so obsessed with disappeared to. I can answer both of your questions."

"Were?" replied Lex with skepticism.

"Surely you are aware that as soon as combined, the stones disintegrated."

His son let out a laugh, "Come on, dad, you don't seriously expect me to believe that."

"No I don't, just like I don't expect you to believe that I was the one to tear the door off your vault, and then give the stone to Clark." To state that Clark was feeling uneasy, being a part of this conversation, would have been a grave understatement. Having so carelessly placed his secret in the hands of the Luthors, he could now only stand by and spectate the two fighting his future out. What astonished him most of all was Lionel's determination aimed at protecting him, a favor which he knew he'd have to repay sooner or later.

"Dad, you know, if you ever feel like you need help, I can always call up Belle Reve."

"Don't mock me, Lex. Instead allow me to demonstrate."

With those words, Lionel stretched out his hand towards an ornamental sword, suspended gracefully above the unlit fireplace, and expanded the palm of his left hand. As soon as he contracted it back into a fist, the blade swept across the room, stopped by Lionel's right hand, as he caught it by the handle. The two observers stared at him in bewilderment.

"Dad, how..." said Lex, his voice terrified, "how did you do that?"

Lionel chuckled, "Let's just say the stone you took from me had interesting effects on me. I wasn't controlling myself," he said as he set the sword back in its place with his new-found powers, "when I recovered it from your vault, but once I realized what I have done I decided to gave it to Clark."

"He did," gradually Clark was beginning to understand what was happening, and decided to play his assigned role, "and then I took the stones to the cave. After I united them, the stones turned into a crystal. It just blew up in my face. I remember seeing a bright flash and then waking up next to what used to be my house." He turned to Lex, who seemed thoughtful, choosing to remain silent for a few moment, until he finally spoke:

"Clark, would you mind me having a word with my father, alone." He placed a special emphasis on "alone." Clark took this opportunity to get out of the uncomfortable place between the two Luthors.

"Sure, Lex," he said as he walked out of the office he never hated as much before as he did today. Wanting to make sense of what Lionel just did for him, Clark couldn't help, but listen in to the discussion between father and son.


So, dad, what have I done this time to earn such mistrust?

Lex, in the past month,I've seen you change from a son I poorly raised into a person I barely know, you seem so tense, so... sinister.

That's great to know, but why Clark? What are your plans with him? Not that it bothers me much, you can kill him if you want, but I would hate to be left in the dark.

Lex, why the sudden change of heart towards your once best friend?

Let's just say I finally realized that a true friend wouldn't keep secrets and lie straight to my face every time I ask him to be honest. But you still haven't answered my question, why Clark?

Because he was the one person I knew who'd use the stones for selfless service, not personal benefit.

Dad, I appreciate the 'honesty,' but I find it hard to believe that you would help anyone other than yourself.

I don't blame you for not believing me, I blame myself for raising you this way. I see you are no longer enjoying my company, so I'll stop wasting your time.

Just remember one thing, dad, if you try to get in between me and the Kents, you might find yourself in a very uncomfortable position.

As Lionel walked out of Lex's office, he noticed Clark at the end of the hall waiting for him.

"Impressive demonstration."

"Ah Clark, good thing you're still here, we need to talk."

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Note how I'm getting lazy with my writing, less SAT words lol :rolleyes:

[peaches4cream]

so lionil knows clark's secret and hasn't told any body and what with the girl in the hall

[booze_is_me09]

great post!!!!!! PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!!! I want to know what Lionel knows/ has to talk to Clark about and yeah what happned with the girl in the hall? Clark told her his secret??!!!

[binkys711]

yeah, yeah!^^^what NYC300Z said!!! PPMS!!!

[kewl]

uh oh.... careful with j.reisse clarkie.... especially that she knows ur secret!!!!@#%$#%^%& ........ i just can't wait for ur next update! PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Oooouuuhhhh, what's gonna happen with this chick?? And I love Lionel's powers. Great idea!!! :D

[Ketchup]

Thx guys, sorry for not updating yesterday... I wont be able to update today either, cuz this last part of Chapter 1 is turning out to be VERY long. The character web I came up with is so confusing it even confuses me so yea I will post the conclusion to this chapter tmrw. =)

[booze_is_me09]

can't wait!!!

[binkys711]

yay!!! tomorrow!!!can't wait either!

[Ketchup]

Getting really close to the end of Chapter 1 here. This is the first part of the conclusion that I was gonna post as one update but it would be waaaaay too long if I did. The second, longer part coming sumtime today.
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Chapter 1: "Arrival"
Part IV: "Abduction" (First Installment)

The Smallville Medical Center has not seen as much clamor and upheaval as it did now since the nightmare gas incident at the LuthorCorp plant half a year ago. Though the wail of the sirens died down a few days ago, as no additional victims required admittance, the hospital was busier than ever, filled with both relatives and reporters in search of information. The hour long line at the registrar office provided incentive for small business, putting anything from water imported out of Metropolis to home-made ice cream up for sale. From time to time a Red Cross truck would come by the building to pick up the less fortunate ones and transport them to the city morgue, and each time the megaphone voice had to inform the waiting that they would have to wait in line to find more news of their loved ones.

This message did not apply to the man who once owned the hospital, nor to his companion, as the two walked past the crowds and into the crowded halls of the institution. Clark knew his way about the building better than most nurses that worked there, and it took him little time to find his parents' room. As he was about to enter, he caught, off the corner of his eyes, a familiar face a few rooms down. Clark froze in the doorway, eying Lana as she struggled to get the door open, hands full of flowers and treats.

"Mr. Luthor, you can go inside, I'll be right there," he said, turning to Lionel, once she finally disappeared.

"Very well," the latter replied, and entered the Kent accommodation.

After making sure no one would see him, Clark sped away in search of lilacs, only to return in under a minute, despite having to travel all the way to Metropolis. He then walked over to Chloe's room, whom Lana came to visit, and carefully knocked on the door, unsure of what was about to happen.

A joyful voice he's grown accustomed to since first grade echoed a surprised exclamation. "Clark! God I missed my man of steel," Chloe shouted with a grin on her face when she saw him.

Clark couldn't help but smile in return, "Hey Chloe, can't say my life was boring without you, but there were moments..." he spoke as he walked up to her bed, close enough for her to punch him, "Ouch! These are for you," he handed her the flowers, and turned his eyes to Lana. "Hello Lana," he mumbled, looking down.

"I didn't come here to chat to you," she said looking away, "I came here to see a friend."

Clark didn't know how to respond. Last night they parted on interesting terms, but Lana was confused, not angry with him. Sensing the tension, Chloe's journalistic instinct made it a point to figure out what took place between the two 'lovers.'

"O-okay, which one of you got struck by lightning?"

"I," Clark stumbled out of his trance, "told Lana that I'm not from Earth, and that I came down in the meteor shower."

Lana's eyes widened, "She knows your secret?"

"I happened to witness Clark use some of his powers," Chloe explained before Clark had to, "but I had no idea he was an alien until I got teleported with him to the Arctic. That's where I got my pneumonia."

"So he didn't tell you either?"

"Nope. In fact I didn't tell him I knew anything until we got to hang out together in his icy fortress."

"It's called the Fortress of Solitude," Clark added in.

Until a few moment ago Lana was convinced that she knew all there is to know about Clark's "secret," but now it seemed her confusing knew no end. "Whatever that means. Chloe I better go, I'll come by tomorrow help you check out."

"I doubt that will be necessary, but I could use the company." She smiled her charming smile that would usually lift the general atmosphere, but not this time.

As Lana walked towards the door she turned to Clark, "Mind if a I have a minute with you?"

Clark finally looked up at her, "Sure, I'll be right back Chlo," and the two exited the room.

"Look Lana," he said once they were outside, "you have to understand, I can't change what happened to your parents, but-"

"That's not why I'm frustrated with you, Clark," Lana interrupted him, with a hint of fury in her eyes, "I just can't believe you never told me about the real reason the first shower happened, when you knew how much it affected me."

It hurt Clark to see her angelic face scarred with tints of anger and confusion, something he blamed himself for.

"But everyone who ever found out about my secret either died or had to leave Smallville," he spoke as earnestly as his character allowed, "and whether it be the government, the Luthors, or my Kryptonian origins catching up with me, my friends and family always suffered. If you knew how much I love you, you'd understand that I would never put you in that much danger."

"Don't you think that after all these years I deserve the right to decide for myself?"

"The choice was mine and I do not regret the decision I made." was his stern reply, and Lana resented the attitude, "I was the only one who could have told you about my secret, could have made my life a whole lot easier, but I didn't."

"Easier?" Clark has never seen her this worked up, "You made my life much harder by never telling me why you kept pushing me away."

"But now you know, shouldn't that be enough?"

Lana sighed, "You didn't tell me anything, Clark, I had to find out everythign for myself," now her voice sounded calm, but sad and disappointed, "How do you expect me to love you, if you don't even trust me?"

Time seemed to come to a halt as he stood there, not knowing what to say, his heart broken anew, watching the love of his life walk away as she had done so many times before. Lana always said that his mystery was the only barrier keeping them apart, the hearts of two lovers simply destined to be together, but now with his past revealed, his worst fears were coming true. It seemed evident to him, as she left his life again, without looking back, that she will never accept him for his true self. He knew he didn't have the strength to fake his happy side in front of Chloe. Strength? The man whose powers rivaled those of a hundred men, a living Native American legend, a savior of the world, a fighter for all that is good in our lives, lost his strength to love?

--------------------------------------------------------------
Don't worry, there is a reason I posted this in the Clana forum ;)

[NYC300Z]

Yeah until u said that u had me a little worried....well I hope the next part goes better for them....PPMS!!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[Ketchup]

The Chapter 1 conclusion, enjoy! For those worried about Clana, don't it will happen VERY soon. This entire chapter was background info for the storyline that has yet to come. :)
------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1: "Arrival"
Part IV: "Abduction" (Final Installment)

"Clark, are you alright?" he felt Lionel's hand upon his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Clark said turning around, "Did my dad kick you out?" he smiled.

Lionel nodded. "Johnathan and I just can't seem to get along," he said as the two stepped into the the room where Clark's dad was being held, mostly against his will.

At the sight of her son, Mertha exclaimed, "Clark! Where have you been, we were worried sick about you after you ran off to fight-" she cut herself off when Lionel emerged out of Clark's shadow.

"It's okay mom, he knows more about me than I know myself," Clark said with reassuringly, then looked to his dad, "before you kick him out again let me explain why you should trust him."

"Go ahead, son," Johnathan said with folded arms and an expression full of skepticism.

"Well apparently," Clark began, "when Mr. Luthor was in possession of one of the stones it served as a direct connection between him and my biological father. Jor-El decided to give Lionel certain powers and make him a disciple."

Clark's parents exchanged glances. "A what?" they said in unison.

"A disciple," Lionel cut in, "is a sort of servant to a Kryptonian leader, a follower who shares similar ideologies or makes a commitment to a cause. When I spoke with Jor-El, we made an agreement that I would become Clark's constant tutor and aide in fighting the threats, which he is about to encounter," he smiled as he looked at Martha's concerned expression, "I agreed to do this because Clark is the only one who, in my opinion, can aide the world in bringing Lex down in the years to come. Jor-El reserved the right to erase any part of my memory since the stone came into my hands, so you need not worry about your son's secrecy."

The earnesty with which he spoke destroyed all the doubts the Kents held, save one.

"Has Clark seen you use your powers before?" Martha inquired.

Clark smirked at her question. "Lionel made one of Lex's swords fly across the room as if it was a Star Wars movie."

Johnathan was amazed by what he was hearing, although the thought of Lionel Luthor being a mentor to his son remained less than congenial.

"Are there," he couldn't help but wonder, "any other disciples Jor-El has on Earth?"

"Well you met the other one over a year ago, Kara was her name. She gave up her freedom in return for extended life. She has since completed her task and, I believe lives in New Jersey right now."

"Yeah, I just hope you won't turn into another Kara," Clark cut in, half-jokingly, "her and I never really liked each other."

Lionel let out a laugh, "So your father told me. He is also looking forward to meeting your friend Lana, but Lara wants to talk to her first."

"Wait," Clark felt his jaw drop, "my biological mother, Lara, wants to meet Lana? Lana Lang?"

"Why yes, although I cannot imagine why because I've never spoken with Lara before."

"So... Lana will become a disciple?"

"That is entirely up to her."

"I guess it is only appropriate to say," Johnathan sat up in his bed, and stretched his right hand out to the disciple, "that you are more than welcome to the family."

"So long as I serve Jor-El, I'll always have your son's best interest at heart."

As Lionel spoke those words, a series of loud, determined thumps came from the door, as a tall man in a black parade uniform walked in. His outfit made Clark recall Tina when she posed as Whitney in the halls of Smallville High, and Lana, as she ran up and embraced him.

The man took a few steps towards Clark and assumed position of rest, by force of habit. "Clark Kent I presume?"

"Yes," Clark paused to check the man's rank. Lois has taught him well, he thought, "sir."

"My name is Col. Tyler Huss, of the U.S. Marine Corp. I just wanted to ask you a few questions about the events of yesterday at Fort Ryan. It is evident that you were an... active participant, and the general wanted to ask you a few questions personally."

Clark looked surprised that anyone saw him, as the Fort looked completely deserted. He also couldn't figure out why an Army Fort would host a Marine general. "I always thought Ft. Ryan was commandeered by General Lane of the U.S. Army, not the Marines."

"We got just about every military general from the area stationed there right now," Huss replied slightly irritated, "Would come with me?"

Clark looked at his mother. "Sure, just give me a minute alone with parents."

"Of course, my Humvee is parked outside," he said as he stepped out.

Clark turned around to meet his parents' wondering eyes, "What was that all about?" Johnathan asked.

"Lionel will fill you in on what happened at the Fort," Clark spoke uneasily, wondering the same thing, "as well as the rest of the information he shared with me. I also wanted to tell you that both Chloe and Lana know my secret, Chloe in more detail, because she's apparently known for about a year already. As for Lana, she just saw me use some of my powers and hates me for not telling her sooner," his voice changed from firm at first, but turned despondent when Lana came up.

"Don't be hard on yourself," Martha began, very concerned, "I'm sure-" but Clark cut her off.

"I know mom, but I can't think about her right now. I'll come by the hospital once I get this sorted out. Don't check out and start on the repair without me."

"We won't," his father assured him, as Clark ran off in search of Col. Huss.

***

The Humvee's blaring revving accompanied Clark and the colonel on their trip to Fort Ryan, a trip that took Clark three minutes, but took Huss over two hours. Lines at road blocks dragged on for miles, giving him a chance to off road, even cross a creek or two. The repair trucks were gathered around meteor-damaged roadways, license plates differing from Texas to Illinois. Every so often they would pass a burning corn field, killed off livestocks, and blow away automobiles, and with each time Clark felt more and more responsible for bringing this onto Smallville twice in his short life.

Finally they arrived at the Fort, passed security, and entered the same hangar Nam-Ek and Aethyr picked as their arena not so long ago. When they got out of the car, Col. told Clark to follow him towards an elevator, which took them down what appeared to be eight levels, and into a lead-laden corridor of dim fluorescent lights.

"What is this place?" Clark asked, needing to put his curiosity to rest.

"This is one of the many underground levels where he conduct research, but with all of the additional personal we had to turn a few rooms over to high-ranking officers for lodging."

They've been walking for a few minutes not, but Clark hasn't seen a single door, or lab, or anything, and this made him slightly restless. Soon, however, he spotted a door at the end of the hallway, the only one there, with no windows, captions, or handles, save the security pad placed on the wall. Huss walked up to it and placed his eyes in front of the dark screen of the pad. A bright line of light appeared, scanning the colonel's eyes, apparently for identification. He then leaned away and placed his thumb on the same black display, and once more the light appeared, this time taking his fingerprint. Once he lifted his thumb off, a number pad appeared.

"Look away please," he said to Clark, "protocol."

Clark turned around, as the man entered the pin code, and the screen lit up with a green caption "Access Granted." The metallic door that Clark couldn't X-Ray through softly hissed and opened, sliding to the side. Inside, Clark found himself in a circular room, made of the same weird metal as the door he just entered though, with no walls, but doors which all looked alike. He turned around only to find the door behind him was shut again. He wasn't even sure if that was the door he entered through.

"Where are we?" he asked in a worried voice.

"Official term for this place is 'the Hub,' but what it really is is simply a place where twelve different laboratories meet. The hallway we just passed is the only way back to the surface," he openly laughed when he saw Clark's nervous expression, "Don;t worry, everyone is freaked out by this place the first time."

With those words he walked up to a door, a completely random door it seemed to Clark, and repeated the procedure he executed before, in the corridor. The door slid open, letting out white, hydraulic fumes, making it impossible to see what was inside.

Huss turned to Clark, "Go on in and I'll get the General. His quarters are a few doors down," he said as he pointed at yet another door.

Clark cautiously proceeded inside the chamber, thinking more and more, with each step that he took, how much this place reminded him of a scene from some government cover-up movie. He stuttered, involuntarily, when he heard the door close behind him. Clark looked around tiny cell, noticing nothing but a metallic chair in one of the corner, sat down and waited.

Minutes passed and he was getting frustrated. The door was sealed shut, with nothing to grab hold of to try and slide it back open. His x-ray was useless in this place, as everything was made of the same metal as the doors and the corridor. He tried to use his hearing, but heard nothing but dull whirring in the walls.

He listened harder, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from, when it suddenly started growing louder, coming from all over. Clark saw slits appear, glowing bright green, as panels detached from the walls, and slowly glided into the ceiling. As the glow became more intense, he felt a sudden pain in his stomach, as if all his inner organs were being twisted and compressed. The pain moved through his body, up, towards the brain, slowly paralyzing him.

"Lana..." he whispered as his last strength gave out and he collapsed to the floor. Hundreds of feet underground, in a secret, sealed compartment, Clark's confined world grew dark, as he passed out.

[dreammaster]

what the hell why did you stop there another awesome chapter

[kewl]

what is that place?? and what's gonna happen to clark?? this is exciting. PPMS!!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah I could feel a trap coming....so the army knows about Clark? This doesn't look good for him....PPMS!!!

[binkys711]

PPMS!!!THIS STORY IS REALLY GETTING GOOD!!!

[booze_is_me09]

WHAT HAPPENED?! hope to find out soon! PPMS!

[Karen26]

i cant stand cliffhangers i meed to know what happenend

[booze_is_me09]

PPMASAP!

[Ketchup]

I will tomorrow, need time to think the storyline through.

[SmallvilleMan]

boooooooooooo;)

[NYC300Z]

Please hurry Ketchup...don't forget now u said tomorrow!!

[kewl]

now hurry with the update already!!! :D:D :D

[ajfinn]

SWEET Ketchup!! Love this story. And, umm, who was it that said, "Down with Cliffhangers?" Oh, yeah. That would be YOU!! Can't wait for the next update. :D

[SVsleuth]

Clark's been passed out for 2 DAYS now! Your story is awesome. Are you almost ready to post more?

[Ketchup]

I'd like to apologize for not posting for so long. Ive just been very busy, had work from 9 till 4 everyday and then soccer games... yea, well here's the first part of Chapter 2. Sorry its a little rough, I was in a hurry. Hope you like =)
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Chapter 2: "To Bless and Torment"
Part I: "Escape"

One Month Later

That night nature, showing its benevolent side, bestowed upon Smallville a flawless, dark horizon. With the moon hiding in its master's shadow, the skies achieved a depth so abysmal, that beyond the common length of stars, the dim metallic stripe of Milky Way showed through. The lone Mars patiently wandered among the constellations, blood-red, though not with anger, in search of Venus, a love long lost. The heavenly tragedy ensued a feeling of serenity that even an astronomer would treasure. Over seven hundred feet underground, below the peaceful firmament, nights and days were distinguished only by numbers softly glowing on dozens of crystalline screens.

It was a quarter past four, and the man who snored quietly in front of one of the computers had three more hours of his shift to go. His right hand embraced an empty mug, with the remainder of his coffee dry on the bottom, while his forehead pressed into a keyboard. He did not stirr when the door to the cell slid open, not even when the woman that came in flipped the light switch. It was a quarter past four, and the man was about to greet a visitor.

The young woman walked up to him, careless, not worried about him waking, and punched a few keys next to his face. The wall opposite the entrance lit up with an image of a man lying on a bare, metallic floor. His heartbeat, indicated by a graph on the bottom left of the screen, seemed weak and irregular, and so did his breathing. An expression of pity came across her face as she carefully studied the prisoner.

"It isn't right," she spoke loud enough for the other man to wake.

"Oh, Jennifer, nice of you to drop by," he sounded sleepy, with his eyes half way shut and looking about, confused.

"How is he, Tyler?"

Huss was still a little out of it. "Its-," he paused to yawn, "its funny how you never ask me that."

She ignored him. "He looks sick, I wonder if exposure to Kryptonite has any permanent affects on him."

"Quit worrying, that man can lift the Luthor Corp. building," Tyler responded, not knowing if he was trying to make her feel better, or simply cheer himself up.

Jennifer turned to him. "We can't keep him locked up in here, that not why I told you about him. You got all of your samples, enough to last a lifetime, why can't you just let him go?"

"Because if I do, he will bring the entirety of Smallville law enforcement down to this lab." He saw tears in her eyes, and hated them, hated how much she cared about Clark, and how little she did about him. "Look, If you came here at," he looked at his computer screen, "four o'clock at night to give me another one of your morality lectures, get out! We've been over this so many times."

His stern and angry response frightened her, but she refused to give in. "You locked up an innocent human being to be your lab rat, and refuse to admit it," she was almost screaming at him, "We will go over this as many times as it will take for you to understand."

"He is NOT human, he isn't even from this planet, so don't expect me to treat him like he is."

Jennifer walked towards the door. "He," she said looking back, up at the screen, face covered with tears, "is more human that you can ever hope to be."

Once the door sealed behind her, she leaned on it for support, about to break down, but she took a hold of herself. Deep in her heart Jennifer knew exactly what she had to do. She made her way through the barely lit hallway towards the supply room. She used a flashlight she always carried with her inside the Hub in search of the right locker. Her eyes stopped on a red caption "Explosives." Jennifer was entrusted with full access to everything in this research complex, including the combination needed to access weaponry - something Huss never thought she'd actually do. She looked through the stocks until she picked out a package labeled "Heat Bomb."

"I have to stop this," she said out loud, to herself.

***
Clark lay on the hard floor, numb, aching all over, in a sort of trance, neither asleep nor awake. When the door slid open, bright light landed on his eyes, almost blinding him, as he tried to fight it off with his hand. Through the slits in his fingers he could see a figure, but not a face.

"No..." he groaned, "no more."

"Shh," the figure said, "its me, Jennifer. You probably don't remember me."

Clark tried to get up, but instead collapsed in pain. He reached out towards her, trying to pull himself towards the door, but his body wouldn't comply. "Help me," he moaned, as he held out his right hand. Jennifer knelt down before him, and examined his arm. She noticed a metal ring, glowing with green, inserted into one of Clark's veins. The skin around the ring turned green as well, as if it was contaminated.

"I can't pull it out," she whispered, terrified, "you will bleed to death."

"Please, do it," he was losing what was left of his strength, "I'll die if you won't."

She hesitated. "This is going to hurt," she said as she tore the injector out, along with a large chunk of Clark's muscle. Clark let out a cry as he passed out.

Jennifer pressed down on his arm as hard as she could to try and stop the bleeding. Then she sat there, with his head in her lap, gently stroking his long, dark hair, letting her tears fall down on Clark's face. "I did this to you," she whimpered, kissing his forehead gently, "but I promise I will get you out."

An hour passed, although to her it seemed an eternity, before she felt Clark's body shift slightly. She lifted up her hand to check on the bleeding, and gasped in disbelieve. His arm was completely healed with no scars or traces of a wound.

"Kal?"

His eyes opened, and she felt she could be lost in them forever.

"Kal," she whispered, louder this time, "Can you walk?"

He looked up at her. "I think so," he said as he got up.

For some time there, Jennifer thought she'd lost him forever, but seeing him standing, seemingly healthy, brought a smile to her face. "Good to have you back, Kal."

"Kal?" he spoke with newfound strength, as he helped her up, "You mean Clark."

Jennifer's smile grew even bigger. "You will always be a Kal to me, but now lets get out of here. Here, take this," she handed him a black military bag, "we're gonna need it."

As many questions as Clark had, for the moment being he just wanted to get out of this place. Once in the Hub, he watched Jennifer go through the scans, until the pad glowed green and the door to the corridor, Clark thought he'd never see again, opened up. It finally occurred to him that this nightmare was over, and memories of his friends and family rushed through his mind, especially those of Lana. Despite their bitter parting, and the likelihood of her never accepting him, the few pleasant moments Clark shared with her kept him alive for the past... He suddenly realized that he had no idea how long he's been imprisoned.

"Kal, you don't happen to know how to work detonators, do you?"

"Are we blowing something up?" he asked as he returned to reality.

"Its a Heat Bomb. I think it will produce enough heat to melt the door with the walls. It should keep Huss underground for a few days, maybe a week."

Clark followed her train of thought. "Alright, let me try this." After a few minutes of meddling with the controls, he managed to set the timer at forty-five seconds.

"Forty-five seconds?" Jennifer looked up at him horrified, "It takes five minutes just to get to the elevator."

"For you it does," he grinned, as he picked her up, "hang on tight, this beats Nascar by a long shot." With those words Clark ran down the hallway to the elevator in no time.

As he set Jennifer down, the look on her face clearly indicated that she was impressed. "Show off," she said once she got to her scans.

Just as the door opened and they got in the elevator, all of the lights flickered and went out, replaced in turn by red alarm lights. Far off, down the corridor, Clark heard a blast.

"Climb through the hatch," he said, facing Jennifer.

"What, why?"

"Because the bomb you said only generated heat is about to blow us both to pieces. Climb!"

She did as he said, and soon they found themselves at the bottom of a shaft seven hundred feet deep, standing on an elevator that was about to explode.

"Okay, now what?"

"Do you trust me?" Clark asked.

"Yes."

"Then hang on tight," he said as he embraced her, "this might be a little scary."

For a moment Jennifer did not know what to expect, but she could feel the flames approaching, and she didn't care. She shut her eyes, convinced that they were going to die, and squeezed Clark as hard as she could. At that moment, Clark knelt down a little, gathered up his strength, and shot up, flying away, up the shaft, once more, towards freedom.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here comes the Clana ladies and gentlemen. :lol:

[dreammaster]

Another AWESOME CHAPTER

[SmallvilleMan]

WHat an evil laugh.

[kewl]

great update!!!! PPMS!!! hope next chapter there will be a clana part, at least??? :D

[NYC300Z]

Can't wait!! Here comes Clana had me on the edge of my seat!! PPMS!!!

[booze_is_me09]

PPMS can't wait to hear more

[SVsleuth]

Your writing is awesome! Keep going. :)

[binkys711]

DAM YOU KETCHUP!!! WHAT PART OF "CLIFFHANGERS SUCK" DON'T YA GET!!!:pPPMS!!!:D

[Ketchup]

Thx for all the feedback, guys. Cliffhangers suck huh? Well then here's an update to calm you down. Look, its the long overdue flashback to Jenn and Kal! Wel and Clana too of course =)
--------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: "To Bless and Torment"
Part 2: "Meant to be Together"

"Kal, hurry up!" he heard her voice, and followed it. The wind was blowing in his face, making it hard for him to hear her. He finally saw her, in her high heals, walking on the ledge outlining the Daily Planet roof top. She was slightly drunk, but kept her balance fairly well, so he was not too worried.

"Don't get yourself killed, dear," he yelled into the wind. To her, the words seemed barely audible.

"Shut up, you know how much I hate when you call me that."

Kal grinned. "Yes, dear."

"Shut up! And come over here, the view is amazing."

He checked out the view, her view, and thought that it indeed was amazing. The strong and steady wind thrust her light, slightly transparent shirt into her body, revealing her perfect curves. He did not think her beautiful, beauty was something he did not care for, he thought of her as desirable. This was his third month in Metropolis and he never stayed with a girl for more than an evening, but she was different. Although Kal found her very attractive, it was her talent at making a night memorable that kept him interested. With her, he always ended up doing something crazy, such as walking on the edge of the Daily Planet building.

Kal walked up to where she was standing, and stepped up on the ledge. "You know you're crazy?"

She slapped him so hard he almost fell over. "Can you get any more repetitive?" she spoke, not caring about either one of them flying over seventy floors, "Kiss me!"

"You know I don't kiss, I make out," he looked at her seductively.

"Make out? So that's what you call feeling down my breasts?," she laughed.

She was getting drunker by the moment and seeing this Kal took complete advantage. "I can't deny that," he said as he grabbed her by her waist and tilted her over the edge. She let out a scream followed by a loud burst of laughter, "I do enjoy being with you." He bent closer and kissed her before she had a chance to reply.

As soon as Kal's lips made contact with hers, he felt a burning sensation in his chest. It soon felt as if his entire body was on fire, and the pain turned unbearable. He felt his hands let go, and heard a faint scream coming from somewhere near, but slowly getting further away. He took a few steps only to stumble and fall down backwards. He involuntarily tore his shirt off, revealing the burning scar he's been tormented by. Finally realizing what was going on, he struggled to get the ring off his finger.

With Red Kryptonite gone, Clark felt a little disoriented, and it took him a few moment to recall where he was. He rushed down the stairs out onto the street, barely making it in time to catch her. The force with which she landed in his arms pushed Clark's feet into the concrete of Communications avenue.

"Kal?" she whispered in astonishment, "how-, how did you do that?"

Clark set her down, and put the ring back on. "Its amazing," Kal said jokingly, "the things I do to impress chicks." He laughed even harder once he noticed the terrified expression on her face. "Come on Jenn, I'll buy you a drink and tell you everything."

***

Repairs were well underway on the Kent Farm, and the house that only a month ago looked like a meteor hit it was slowly regaining its integrity. Johnathan Kent remained taken in with his work, as he attempted to recreate the roof exactly the way it once used to be. Despite Martha's numerous hints and suggestions at adding at extra room on the top floor, he was bent on restoring everything to the way it was when his parents lived here. His concentration helped him ignore the deep purple Jeep that just pulled up in the driveway. He refused to be distracted until he heard somebody calling him name. Surprised at first, he soon recognized the voice and smiled, looking around for Lana.

"Mr. Kent?"

Johnathan looked down to meet Lana's curious glance. "Oh hey Lana, how are you doing?" he spoke as he got ready to climb down and greet her.

Lana saw this, but didn't want to distract him from his work. "I'm good, but please don't stop your work because of me, I'm only here to help Mrs. Kent," she said quickly, but then looked down, "if she needs my help that is."

Mr. Kent came down anyway, and walked up to her. "Look," he said in his lecturing, but kind manner, "I know you blame yourself for what happened to Clark, and you don't have to tell me why, but he did not run away to Metropolis this time. Something happened and you couldn't have had anything to do with it." He smiled a reassuring smile that Lana only now noticed ran in the family.

She smiled back. "Thanks, Mr. Kent."

"Anytime," he said as he turned around, ready to climb back up, but then remembered something and faced Lana again, "Oh, I think Martha was going to try out the new oven we got. She should have the cookies baked in no time, so feel free to stick around."

"I wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity like that," she laughed, "but Mr. Kent, I was wondering if I could first come by Clark's loft?" She felt her heart ache each time she mentioned his name.

"Of course," he said understandingly, "we left everything as it was when he left. I'll be sure to call you when Martha's ready."

"I'd like that," she said, still smiling, as she walked away towards the barn. Johnathan looked after her until she disappeared behind farm equipment, and decided to take his first break in four hours. He considered going inside and talking to Martha, but it seemed so peaceful outside, and he had a few things on his mind. Watching Lana walk away, he, for the first time, realized how lucky Clark was to have a person that considerate love him. Despite everything the two of them went through, although there were times of disagreement, Lana always stayed by Clark's side in the end. He knew he will always love Martha, and always considered their love so deep that no one else's could match it, until now. He realized that his son, wherever he was, would come back to the love of his love, and the life they will one day share will be just as special as his own.

Then he looked up at the clear skies above him and was glad to see a single white cloud. During the past month not a single drop of rain befell Smallville, and the crops couldn't last much longer. The cloud, however, seemed to literally explode, and it caught Jonathan's attention. He thought he saw something pierce it, a dark object of some sort, and it rapidly approached the farm. His eyes dwindled, he could soon distinguish two figures, those of a man and a woman, and then it struck him.

"Martha," he called out, "get over here!"

Mrs. Kent ran out of the house, wondering what happened. "What is it?"

"Look," Johnathan pointed up.

"Oh my God," Martha's voice filled with happiness and excitement, "Clark!"

As he sped through the warm morning air, with Jennifer in his arms, Clark felt as free as he has ever been. The horrors of the Hub seemed like a distant past, and with all his questions answered, mostly by his savior, the future appeared bright. He slowed down when he reached the surface, scoring a soft touchdown, and let Jennifer back on her feet. He smiled as he saw the amazement in his parents' eyes.

Martha ran up and enclosed him in her arms. "Oh Clark," she could barely get out, "I thought something terrible happened to you. Are you alright?"

Clark looked at his Dad who seemed equally pleased to him. "Yes, Mom, I'll be fine thanks to Jennifer here," he turned to her, "she rescued me from hell itself. Jenn, these are my parents."

Jennifer smiled shyly. "Its a pleasure to meet you."

"Son, I'm glad you're alright," Johnathan said to Clark as the two shared a quick embrace. "There is someone here who I think you'd want to see."

Clark looked at him confused. "What do you mean?" then, by his father's facial expression he realized who he was talking about, "Lana is here? Where?"

"She told me she wanted to stay in the loft for a little while," he said as he gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder, "why don't you go check one her?"

Martha saw Clark go from restless to almost depressed, as he remembered his last conversation with Lana. "Sweetheart, she worried about you more than the rest of us combined."

"Really?" he seemed delighted once again, "Will you show Jennifer inside. I'll be right there," he said as he sped off towards the barn. He reappeared at the bottom of the steps that led to his other Fortress of Solitude, and felt immediately mesmerized by the sound of her beautiful voice. He saw Lana, leaning against one of the support beams, and holding up a photo of the two of them, whispering something quietly to herself.

"Remember when I told you that you had this image of a perfect me in your mind," her voice sounded calm, but sad, as if she only recently stopped crying, "and you told me that I was, and nothing could ever change the way you felt about me? I wish I was perfect, perfect for you, not for anyone else. I wish that I had never doubted you, like you had never doubted me," she felt a tear roll down her cheek, "I am afraid, Clark, afraid that those terrible words I spoke in the hospital will be the last you'll ever heard from me. And that I will never be able to tell you how much I really love you."

Clark quietly walked up behind her and whispered softly into her ear:

"You can tell me now."

She felt her hands weaken, and held her breath, wishing with all of her heart that this was real, that his voice was real, and he really was there. "Clark-," she whispered back, as the photo came crashing down out of her hand, onto the wooden floor.

"Don't say anything," as he gently touched her lips with his finger, slowly leaning towards her. She closed her eyes, still thinking this was a dream, and carefully reached out for his. They kissed, with nothing between the two pure hearts but love that endured both so much and so little. The world around them seemed to light up and fade, as they found themselves lost in each other's arms.

[SmallvilleMan]

about time;) Good job.

[binkys711]

FINALLY!!!!AWESOME!!!!*jumping with excitement*THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!PPMS!!!:D

[clana4ev3r]

THAT is beautiful you should consider being a poet! PPMS

[kewl]

yeah finally, the clana part!!!! yippeeee!!!! :D cool update, please keep em coming!!!! PPMS!!!

[dreammaster]

Awesome chapter

[NYC300Z]

Yeah that was really great!! Finally we get some Clana!! PPMS!!

[4EverSmallville]

Ketchup, Ketchup, Ketchup. I have a few complaints I need to take up with you. Firstly, why did you not inform me of this absolutely riveting fanfic?!!! My goodness! This is brilliant, and I had no idea :lol:. You should have dragged me in here lol.

I had been meaning to read this for a while and never quite found the time, but I started it and couldn't tear myself away, and mind you it's 3:46 am my time right now :lol:.

I had two complaints *don't worry, they were both good* but in light of this fic I am completely at a loss as to what I was going to say lol.

Well, I have four pages of compliments to go through so...your writing is mind-blowing! Your word choice is direct, eloquent, and thought-provoking at the same time. The imagery you create is uncomparable and I can really see this in my mind as I read it, great work :D. And if this happened S5, I would be stunned if SV ratings didn't skyrocket.

Oh the twists :eek:. A typical fic has one base, usually the particular ship involved. Your fic has romance with Clark and Lana, enmity with Clark and Lex, mystery with Clark, his biological parents, and Lionel, and if Jessica's character didn't catch me off guard, I have no idea what else would. The fact that you added that flashback scene was excellent as well, it shows your talents and ingenuity ;).

"Remember when I told you that you had this image of a perfect me in your mind," her voice sounded calm, but sad, as if she only recently stopped crying, "and you told me that I was, and nothing could ever change the way you felt about me? I wish I was perfect, perfect for you, not for anyone else. I wish that I had never doubted you, like you had never doubted me," she felt a tear roll down her cheek, "I am afraid, Clark, afraid that those terrible words I spoke in the hospital will be the last you'll ever heard from me. And that I will never be able to tell you how much I really love you."

Are you trying to make me cry :lol:? The number of fics that have actually pulled at my heartstrings can definitely be counted on one hand, good gracious!

Well, in apology for not making the time to read this fic much sooner, I hope my little rant will suffice. Not to mention the fact that I read this at an almost indecent hour :lol:.

I cannot wait to read more of this, you truly are exceptional :).

[SVsleuth]

Awesome! Sweet! :) :) :) Love it!

[clana4ev3r]

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

This is great! Keep up the great writing. :):):)

[booze_is_me09]

i loved it! loved it, loved it, loved it! amazing post! PPMS!

[EyeluvTom]

I love your story, Ketchup! Keep up the great work! Yea, my first post is on Ketchup's story!

[smallvillewolf17]

more more more more more

[ajfinn]

Ahhhh..... I think I'm in love with Clark .... er, I mean *husband is glancing over my shoulder* I think LANA is in love with Clark :D

[Ketchup]

Thx for all the feedback, it means a lot. No update today though, I got a huge one hour presentation at University of Texas at Dallas to give tomorrow... must prepare. But yea tomorrow you get to meet the villain of the story. :D

BTW, EyeluvTom, welcome to the forums :)

[ajfinn]

**ajfinn runs off and cries because that means Ketchup won't be reading her new update that she worked so hard on, just for him!**

[EyeluvTom]

Thanks for the welcome Ketchup! :)

[MOOman0618]

This has to be one of the most well written stories I have read. Can't wait for more!

[C.A.chick]

this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!! keep it up... i don't get the part with jenniffer and how he is kissing her... then he hiises lnana? could you explain that to me?

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by C.A.chick
this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!! keep it up... i don't get the part with jenniffer and how he is kissing her... then he hiises lnana? could you explain that to me?

I think I can help. The part written in italics is a FLASHBACK to when Clark ran away to Metropolis & was known as KAL. That's when he met & kissed Jenn. The end part, written in regular type, is what is happening in the present. That's when he kisses Lana. Re-read the last several posts together keeping this in mind, & you'll get it. :)

[Ketchup]

Guys thank you so much for the feedback and Im sorry to disappoint you by not posting an update tonight, despite my promise to do so. :\ My girlfriend just broke up with me and the last thing I want to write about right now is love. I'll make it up to y'all tomorrow. Im sorry :(

[SVsleuth]

Sorry about the breakup. :( Take the time you need to deal with real life. Fantasy can wait till you feel the urge to write. We understand. I'll say a prayer for you.

[SmallvilleMan]

thats sucks man. I said you out now and get another girl;) . Or create yourself into the story and you can get lana;)

[C.A.chick]

man, i know the feeling... i may be i girl but it still totally sucks and hurts.......
when my boyfriend broke up with me i was devastated... but you need to do something to keep your mind off of it ( like writing bout clana) it may hurt to talk about love... but it'll help you recover sooner.... trust me, i know

hope you don't take this too serioulsy since you'll just get hurt more... good luck...

by the way, thank you SVsleuth for clearing that up for me... thats what i get for skipping the beginning

[kewl]

sorry to hear bout the break ketchup :( just hang in there buddy :)

[ajfinn]

Are we all a good support group or what?? I feel like I know all you guys. As for your former girlfriend . . . obviously doesn't know a good, talented, intelligent guy when she meets one. When you write your first bestseller, she'll be sorry :D

[NYC300Z]

Yeah like everybody else pretty much said u'll get over it Ketchup....it'll just take some time....Post as soon as u feel up to it iight?

[EyeluvTom]

Don't worry, that girl obviously doesn't know who a good writer is when she sees one. Like ajfinn said, when you get a bestseller, she will realize what she missed.

[C.A.chick]

i have to agree with every-one else.... she just broke up with a very talented writer.... she's the one who's gonna lose out! i feel sorry for her, she didn't realise what a great person you are, and that is her loss.

hey, but take your time, everyone needs recuperation time

god, one of these days my thing won't say "new in town" i've been surfing kryptonsite as long as i can remember, but i just didn't register for a while.... sheesh

[Ketchup]

Thank you all so much for all of your support. Love has a way of blinding us, making us see our loved ones as perfect, and there is nothing wrong with that, but once the relationship is over, its like a veil's been lifted. She wasn't anywhere near perfect, and I guess now I could see it coming, and am anything but depressed, just glad she ended it now, and not in the middle of my senior year. This way I get a chance to enjoy the most important year of my life so far with someone who will perhaps be a better person.

Anyway, my dad insisted I go out to the lake with him earlier today so I could think this stuff through, so I didnt get much time to write, and now my friends are coming over, dragging me to Fantastic Four, but I managed to type up the conclusion to Part 2, which, after reading over it, I felt was incomplete. Ill try to post more as soon as I can. Im also working on another fic right now, so thats coming Monday.
--------------------------------------------------------------

(continued from Part 2)

They moved to the coach, and remained there for a half hour, still, with Lana lying in Clark's gentle embrace. They haven't spoken a word since their passionate kiss, though their minds were full of thoughts. Neither believed this was happening, this must have been a dream, but if it was, neither wanted to ever come awake again. He felt captivated by the sweet scent of her shiny dark-brown hair; she felt secure, shielded by his strong, warm hands.

"I'm sorry, Clark," Lana finally broke the silence.

Clark looked down at her. "What for?" he said pulling her in a little closer.

"I- I shouldn't have said that to you at the hospital."

"Its alright-"

She didn't let him finish. "And the whole month that you were gone, wherever you were, whatever they did to you, you had my terrible words hanging over your heart. I feel like I caused you more suffering than your enemies ever could."

"Lana," Clark spoke after a few painful moment of silence, "when I was down there, trying to live through each new experiment," he felt her stiffen as he described his imprisonment for the first time, "the promise of seeing you again was the only thing that kept me alive."

Lana felt his smile, and all the sadness in her world seemed to fall away.

"Do you remember," she said softly, "that time when you got really sick from those mold spores?"

"I remember really freaking you out."

"You did," her voice sounded deeply concerned, "but I didn't stop by to visit you." She rolled over to face him. "It just feels like whenever you were in pain all those years, I was never there for you, and I wish I was."

Clark looked into far into her beautiful eyes. "Considering all the times I pushed you away, I'm surprised we ever remained friends."

"It must be that Kent charm you seem to be filled with," she smiled, the first time he saw her smile in over a month.

"Mom says it runs in the family," he said, giving her a quick, but tender kiss. As he pulled away, his heart hinted him towards something. "Do you remember our freshmen year Homecoming?"

Lana remembered what Whitney did to Clark. "Yes, what Whitney did to you was horrible!"

"Yeah, that was a very... spiritual experience, but its not what I meant," he said as he helped her up, and got up himself. He walked over to his stereo, and put in an unmarked CD that lay next to it. Lana stood there wondering what this was all about, only to hear the sweet sounds of the most beautiful song she has ever heard fill the loft.

"I remember you promising to save a dance for me," he said as he walked back to her.

"I believe I did."

Clark gently took a hold of her hand and asked, "May I have this dance?"

Lana wanted to laugh and say "yes," but instead felt tears appear in her eyes, as she pulled her body against his and slowly lowered her head onto one of his broad shoulders. She waited for this for too long, and with nothing in between them to prove, no secrets, no lies, there was only him and her. He waited for this moment for years, and finally he felt as if his life had greater meaning than his destiny. She was his destiny right now, and he was hers, and as the two paced the dance floor, they lost all ties to reality, and she didn't notice when her feet were lifted up and floated along with his above the loft.

"Clark," she said softly, "please tell me I'm not dreaming."

"You're not," he whispered back, "but I think I might be."

He felt her hands' embrace tighten. "Then I hope you never wake up."

[LoisNClark]

That was a great update and sorry to hear about your girlfriend, she's the one losing out.

anyway again great update
ppms

[dreammaster]

awesome update

[booze_is_me09]

that was short but great! PPMS!

[EyeluvTom]

Wow Ketchup! This was a great update! Glad to hear that you are going to give us another story soon! It is going to be Clana right? Anyway, awesome story and thanks for updating it today.

[NYC300Z]

Yeah thanks for the update....glad ur feeling a bit better.....so is Lana gonna realize she's floating?? lol PPMS!!!

[4EverSmallville]

You do know that you're keeping me away from Harry Potter right? :lol: Wonderful update, I was all smiles through the whole thing lol.

The situation with your ex-girlfriend reminds me of what Lionel said to Chloe at the end of S2 *I know I watch to much SV, it's sad, but not illegal :lol:*

In his monologue he mentioned that once the veil of love has been taken away the person is revealed to you with all their faults and foibles...and quite a few other words that increased my vocabulary lol. But don't let one person get you down, it's not worth it. Just keep your head up and don't let others bring you down :).

[SVsleuth]

Great update. Thanks for sharing your writing talent with all of us. Still can't wait for more. Also wonder what will happen when Clark remembers that Jenn is in the house with his parents. How will he introduce her to Lana? What will Jenn think as she gets to know Clark instead of Kal?

[ajfinn]

Great, sweet update. I can't get enough Clana, in all its many forms that it comes to us on this Clark & Lana forum. I think I might have a disease. Maybe someone should do experiments on me, instead of on Clark. *runs off to call a shrink*

[I_love_smallville91]

I love this fic! Your writing is so realistic! PPMS!!!!!!

[peaches4cream]

awww thaat was so sweet of clark to make them float wow that was just so awsome ppost more very soon

[Ketchup]

Phew just got back from a TEN HOUR LONG concert, with Bowling For Soup, The Vanished, and the Feds. It was AWESOME, but the downside is that I didnt spend any time at home = no update. Good thing of course is that Im totally over Jamie (gf) and can write as much as I want, however I want. As I said before, tomorrow Ill post my new fic, and will also update this one. Thx for the feedback, glad some people actually like this story (I dont :p)

[NYC300Z]

What?? How can u not like ur own story?? Come on this is an interesting story and u got us all wanting more so plz update soon!

[4EverSmallville]

Is that the one...Last Setting of the Sun? From the Fan Fic Discussions forum? I can't wait to read that, and to read what you've updated.

How do you not like this story? The storyline is awesome. The plot twists are incredible. And to top it all off your word choice is inspiring. What is there to not like about this story?

[kewl]

i love this story!!!!! awesome update!!! how sweet, lana literally floating and in clark's arms :D PPMS!!

[peaches4cream]

that was so awsome

she didn't notice when her feet were lifted up and floated along with his above the loft.

how sweet can one guy be :D :D :D

[binkys711]

YAY!!!AWESOME KETCHUP!!!JUST TUNED IN!!!:D btw i am glad that you are over your ex-gf she didn't appreciate nor know what a trully great person you really are!....and you went to a concert?!! bowling for soup!!!!i love 'em!!!! *sings 1985*:p anyways....AWESOME STORY KETCHUP AND GONNA GO READ YOUR NEXT STORY!!!*goes and looks for ketchup's story*

[EyeluvTom]

Don't forget this story Ketchup!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by EyeluvTom
Don't forget this story Ketchup!
ditto - ditto - ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ketchup]

Im not, working on the update as we speak.

[ajfinn]

Darn you, wicked one! I raced to read your update and all I get is more excuses. WORK WORK WORK!

[binkys711]

HEY! YOU HAVEN'T UPDATED EITHER!!! BOTH OF YOU START POSTIN' YOUR UPDATE....TODAY!:D plz!*puppy dog face*:D

[Ketchup]

This update is JUST for binks! lol Sorry guy, Ive been quite busy lately, and I have also been working on my other story. Go check it out, its called "The Last Setting Of The Sun," and I like it a lot more than this one. =P ANyway enjoy the short update.
--------------------------------------------------------------

(Part 2 continued)

Although the song came to an unexpected and unfortunate conclusion, that did not prevent them from holding on to this moment for a while longer. In fact the slow dance continued through two more songs, and ended only when the CD stopped at the end of the last track. At last Lana came to a realization that she was floating a good three feet above the floor, but she did not feel scared - merely curious - she felt as safe as she had ever felt.

"Clark?"

"Yes, Lana?"

"Why are we floating in the air?" he asked, with her eyes now closed, not really caring for his explanation.

"Did I forget to mention I can fly?" Clark replied with a wide grin on his face.

Lana's eyes came wide open, trying to grasp and sort out this explanation - one she honestly did not expect to hear. "You can... fly?"

He laughed, "Yes, I can fly."

A confirmation was all that she needed to return to her state of bliss. Her eyes were shut again. "Can you fly us somewhere," she was mumbled, "distant, and beautiful, and mysterious?"

Clark loved hearing her speak like this, he thought it was adorable. "Of course I will, just let me tell my parents I'm leaving."

The moment he spoke those words, he realized that his parents and Jennifer had been waiting for him inside for the past hour at least. Similar thought were going through Lana's head, as she realized that she'd forgotten all about the cookies, and how hungry she was.

"I think we better check up on your parents," she said.

"I think so too, I have someone to introduce you to. Care for a little ride?" Clark said as he flew both of them out of the loft window, and then softly landed in front of the Kent house porch.

"Now you are just showing off."

Part 3: "Evil Astir"

Except to the top floor, Martha managed to restore order to the entire house in the month Clark's been gone. With the exception of a few vases and old furniture, the inside of the house exactly as it did before. Jennifer situated herself at the kitchen table, enjoying the delicious smells of Mrs. Kent's cooking. When Clark and Lana came in, the Kents seemed to be taken in by her exaggerated version of their escape. Jennifer's ambition quickly died down once she saw Clark, and she quickly skipped to the end, leaving her listeners quite disappointed.

"Hey, Clark," she addressed him once she was done, not seeing Lana who stood behind Clark, "about time you showed up, man."

Clark's face formed an expression of guilt. "Yeah, sorry about that," he said apologetically, "Jenn, there's someone I'd like you to meet," he moved out of Lana's way, so that Jennifer could take a better look at her, "this is Lana," he said putting his hand around her waist, "Lana, this is Jennifer Reisse, my 'savior' so to speak."

A hint of jealously lit up in Jennifer's deep brown eyes, but she quickly suppressed it before anyone could notice. Did she save Clark only to watch him immediately run off with another girl? She gave Lana some credit, however, as her beauty was beyond argument, as so was her love for him. Nevertheless, Jenn felt disappointed, her heart torn in two, but she did not show it. If anything, she was strong, strong enough to reach out and shake the hand of the one who stole her love away.

Jennifer forced a very believable smile. "Glad to finally meet you! Clark told me a lot about you."

"Did he now," Lana grinned, looking up at him, "you will never believe how grateful I am for your help in getting him out."

"Yes, Jennifer managed to blow up half of Ft. Ryan while she was at it," Clark said smiling.

"So how did you guys meet?"

"Actually, we met in Metropolis-" Jennifer began, but Clark cut her short, digging deeper into her heart. Did he not even want to remember the times they shared in the city? Those were some of the best days in her life, first time she ever fell in love, and now, two years past, he didn't even want to remember?!

"Yeah, don't worry Lana, I'll be sure to tell you on our way."

Johnathan who sat across from Jennifer and been listening to the conversation without interfering, could help but wonder what Clark was talking about."Your way? Where?" he asked.

Clark smirked. "Well I promised Lana to fly her to some, 'distant, beautiful, and mysterious,' but I wanted to tell you guys first."

"Well you can't just leave Jennifer here," Martha said, very concerned. Jenn reminded her of herself in her college years.

Jennifer, however, couldn't wait to get out of this house. She didn't think she could stand the sight of Clark in the arms of her new rival for much longer.

"Oh don't worry about me, I need to check in at work, and drive down to Met U for registration."

"Well then we better get going," Clark said as he grabbed a few cookies, "Bye mom, dad. See ya Jenn, I'll catch up with you later." With that Clark literally dragged Lana out of the house - she barely had the time to say "good-bye" to his parents and her new friend.

Johnathan looked over at Martha. "We'll have to get used to having Lana around a lot more often."

"I'm so glad they are finally together," she replied, her heart filled with joy for her son, "Clark's been waiting for this for so long," and then turned to Jennifer, "Jennifer, dear, would you like to stay with us for lunch?"

"Thank you so much Mrs. Kent," she replied, giving her an honest smile. They were good people, she thought, and regretted bringing so much pain into their lives, "but I'm afraid I have to get going. I would appreciate a ride to the buss station."

"Sure thing, sweetie, just give me a few minutes to finish up here."

Soon enough, Jennifer found herself sitting on a bench at a station nearby. Instead of the bus she was expecting, a black Chevy Suburban pulled up, and she heard a familiar voice.

"Get in."

She got in the front-right seat, and fastened her seatbelt. "Well hello Neal."

His face was concealed with a metallic mask, covered on the sides in a black hood. "I thought I told you to refer to me as Nal-Ek."

"What the hell kind of name is that for a human?"

"My master chose it for me," his voice sounded monotone, as if he really wasn't human.

Jennifer laughed at him. "Master?"

"Yes, my master, Zod. He has an assignment for you."

"What does he want me to do now?" she said with a frustrated look on her face.

[SVsleuth]

Yay, you updated, Ketchup! I love your stories. Thanks for not forgetting this one. PPMS :)

[binkys711]

Originally posted by Ketchup
This update is JUST for binks! lol

aww!:p shucks!:o thanxz ketchup! *blushes*

my puppy dog face never fails!:p ;)

great update!!!it was awesome!!! wait....did ya say.....ZOD!!!!:eek:OH MAN!!!SOO COOL!!!:cool: :D PPMS!!!:lol: :D

[NYC300Z]

yay thanks for updating Ketchup!! Plz don't take so long with the next one k? PPMS!!

[EyeluvTom]

Can't wait for the next update to come!

[peaches4cream]

ok who is his master and were do clark and lana go

[Ketchup]

Master is Zod... heh.

[C.A.chick]

COOL!!!!! this is totally amazing......i love it

[4EverSmallville]

Great update :D.

[ajfinn]

Your stories make evil look hip :D I think I need a dash of Ketchup in my Clana.

Great update!

[MOOman0618]

ZOD! dun dun dunnnnnnnn

Can't wait to see where this is going!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[peaches4cream]

i'm just uhmmmm......... great story

[clana4ev3r]

whose zod?

[binkys711]

Zod was an evil man condemned to the phantom zone before krypton exploded (start of superman 1 and the entire superman 2 movie staring Chris Reeves;))

if ya need more detail or have more questions just tell me and i'll be glad to answer your question!;):D

[kewl]

yay, u updated!!! thanks, please post the next one the soonest!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

Ketchup, don't forget this one! ;) We really like it alot. PPMS

[Schfifty-five]

Come on we need more!!

[EyeluvTom]

Can't let this story disappear either!! ;)

[clana4ev3r]

it seems every story isn't being updated......

[SVsleuth]

Ketchup............ I know you're back.......... I hope you're planning on giving us updates soon. Please? Don't mean to nag, but we really miss your stories. ;)

[SmallvilleMan]

NAG NAG NAG!:D

[kewl]

still waiting for your update!!! PPMS!!

[Ketchup]

*sigh* :(

Alright, I'm basicly closing the book on this fic indefinitely (probably until I finish The Last Setting). My reasoning is based on the following:
- I don't have time to write anymore (school, work, SATs, French, band [guitar], etc.)
- I don't enjoy writing this fic as much as my other one
- I ran this poor thing into the ground by creating what like 20 different plotlines all occuring at the same moment?
- School's about ot start

You guys have a choice tho. I can either post a REALLY long last update with a huge-ass cliffhanger at the end, I can also post a long update wrapping the entire fic up, and stopping right here, completely, or I can stop where I am right now and just concentrate on the Last Setting. You pick, I'd prefer the first option.

I'm sorry if you enjoyed this fic, but it seems I cant handle writing two stories at once :\ Well actually three if you count my non-Smallville novel.

So do you guys want another update? With Commencement-style cliffies?

[SVsleuth]

If you end with cliffys does it mean you will promise to someday resolve them with a sequel? If not, I don't want cliffys. give me the long wrap up and its over, with no cliffys.

That's my vote. Anyone else?

And, Ketchup, I understand. It takes lots of time to write & post these stories. I just hope you stick with your novels & don't give up on them. You really should get to the publishing stage someday. Keep up all your artistic hobbies. Have fun, too. :)

[Ketchup]

Of course if ill have a cliffie it will sooner or later be resolved... Im not AlMiles afterall :lol:

[NYC300Z]

Okay well as long as u'll one day get it resolved the really really really long update with a huge cliffy gets my vote!

[4EverSmallville]

Commencment style cliffies? Similar to the life/death, alien invasion, Apocalypse is coming kind of endings? Most definitely :D.

But this doesn't mean I'll forget about this fic, or Last Setting ;).

[binkys711]

commencment style cliffy's has my vote.....:\ ;)

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Of course if ill have a cliffie it will sooner or later be resolved... Im not AlMiles afterall :lol:

How long will you keep us hanging? Can you promise sooner rather than later? ;)

[Ketchup]

Alrite, a super-long entry with a bunch of cliffies it is.

2Steph: Well the Last Setting is supposed to be more of a short story than a novel or a novella. I dont know how soon Ill be done with it, maybe two months or so, but as soon as I'm done with that, I'll get back to Revelations.

[kewl]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
If you end with cliffys does it mean you will promise to someday resolve them with a sequel? If not, I don't want cliffys. give me the long wrap up and its over, with no cliffys.

That's my vote. Anyone else?


i'm with SVsleuth on this one!!!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Alrite, a super-long entry with a bunch of cliffies it is.

2Steph: Well the Last Setting is supposed to be more of a short story than a novel or a novella. I dont know how soon Ill be done with it, maybe two months or so, but as soon as I'm done with that, I'll get back to Revelations.

That will be fine. So first cliffy's, then finsih Last Setting, then resolve cliffys here. OK. I can live with that. I mean we had to wait a few months for the real SV cliffy resolutions, so I guess we can wait for yours. Just remind us at the end of Last Setting, when you start to work on the resolutions, to go back & re-read all of Revelations to refresh our memories, while you write the endings. OK?

BTW, how long do the stories stay on the site if there's no action on them? I mean, do the mods delete them after a certain amount of time? If so, we'll have to keep posting some PPMS on your thread to keep it from disappearing.

[Ketchup]

Well if the mods delete this, I could always repost it, but I dont think they ever delete fan fics. I was reading a really good fic in the Chlark section that was... like half a year old, so no worries.

Ill get to writing the update after I update the Last Setting, which Ill do today. =)

[4EverSmallville]

I've read older fics as well, but I had a one-shot in the Clois section that I can't find anymore. I don't know what happened to it, but it seems like it was deleted.

[Cardinal]

I'm weighing in kinda late on this topic, but here's what I think: Ketchup, it's your story, tell it the way you want it told...I'm sure we'll all like it as much as we like the rest of your stuff! ;)

[EyeluvTom]

Can't wait for a super long update! ;)

[midnite_spark]

hey Ketchup...how bout updating this story just like how u did with "The Last Setting...."??? huh? huh? lol.

please update soon

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by midnite_spark
hey Ketchup...how bout updating this story just like how u did with "The Last Setting...."??? huh? huh? lol.

please update soon

Sry, not gonna happen :( I'm quitting fan fic for a loooong while after I'm done with the Last Setting, and thats in about a week.

[kewl]

uh oh....ketchup's gonna leave us all hanging!!!! :(

[MOOman0618]

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! They are both on their death beds!

[Ketchup]

Well I'll do a wrap up of course, just dont know when or how long it will be.

[kewl]

hope it will be soon ketchup ;)

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by kewl
hope it will be soon ketchup ;)

And long too!:D

[kewl]

ditto to NYC!!!! :D

[eyelo]

aww too bad
this is probably the best fanfics i've read

[kewl]

hi eyelo! welcome to the clana world!!! :D

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by eyelo
aww too bad
this is probably the best fanfics i've read

it... is? well thanks. i guess im the only one who doesnt like where this fic was going.

[NYC300Z]

Come on Ketchup u said u were going to give us an update to this story with big cliffys right? So where is that update???

[eyelo]

hi kewl and thanks for the welcome
yeah ketchup, maybe its the fact that everything doesnt go as planned and its not as predictable as some others
anyways, just thought i would let you know that i really like it

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Well I'll do a wrap up of course, just dont know when or how long it will be. :confused:

[kewl]

hey again eyelo! i'm sure ur gonna love it here in the crazy world of CLANA!!! ;)
hope it will be soon ketchup coz a lot of people are waiting for ur update!!! :D

[NYC300Z]

:lol::lol::lol::lol: omg I never saw someboyd quote himself b4! That is so funny!! :lol::lol:

[EyeluvTom]

Hey, Ketchup, when's the super long update?

[kewl]

it better be a supeeeerrr lloooonggg update and worth our wait ketchup!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D :D:D:D:

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D
:D

[linn]

im with kewl

[kewl]

hey ketchup, i see ur online... so does this mean we're getting an update? :D

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by kewl
hey ketchup, i see ur online... so does this mean we're getting an update? :D

No, it doesnt. :p I was just replying to a PM and/or taking a break from writing to chat with my fellow Clanists. Dont expect this story to be updated until after Im done with the Last Setting of the Sun.

[kewl]

:( :( :( :p
ok. then please update 'last setting' very very soon so u can update this one ;)

[EyeluvTom]

*sobs* Well, okay, but it really better be super long!