The Last Setting Of The Sun

[Ketchup]

Title/Link: The Last Setting Of The Sun
Author: Eldar ("Ketchup" or "Shamu")
Pairing(s): Mostly Clark and Lana, twists to come
Rating: PG-13
Preconditions: Clark and Lex never became "enemies" in SV, but did once Clark linked a number of assassination attempts on his life directly to Lex.
Summary:

Disclaimers: All characters, except those non-existent in the Superman-verse are property of DC Comics and WB.

Promo Pic:
http://ee.1asphost.com/thesilenttempest/TheLastSetting.jpg

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Prologue

October 21, 2012: Election Day

In the late 2012, Metropolis was well on the way to becoming both cultural and economic capital of the world. With crime and poverty rates at a virtual zero percent, the city was brewing with tourists, entertainers, and businessmen at every hour of the day. Every nation on Earth seemed to have its own corner in this vast bowl of international cultures. It was condemned uncivilized to speak less than three languages, and one could oft hear a mix of English, French, and Japanese used as common speak amongst the inhabitants of the city.

Its hierarchy greatly redefined since the beginning of this millennium, Metropolis subdivided into into three clearly defined sectors: a business, a residential, and an entertainment one. The Manifest Square, built in the place of the original Luthor Corp. sky rise, became the intersection of the three in the middle of the ever-growing city. Tonight it was filled with faces colored in either blue and red, or purple, representing the election colors of the two opposing parties. The crowd stared as the numbers and colors changed on the enormous crystalline screen positioned on the north side of the Daily Planet building.

For many the outcome of this night's election meant absolutely nothing, but to one man tonight was a beginning of something both great and terrifying. As his jet soared through the dark stary skies, and the last votes were coming in, he remained calm, trying his best not to fall asleep. He was about to finally doze off when a knock came on the door to his cabin.

"Come in," he replied sleepily, though with a hint of disappointment.

The door opened and a tall, blond woman walked in with a stack of papers in her hands. "Mr. Luthor, the final results just came in from Florida."

Lex sat up in the armchair and turned gave her an encouraging nod. "And?"

The woman smiles eagerly. "You won, sir, you will be the next President of the United States."

To her surprise he did not smile, nor did he seem excited at all. He simply handed her a folder that was lying on the floor, dismissed her with a "thank you," and returned to his long-awaited nap.

January 2, 2013: Inauguration

Commotion was undying among the vast army of the Liberty Party supporters, as they gathered to watch their leader come to power. Capitol Hill was surrounded by a sea of purple and silver flags, with frequent sails of Lex's portraits contrasting sharply with the background. The man of the hour sat in a guest room, with less than ten minutes left till he was to reveal his darkest plan, glancing carelessly at himself on the cover of Time Magazine's early edition Man of the Year. With many opponents and even more supporters, no one in the world doubted his greatness, and above all capability. His time was up, his moment has come, and he only now chose to embrace it.

Floating about the crowd in a Daily Planet Television helicopter was a young, but promising reporter. Her camera crew struggled to keep their equipment focused on the podium, when one of them called out into her earphone.

"Lois," he yelled, "he's coming out."

She nodded, and turned her eyes to a screen in front of her, checking the satellite broadcast link. Seeing the green LED light, Lois pressed a few keys on her laptop and soon her the voice of DP News' anchor Dave Griffins.

"Our reporter, Lois Lane, is reporting to us live from Capitol Hill." Lois looked towards the camera. "Lois, what is the situation like down there?"

"Thank you Dave, it will be another minute before President Luthor will come before us. We are all expecting to hear his proposals on the matters of national security following the recent assassinations and terrorist acts in New York and Edge City. Mr. Luthor's decision to have no bodyguards present during his Inaugural Address surprised us all, and we can be sure that he has many more surprises in store for us. In regard to foreign policy, he is expected to address the recent difficulties between China and Russia. The situation- Hold on a second-" she listened in to her earphone, "It seems like President Luthor is coming out and is about to address the nation."

She stopped as switched the camera feed from herself to the figure of Lex Luthor, as he began.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, my fellow Americans, you all know me as a man of few words, but of action..."

"Lex Luthor," Lois whispered to herself.

"... and determination. The past months aroused the worst fears in the hearts and minds of each and everyone of us..."

"... I knew you when you were a young, spoiled brat..."

"... Terrorists and crime lords all over the country took our loved ones' lives and the government stood by and watched..."

"... how much did it cost to plant the bombs, to hire assassins..."

"... I stand here before you with a promise, one I will never break. A promise of a safer America, a brighter America, an America that will be known in the world as the strongest of all nations..."

"... how long did it take you to plan this takeover..."

"... Under my leadership, no traitor to the American dream will go unpunished..."

"... Now you will arrest all those who oppose you..."

"... and all the departments of law enforcement will be united into a single, organized force, to help fight crime at the lowest level..."

"... and create a horde of lapdogs to do your dirt for you..."

"... Our great nation endured enough suffering, lost enough many lives, and I stand here to promise that I will do everything to stop this terror."

"And that is how democracy will end in the United States, once and for all." Lois looked away from the monitor, took her earphone out, and stared deep into the sky.

"You alright?" asked Rick, the pilot, seeing her watery eyes.

She looked at him, and then wiped her eyes. "You wait and see, Rick, in a year he will revoke the Constitution and make himself the head of the New American Empire."

He always thought she took things a little too seriously, but for once he agreed. "I doubt Congress would allow that," he said, lying to himself, but at least trying to make her feel better.

"Lex owns every vote in Congress. The single unified force he speaks of will become his SS and very soon he'll be invading countries and reinstating the draft," she gave him a simple smile, "Its all so obvious, yet no one seems to see it."

Rick nodded. "They all see it. They just ignore it."

Lois didn't respond, lost in her own thoughts. It was now a matter of time before the Daily Planet was abandoned, and censorship kicked in. Two hundred and fifty years of liberty - destroyed in less than six months.

[4EverSmallville]

:D. Hmm. This is just as good as I anticipated. Keep it up, I'm anxious to read what's to come.

[NYC300Z]

Wow what a very sad place the world has become.....How come Clark didn't recognize Lana sooner?? PPMS~!!!

PS Update ur other story as well! Thanks...

[peaches4cream]

there we go i was beging to think there was no clana in this story
keep updateing

[dreammaster]

this is intertesting

[SVsleuth]

Wow. Your writing is great! We really get to see the evil Lex. He created the terrorism, etc. just so he could pretend to be the savior of the world & take control. That's our criminal mastermind!

The last results came in from FLORIDA? I'm sure THAT was rigged! (flashbacks to the year 2000, hanging chads, etc. :rotfl:

Poor, dead Lois. At least we don't have to worry about her messing up the Clana.

WHY didn't Clark recognize Lana's voice immediately? Seems to me he has it etched in his heart forever, & would know it instantly. That was the only point that was hard to believe.

Your stories are SOOOO good! Need more soon. ....And don't forget to update your OTHER story too, OK?

You should seriously write books for a living. I'm sure you would be published. My son's friend had his book published at age 17. Rave Reviews for your writing, Ketchup. 5 smilie rating: :) :) :) :) :):

Edit: Oh, I read your bio. So you DO write novels. Published? How do we buy them? If you aren't allowed to post that here, PM me, OK? Thanks.

[EyeluvTom]

Great story Ketchup, as always! Update your other story as well! :)

[MOOman0618]

Awesome start! I really enjoy your stories. Poor lois, but oh well...makes Clark's choice a lot easier.

[ajfinn]

Ahhhh, shucks. Poor little Lois went boom. I guess Clark will just have to find himself another wife . . . now who could that be? *tapping the side of my head for ideas--deep in thought*

[SmallvilleMan]

whoa, that was cool!

[binkys711]

FOUND IT!!!i don't know why i kept missing it but now i finally read it!and as usual....YOUR WRITTING IS INCREDIBLE!!!! INCREDIBLE START!!!!PPMS!!!

moment of silence for Lois:(

[Ketchup]

Hope this update will explain why Clark didn't recognize Lana's voice. I'll update my other story tomorrow, I hope. We'll see.
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Chapter 1

August 5, 2014

Ever since the midnight curfew has been imposed on the entire population of Metropolis, the streets of the new capital seemed rid of all living. Stained with the endless stream of raindrops, Communications Avenue paid tribute to the occasional Civil Obedience jeeps. President Luthor's right hand man, Ted Rivermann, the head of Civil Obedience, deemed it necessary to mount a machine and a tranquilizer gun on every vehicle. The jeeps served more as a menace, a symbol to remind everyone of the endless authority of Lex Luthor, than actual instruments of law administration.

Above this empty scene, in a small office on the top floor of the Daily Planet building, Clark Kent was finishing up his farewell article for the last newspaper to oppose the new regime. With most of the Board of Directors assassinated or forcefully removed from governing the company, the few remaining reporters took it on themselves to publish anything they seemed necessary. Clark's best friend for many years, Lois Lane, quit her job a few weeks ago, but her car was bombed anyway. His article was about her, about her life, and the goals that she never accomplished.

Once he finished typing, he proceeded to collect up all of his belongings. The last thing he put in his bag was a picture of him with his high-school friends. He first took it out and cut off the right hand part, where Lex stood, and spit in his face before he threw it away. Clark's once best friend turned into his greatest enemy, one that took Lois's life away, and ruined the lives of millions.

He tried to change the subject within his mind, as he made his way towards the elevator and soon found himself on the street. He never cared much for the curfew - it never prevented him from sneaking past outposts, and reaching his apartment in the building across the street from a Civil Obedience Station. Tonight, however, Clark was in no hurry. He walked in the open, letting the drops of rain disperse in his long, dark hair, in the middle of the street where anyone could see him, but he did not seem to care.

Once he reached his apartment building, he hesitated to enter, as he caught a glimpse of another figure in the rain, standing by a telephone booth across the street. Her face was concealed by a blood-red scarf, but her eyes showed through, reflecting the dim lights. Clark thought he knew those eyes once, but he dismissed the idea as irrelevant. Never before has he met anyone outside at this hour, and his curiosity got the best of him. He walked across the street and leaned onto the booth on the adjacent side to the one where the woman stood.

"Shouldn't you be inside at this hour?" he asked, trying to hide his interest.

"I could ask the same of you, Mr. Kent," she replied sternly.

Her voice sounded familiar, but Clark couldn't find the connection between the sound and the name. "Do we know each other?"

"We once used to," she didn't seem at all engaged in this strange conversation.

Clark was getting impatient, frustrated by his inability to remember. "What do you want from me?" he asked.

The woman took a package out of her coat, and handed it to him. "I want you to have this."

"I no longer work for the Planet, I'm sorry," he said, thinking he knew what was going on.

"Clark, I know much more about you than you think. This has nothing to do with your previous job," she said, as she handed him the package and started walking away.

Clark stood there for a moment, trying to understand what was happening. Then he ran up to her and grabbed her by her arm, making her turn around. "At least tell me your name."

"Don't you already know," she said, unwrapping her scarf, and revealing her beautiful face.

Clark stared at her for a moment in disbelieve. "Lana?"

Lana gave him a quick smile. "That will answer all of your questions," she said pointing at the yellow envelope. When she heard the sound of the sirens, she said, "Good night, Clark," and ran into one of the alleys. Wanting to make sure she was safe, he ran after her, but found nothing other than a dark, wet alleyway, complete with dumpsters and trash.

Still very confused, Clark took the stairs to his apartment on the thirty-fifth floor. He wasn't tired, he was never tired, but his mind felt as an overinflated balloon about to burst. He spent a few minutes looking for his keys, and then the right one, before he carelessly inserted it into the lock. The door opened easily, and he entered his modest one-bedroom apartment. He flipped the light switch and looked around the familiar room. The walls of the apartment were covered up with star maps and photos from his childhood - the best times of his life, Clark wasn't ashamed to admit. As always, his eyes stopped on the picture of his parents. Their passing left him with a sense of emptiness in his heart, one he thought he could fill once he moved to Metropolis.

He then realized that he left the door open, and walked back to the entrance to shut it. At that moment time itself seemed to have stopped, as he turned around to see flames slowly spreading, blowing the walls open. Clark quickly ran about, trying to collect as many things as he could, before the explosion consumed the entire apartment. He couldn't feel the heat, but the blast wave was about to catch up with him, when he grabbed the last bag and flew out of one of the windows.

He did not stop to look back at the remnants of his life, nor to watch the Order Enforcement Agency agents downstairs laugh at another life taken, but proceeded straight to the top of the Daily Planet building. As soon as he landed all of his personal possessions under the neon-yellow Globe, Clark ripped open the yellow packet. Inside he found a memo and a security pass, unmarked, and made out of white plastic. He took a closer look at the memo:

Meet me by my grave in an hour. Until then, farewell.

"This makes no sense," Clark mumbled to himself, "Didn't she die six months ago?"

The memories of the funeral rushed to his mind, with only him and Pete there to watch her be lowered into the ground. Civil Obedience said that there was little left of her, so the grave was empty when he checked. Pete offered to run his own investigation, but Clark saw no reason for it. Despite his high post in the C.O. Pete could never bring a person back to life. At least that what Clark told himself. In reality he simply couldn't forgive his once best friend for serving the newly elected tyrant. Rumors had it that no one who was ever approached by a C.O. recruiter walked away a free man, but to him that was no excuse.

There thoughts passed through Clark's head as he soared about the dim street lights of Metropolis, on his way to Lana Lang's grave in the Memorial Park Cemetery. He landed near the front gate, and walked the rest of the way, until he saw the stone. He realized that it would probably be a while till Lana showed up. He, after all, flew here, while she had to find her own ways to sneak past patrols. After a half hour of waiting, he began to wonder if she was coming at all, but then saw her silhouette lit up by lightning.

"So you came," she noted as she approached. Her scarf once again covered up her face.

"I've been waiting for a while," Clark responded, "care to explain what I'm doing here, by your grave, at four o'clock in the morning?"

She laughed. "I can't believe you got fooled by the whole funeral scheme."

"I haven't seen you for seven years when I got the call, how was I supposed to know what life you've been leading."

Somehow Lana never imagined this conversation as the first one after their parting. Clark to her seemed uneasy, and almost aggressive.

She did a great job of hiding her own uncertainty as she kept the tone of the conversation up. "It was necessary to stage my death, I needed to get the OEA off my back. Luckily, we won't have to do the same for you." Her poor attempt at a joke failed, but all of this was merely a game that she played.

"So now you're glad that I almost died."

Realizing that they could go on like this forever Lana decided to stir in a different direction. "You must be wondering why you're here."

"Yes, I am," Clark said impatiently.

She walked up to him, placing her hands around him, and putting her chin on her shoulder. "You've been looking for a chance to stop Lex," she whispered in his ear, "and I am prepared to offer you that chance."

Clark felt her warm hands wrapped around his waist, and he remembered the times when she'd embrace him out of love, not to confuse the wondering eyes of the OEA. He knew he could trust her, but he played a game of his own, and right now he needed information. "And if I say that I'm interested?"

"Then perhaps I could show you to a more cozy location where we could describe the rest of you agreement."

[SmallvilleMan]

sweet, i like it. PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

wow wasn't expecting anything like that! Yeah I guess that could explain why he didn't recognize her voice he thought she was dead! PPMS!!

[binkys711]

AWESOME!!!but for some reason i am reminded of the terminator!:confused: anyways.....great update!!!PPMS!!!THIS IS GETTING REALLY GOOD!!!:D

[ajfinn]

Ah, yeah! Lana organizing a resistance against Lex! Sweet! I hope she whips out some Lana-fu!!

[Clana-follower06]

Nice work Ketchup, keep it up, PPMS!

[4EverSmallville]

Very nice :D. I feel like I'm right there watching this underground operation unfold. The Resistance - what an awesome name :lol:.

[MOOman0618]

Good Stuff! So in this world does Lana know Clark = Superman?

[peaches4cream]

cool

lana is in the resitance long live the reveloution!!!!!!!!!!!yeahhhhh

[SVsleuth]

Yay! Lana has a real purpose, other than to look pretty. She's actually doing something to "make a difference" in the world, like her mom said in her graduation speech.

Question: Does Clark fly in his regular clothes, like Kal-El did in Crusade, or is he Superman already? - or shouldn't I ask that yet?

Love your writing. Keep it up. :)

[EyeluvTom]

Great story Ketchup, just don't leave us hanging! :)

[Daniel.Hauser]

There's something scary about this scenario and I wonder what Clark did in the last 6 month .. simply standing on the sideline while his friends were killed? Well, there are some things that will hopefully be cleared up in the following chapters, I'd also be looking forward to a few parts of Clark's last article for the Planet, something to show his compassion and his will to fight or his silent resignation.

I'm curious what you will make of Lex's attempts on Clark's life, because that raises a question, SVsleuth already asked: is Clark moonlighting as Superman?

By the way, Lana as a creator of a resistance force against the government? Wow, I so cannot imagine this but I like strong acting women and it will definitely be enlightening to read about her ;)

[Ketchup]

To clear a few things up:
Clark is NOT Superman yet, but who knows, he might become Superman before the end. ;) Also He of course didnt stand there and watch his friends die, but he couldnt be there for Lois 24/7, and as stated in the last update, Lana didnt really die. He does keep up his practice of helping people out when they are in need, but with the strict order that Lex imposed on the entire nation, there is virtually no crime and the only enemy he really has is Lex, and he's about to start fighting him, when before he prefered to use more democratic ways. More or less Lois' death was the last straw that made him want to bring down Lex. Ill explain how Lana, the quiet small town girl managed to create a resistance movement in the next update :rolleyes:

Thanks for all the feedback, glad to see you guys like this story :)

[NYC300Z]

Okay i'll be waiting for the next chapter that hopefully will bring some more answers! PPMS!!

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[SVsleuth]

Super fic. Keep it up!

[booze_is_me09]

PPMASAP!

[peaches4cream]

long live the revoloution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[ajfinn]

:( You're ignoring my need for a good story. POST! :D *stops screaming*

[SmallvilleMan]

Where's my update?:(

[superrocker05]

man where is the next update this is getting interesting.

[Ketchup]

You ask and I deliver. Sorry the update is so short, but I had to type it up TWICE cuz my bro crashed my comp with the file open. Stupid GTA: San Andreas, I choose to blame it on you! lol. Umm I'll prolly update this story tomorrow, if my schedule permits. Hope you guys enjoy!
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"Look Lana," he snapped, exhausted both mentally and physically, and in no mood for any more delays, "you can either tell me what all of this is about, or you can just leave me alone. I'm having a very bad day, and have no time for your riddles."

Lana smiled, finally realizing that he could be trusted. "Very well then, follow me."

He followed her back onto the city streets, and then into one of the hundred of alleys in the Residential Sector. He then helped her lift a hatch labeled with a red cross, and soon found himself in the Metropolis sewer system. The tunnels stretched for hundreds of miles, and under every major street, so that even Civil Obedience didn't have enough resources to control every inch of it.

"So was Lois's death also a fake?" Clark asked as they made their way through the endless dark conduits.

"No," she answered, and for the first time today her voice showed emotion, "her, I could not save." After that Lana fell quiet and he chose not to disturb her until they reached their destination.

After a few minutes of walking, Clark spotted a door at the end of the tunnel. Lana opened it and told him to go in, following closely behind. He found himself in what appeared to be a reception room, with walls covered in American Flags and a desk with a man sitting at it.

"Lana, glad to see you're alright," the man said, and then let his eyes wander to Clark, "and you must be the newest recruit. Clark, right?"

"Yeah," Clark replied uneasily, as he watched the man play with two M16s, one in each hand.

"Well, welcome to the Resistance," the man said as he put down one of the guns and stretched his hand out to Clark, who gave it a firm shake, "call me Dave."

Lana stood there smiling at how uncomfortable Clark looked. "Hey Dave, you ever going to let us in?"

"Oh yeah, of course," he said as he pressed a button hidden somewhere under his desk. One of the flags slid to the side revealing an entrance. "See ya around, Clark."

Clark didn't reply, since he was busy trying to catch up with Lana. "So you joined the Resistance after you 'died'?"

She paused and then said: "No, actually I organized it."

"No offense, Lana, but you don't seem quite the rebellious type," he said jokingly.

"Thanks," she smiled in reply, though he couldn't see the grin behind her scarf, "it started out as more of an idealist movement. A few of my friends and I organized protests against letting a twenty-eight year-old run for President at Kansas State, but that didn't do much good," she stopped for a second to stop some guy from dropping a few sticks of dynamite, "Woah, that was a close one. So after the protests failed, we all waited for the election results and, as you know, Lex won. That's when my boyfriend, at the time, and I decided to start planning this organization. I guess we never expected things on the outside to get so bad." She stopped once she reached a corridor with twelve doors on the left hand side. She walked up to the second door and turned to Clark. "This is where you will be staying, for now. I'll explain everything in detail once you get some rest."

"Yeah, thanks, Lana," he said, although he wasn't tired at all, just a little frustrated. All of this seemed so... different, but he always looked for an opportunity to help the world, and right now Lex seemed the only real threat anyone faced.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Lana said as she disappeared into the dark of the next room.

Clark opened the door to his cell, expecting to see a little more than a bed and a really old radio. The room felt wet, and the paint was peeling off the walls, as if this place was recently flooded. He sure liked his modest little apartment better than this hole, but he needed sleep and this bed was as good as it was going to get. Clark scanned the room for a switch, but eventually gave up and simply unscrewed the light bulb, leaving him in complete darkness. Once he stretched out on the bunk, he felt his feet hanging down in mid air. After tossing around for a few minutes, he finally found a more or less comfortable position and fell into an uneasy sleep.

The soft wind gently blew into his long, curly hair. The whole of Earth was laid out before his eyes, somewhere far below. Suffocation had a physiological affect, one he got over as soon as he realized he didn't need air to survive. The golden disk of the Sun carefully crept out from behind the endless blue, shading its warm rays onto the tiny world beneath.

Slowly advancing against the surface of the planet, a number of bright white trails appeared. They proceeded in curved lines, until each reached its destination. Upon impact, the clouds in the area suddenly disappeared, hiding behind a blinding flash of light. He felt himself scream out into the void, but the words wouldn't come out.

Clark awoke at the sound of his own screaming, eyes filled with tears. Knowing that tonight, sleep was out of the question, he looked at his watch to find that only an hour has passed. He wiped his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair, when the door to his cell opened and Lana came in.

"Hey, hope I'm not disturbing," she said softly, "but I heard you screaming."

With her scarf and coat gone, she stood before him in all of her grace. She looked older, more mature, but if anything her beauty only increased in the years since they parted. Suddenly Clark found his mind flooded with moments that they share together, him and the girl that he used to love. Used to? Yes, used to. "Nah, I was just having a bad dream."

"Yeah, I can't sleep either," she said as approached and sat down on the bed next to him, "Tell me what you dream was about?"

"Well its the same one I've been having for a few months now," he replied, looking down at his wet fingers, "I am floating above Earth, with wind blowing in my face, and then I look down and see missiles appear and destroy the entire planet, and there is nothing I can do about it."

Lana smiled. "I am sure that with your abilities, the world has little to worry about."

When Clark saw her expression, he realized that he hasn't seen her smile in over eight years. Suddenly he didn't want to talk about his nightmare anymore, nor did he want to think of anything unpleasant in his life. Sure, many years have passed, but somehow she still had the ability to light his insides on fire.

"You know, you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you," he said as he carefully studied her features.

"Yes, I've grown a little older," Lana replied, half jokingly.

"No, that's not what I meant," Clark smiled, "you look so beautiful."

She lips formed into a shy and sheltered smirk. "I see you haven't changed a bit, still the sweetest guy I know."

With each passing word, this conversation reminded more and more of the evenings spent at Clark's loft. Silence filled the room, as their minds drifted away into the same thought. The memories of the beautiful sunsets and carefree times in Smallville were rare, but always welcome in these dark times.

"Are you still not using your powers?" Lana finally asked.

"Only when I have to," Clark answered, "like when my apartment was about to be blown to pieces."

She gave him a slight pat on the back, "I'm really sorry about what happened."

Clark nodded. "You know, after your funeral I skipped an entire week of work," he said glancing at her, "couldn't think of anything, but your 'death.' Do you still remember what I promised to you?"

"Of course I do, you swore that you will never let anything happen to me," and then her voice suddenly turned sad, "but then you left." Lana took her eyes off of him and stared at the floor.

At once, the merry sentiment of the conversation was gone. "You know I had to get out of Smallville," Clark tried to argue, "after what happened. I brought so much pain into everyone's lives, you of all people should know that."

"Yeah," she said as she got up, "Well I better go, I'll talk to you in a few hours, alright?"

He faked a smile that only lasted for a few moments. "I'll catch up with you later," he said as Lana disappeared into the hall, shutting the door behind her. Clark leaned back onto the wall, feeling the stern grip of exhaustion approaching him again. Beyond doubt this was the longest day of his life, but he couldn't decide if he should welcome or reject it. So many things that before made perfect sense, memories that were buried, now surfaced in a completely different manner. Clark Kent's life was about to change forever.

[NYC300Z]

How did Lana find out about Clark's powers?? PPMS!!

[EyeluvTom]

Loved the update Ketchup. But when did Clark tell Lana about his powers and how much does she know? Update ASAP! ;)

[MOOman0618]

Yes, does she know everything? Do see a hint of superman to come?!

[Ketchup]

2MOOman0618: I would say that the odds of that are high. Clark gets to go on his first mission for the Resistance in the next few updates.

[dreammaster]

Another awesome chapter

[peaches4cream]

clarks in the secert resitance force how awsome is that

update isn't clark's dream related to lex's worst nightmare???? and the vision cassandra had in season 1 so does this mean it will come true ppms !!!!
long live the revolution

[binkys711]

Viva la revolucion!:D:lol:PPMS!!! and yeah....how did lana find out about clark's powers?:confused::eek:

[Mythos]

Wow ! This is a great story! Can't believe I missed it until now! :D

Wow a lot of people sure have a lot of questions! The mark of a good story ;) Keep em in the dark and turn on the blinds one by one to let the light in slowly ;) :D

[ajfinn]

Yeah!! This story is getting bettter and better!! I love the dark mysterious / underground feel. You've done such a GREAT job!!!! I love it! :D

[SVsleuth]

Greeat, as always, Ketchup. Please do fill us in eventually on what happened in the past, how Lana knew of Clark's powers, & why he left. I know you will, because you would never leave loose ends, like the Smallville writers do. :lol:

[MOOman0618]

Oooo...First mission. That sounds like a good time! :)

[ajfinn]

I'm posting to say that I'm not writing another word on my own fic until you give me an update. *holds protest poster in the air that says 'We Need More Ketchup!'* ;)

[Cardinal]

Ouch! ajfinn just pulled out the big guns! That's gotta hurt, a writer boycott.

Anyway, I'm kinda new here and just wanted to let you know how much I like...love...okay, how much I frigging NEED your story to continue.

Besides, if ajfinn is serious about her writing boycott, a lot of us will really cheesed at you for holding up not one, but TWO great stories. :)

Chorus: Please post soon!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah Ketchup we need u to update! I think ajfinn is serious! Come on Ketchup don't do this to us!! PPMS!!

[SVsleuth]

SVsleuth joins ajfinn:
*holds protest poster in the air that says 'We Need More Ketchup!'*

C'mon, Ketchup. You know this is a great story! PPMS!!!!

[SmallvilleMan]

*Looks down at his plain hotdog* Yeah i need some ketchup too.;)

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
*Looks down at his plain hotdog* Yeah i need some ketchup too.;)

Right!!! :rotfl: :rotfl:

(Whew! ajfinn didn't go through with her threat. She posted an update. Yeah!)

[ajfinn]

Ketchup is on vacation for a few days, I just remembered. So umm, I'll take my protest poster down momentarily. But, KETCHUP, I hope you're writing like a mad man while you're gone, because you have a que wrapped around k-site waiting to read your next update :D

*my new protest poster says -- holding breath now . . . turning blue . . . *

[kewl]

amazing story!!! i can't believe i missed this until now.... a lot of questions from the readers, this means interest! we need more, PPMS ketchup!!!!

:D

[4EverSmallville]

Well, seeing as how I don't think I read the last update, let me just say now that it was terrific and I'd like to see more :).

Ajfinn & SvSleuth - Are we on the boycott then? :p

[SVsleuth]

SVsleuth holds up new protest poster:
holding breath now . . . turning blue

C'mon, Ketchup! Don't you remember ajfinn sent us updates from the Bahamas & from NYC? Don't you have an internet connection?

7 days and counting.... waiting....waiting...waiting...

(Just kidding you, Ketchup. We just can't help lovin' your story) :):):):):)

[booze_is_me09]

when is ketchup suppose to be back?

[NYC300Z]

Yeah how long does he intend on keeping us waiting??

[Cardinal]

I don't know about you, but I'm about ready to switch to mustard!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I don't know about you, but I'm about ready to switch to mustard!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Cardinal, be patient. Ketchup is on vacation. He'll be back soon - I HOPE!

[SVsleuth]

Hey, Ketchup has been spotted posting on someone else's thread. So I HOPE this means we'll get an update SOON???? Right Ketchup? You wouldn't want Cardinal to switch to Mustard, would you? :lol:

[4EverSmallville]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Hey, Ketchup has been spotted posting on someone else's thread.

:rotfl: This sounds hilarious to me; it's like you guys are on a man-hunt. :rotfl: Poor Ketchup :p. I hope you update soon :).

[NYC300Z]

Ketchup spotting!

lol sounds like i droped some ketchup on my shirt or something! lol

I see you around the boards Ketchup when are we getting an update on both ur stories??

[binkys711]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
Ketchup spotting!

lol sounds like i droped some ketchup on my shirt or something! lol

:rotfl:

I see you around the boards Ketchup when are we getting an update on both ur stories??

ditto! when are we getting the updates!:p:\

[MOOman0618]

We have been eagerly waiting!

[Cardinal]

Ketchupspotting...sounds like an old Ewan McGregor movie!

[MOOman0618]

Wow...what an obscure reference!

[Ketchup]

Thanks for all of the feedback, sorry to keep you guys waiting for so long, but I was in Vancouver/Victoria/Seattle for the past week, and didn't have an internet connect, nor did I have the time to type. I ran into KK in Vancouver! She's soooo beautiful. I also visited Templeton High, thats where Smallville High scenes were filmed. Vancouver and Victoria are the two most beautiful places in the world. Screw Paris, I'm going to UBC/Vancouver instead :D

Anyway, here's a relatively long update, hope it makes up for long wait.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2

With hours consumed by the vast vacuum of time, days went by fast. On the outside, major forces were at work, an executioner's plan waiting to be executed, with most humans completely oblivion of it. Deep underground, in the endless darkness of wet and stink, Clark Kent continued his training for his field work. Spending days on end taking apart and putting back together more weapons than he ever guessed existed, he couldn't help, but question his ability to actually kill anyone. He never has before, and despite the believes of others, as wrong and harmful as those believes might be, what could ever give him the right to pass such judgment. After a few days, however, his fears were laid to rest, when Clark was assured that his training for only necessary for self-preservation, and that he'd never have to use weapons against others.

Whatever time he had left after his exercises, Clark used to write detailed entries in his journal. Writing was the only thing that could make the world make sense for him, and he kept nothing from it.

August 12, 2014

Entry: Aug. 11, 2014, Monday, 8th day of training:

I spent most of yesterday on the outside, and finally got a chance to pick up my things from the Daily Planet. Apparently the building was sold a few days ago to none other than Luthor Corp. Whatever Lex is planning to do with it, I'm sure it will match his general style of ruining great things. On my way back I decided to take a walk down Communications Ave. that apparently' has been renamed to Civil Obedience Blvd.

Civil Obedience. I have never seen this many of their recruiters on the streets before. It is pretty evident that they have enough people to police the entire world, so the only explanation is that Lex is building an Army. He spoke of this a while back, when he promised to levy a global war upon all of America's enemies.

One of the recruiters came up to me and asked me if I wanted to join. I refused of course, and he pulled his gun on me, telling me that I'm either with President Luthor, or against him. Apparently if I was still twenty, I'd HAVE to join, due to some stupid law they passed a few days ago. I'm really hating the way all of this is going, and the pathetic thing is that most people are proud to join the C.O.

Training if almost over. Thank god Lana talked Dave out of making me go through physical training - I think I would die if he made me run laps around the tunnels. Tomorrow I'm supposed to go on a routine recon mission, to basically test my lying abilities.

Lana. I still can't believe that she's alive and here with me. The last time I saw her in Smallville, after the meteor shower, we parted on interesting terms. Its ironic, for my last two years in high school, she made it clear that until I told her everything about me, we could never be together. But once I did, I was the one who had to push away. She still blames me for that, and I can understand her, but how could I stay. I brought two meteor showers onto Smallville, one taking her parents' lives, the other taking my Dad's and eventually my Mom's. If only I could save them, if only I could be strong enough.

Clark woke up to the all too familiar sound of Breaking Benjamin coming from the tiny radio situated next to his bunk. The bare walls of his tiny room were now covered with the same star maps he used to keep in his apartment. The pictures of his parents and friends were on the side adjacent to his bed, keeping him company whenever he needed it. He hasn't seen Lana in two days, and, as always, everyone refused to speak of her assignment. Needless to day, Clark felt somewhat concerned, although he knew it was customary of her and other Resistance members to disappear for long periods of time.

He walked over to the closet, located across the hall from his cell, in search of something to wear, when he heard a warm and familiar giggle coming from somewhere nearby. Clark turned around to find Lana standing behind him, glancing at his bare spine with a wide smile on her face.

"Do you always walk around in your underwear in the mornings," she teased

His face turned a slight shade of red. "What if I said yes?"

"Perhaps I'd come visit you more often," Lana was much more serious than she sounded, "but hurry up and find something to wear, I got an assignment for you."

Once Clark managed to put on some dark-blue Levi's and a Metropolis Sharks shirt, all under close supervision of Lana's, they make their way through the lost dungeons of the city towards briefing room.

"Lana, I've been wondering," Clark spoke as they walked on, "what's that white, plastic security pass that I got in the package used for?"

"I'm sure if you'll ever need to use it, you'll find out."

That was anything, but the response he expected. Seeing his expression, Lana gave him an encouraging smile, but the remainder of the walk was accompanied by silence. Soon enough they reached the right door, and entered, glanced at by many pairs of eyes. Lana led Clark to an empty seat towards the front of the room, near a projector screen, and sat down next to him, though keeping her distance. Clark eyed those around him, looking for familiar faces, and he was not disappointed. Beside Lana and Dave, who attended all meetings of all sorts, he recognized a couple of his colleagues from the Daily Planet, people he presumed dead.

Dave Rickman, the official leader of the Resistance, who also earned Clark's antipathy, being Lana's ex, got up once the door shut behind Clark.

"I would like everyone here to welcome our latest recruit," he pointed at Clark, telling him to get up, "His name is Clark Kent, the infamous reporter from the Daily Planet. Lana has a lot of faith in him, so should we all. Do not disappoint us," even though he spoke to Clark, Dave's stare was not directed at him, but instead at Lana, "and of course welcome to the family." His fake smile could only match that of Lex when the villain of the story was being less than truthful. Only because of his long relationship with the Luthor, could Clark now tell that Dave's expression was phony.

"Thanks Dave," Clark replied uneasily, "I'll do my best." He sat back down, trying to get out of the spotlight, hearing every soft whisper and awe that filled the room, complimenting his appearance.

Lana heard some of those whispers as well, and smiled, feeling somewhat proud to have once been Clark's love interest. Have been? Maybe he still loved her? Did he? She tried to shake the thought, the possibility, but feeling his warmth only a foot away from her body wasn't helping. She tried to move her chair a little further away, as quietly as she could, but instead it made a loud screeching noise. No one in the room cared about Rickman's lecture of financial difficulties, so the listeners gladly took this opportunity to turn to Lana, who sat there, her cheeks turning a dangerously red color.

To her surprise, Clark filled the gap of silence that filled the room. "Sorry about that, Dave, seems you'll have to spend some more of your hard-earned cash and buy me a normal chair." Giggles and chuckles could be heard in the back.

"Mr. Kent," Rickman looked less than pleased, "you seem to be quite the smart ass, what do you suggest we do with our money problems?"

"Well if you'll let me outside for a few hours, I'll get you the access codes to Perry White's personal savings. That's over three billion dollars. I know one thing for certain, sitting here and listening to you bore yourself to death won't solve anything."

Dave grinned at the thought of an unlimited amount of money to run his organization, but he remained skeptical. "And how do you intend to do that?"

"Well I know his safe combination," Clark smiled, as he looked at the wondering faces across the room, "and he told me I could borrow his money, in case humankind ever needed saving," he finished, jokingly. Everyone, but Dave, immediately liked the new recruit. In a few minutes Clark managed to tear down the entire hierarchy of the Resistance, armed with little, but sarcasm.

Dave needed to change the subject. "Very well, but first, you have to go on a recon mission to complete your training. If you don't mind, I'd love to brief you and everyone else on the objectives," he said as the projector whistled and blinked a little before an image appeared on the screen.

Clark sat back in his seat, pleased with himself. "Go right ahead, Dave, I'm all ears."

"Careful, Clark," he heard Lana whisper to him, "keep this up and he will hate you in no time."

"Doesn't he already?"

Lana shrugged slightly, and nodded towards Dave, indicating for Clark to pay attention.

Rickman wanted him to sneak into a Civil Obedience Station and out without getting spotted - a routine assignment that everyone in the room passed, at one point or another. This was the most boring assignment he could think of, considering both his abilities, and his extensive experience back in Smallville. Although he was given an hour, he was ready to ace his easy assignment a half hour early. Clark promised to himself that he'd make this as hard for himself as he could, choosing to ignore his abilities completely.

Lana escorted him to the Station, turning into a cafe across the street, where they ordered two coffees and chose a table by the window, but as far always from the counter as possible. Clark, being the gentleman, moved Lana's seat away, helping her down, and then sat down himself.

“Thanks,” she said, with a shy smile on her face, and then spoke quietly, to avoid being overheard, “so how do you plan on getting in? Most people use the vents in the back to fry the alarms in the security room and then exit through the back doors. At least thats what I did.”

Clark nodded. “Well, I intend to walk through the front door, maybe even get one of the guards to give me a tour of the building, then make my way to the commander's office, take a look around, and walk back out.”

Lana though he was kidding, and laughed softly at his self-confidence. “You can't be serious?”

“Oh I'm more than serious,” Clark's mouth formed into a 'watch me do it' smile, “and I won't even use any of my abilities.”

“I'd love to see you pull this off.”

“I will. Wish me luck?”

She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“What was that for?”

She finally smiled back. “For luck, I doubt you'll need it. Now go.”

Clark's grin turned into the notoriously charming Kent-smile, as he got up and walked out of the cozy coffee shop. Lana watched him go, her thoughts once again wondering back towards Smallville. The way he moved, so strong and elegant, unearthly confident, reminded her of the countless times he'd saved her from certain death. Surely he gave her every right to love him, he was selfless and caring, and he hasn't changed a bit. He simply went from saving his friends to saving the entire nation. She was the only one, out of the entire movement, who saw him for who he really was – a super man destined to bring Lex down.

***

Clark strolled calmly towards the old, eight-storey building, that once belonged to the Metropolis PD. The C.O. coat of arms, hung between the second and the forth floors, sent glittering, golden reflections down into his eyes. He looked towards the entrance, where a young woman Civil officer, about his age, and very attractive, was stationed. Without hesitation, Clark walked up to her, with the most genuine smile he ever managed to force on purpose.

“Excuse me, ma'am?” he asked in a soft and pleasant voice.

She turned, only to be blinded with his smile, and get lost in freckles of his deep, endless, blue eyes. He was a foot taller than her, well built and strong, and she immediately imagined herself in his arms. His calm and gentle voice made him seem like the kindest person alive.

“Ye-yes?” was all that she could get out, her face swiftly turning red.

Clark knew that his plan was working. “Woah,” he pretended to be taken aback with her appearance, “you look beautiful.” He paused for a little bit, to let her face turn an even deeper shade of red, “I'm sorry,” he faked a blush, looking down at the pavement, “I didn't mean to be so blunt, and now I don't even remember my question. My name's Clark Starkman by the way.” He stretched out his hand.

She giggled slightly, thinking that his babbling was adorable. “I'm Suzie Atwood,” she said as she extended her hand to shake hi, “but you can call me Suzie.” Instead of shaking it, however, Clark raised it to his lips. Such a gentleman, she thought, a little old fashioned maybe, but she loved it.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Suzie. I was wondering,” he once again looked down, pretending to be uncertain, and slightly shy, “since I can't seem to remember what I was going to ask you... would you like to have a cup of coffee with me?”

Suzie didn't think her face could get any redder, but here she was, with a terrifyingly handsome and cute man pumping even more blood through her veins, asking her to a cup of coffee. She didn't even like coffee, always thought it smelled bad, and tasted like burnt pancakes, but little did that matter now.

“I would love to,” she replied with a wide smile, “just let me ask me commanding officer.” She turned, and walked towards another guard who stood a few yards away, telling him that she was going on a short break. Since no one ever tried to break into a C.O. Station through the front entrance, her boss couldn't care less. Minutes later, Clark and Suzie were engaged in a passionate conversation about everything either one could think of, inside the same good old cafe across the street. Clark's plan was working like a clock, and not just any clock, a Rolex.

[4EverSmallville]

:eek: And Ketchup is back! Welcome friend :D.

Excellent update, I can't wait to see how Clark gets into the C.O. Station, and what Lana's feelings are at the moment.

[MOOman0618]

I haven't even gotten to read the update yet but felt the need to tell you how jealous I am that you met KK!! wow...

[4EverSmallville]

He what?! :eek:

I ran into KK in Vancouver! She's soooo beautiful.

Okay I missed that big time :lol:. :eek: Wow, that's the second person I've read about who met KK, what's going on? :lol: Lucky you :D.

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Ketchup
I ran into KK in Vancouver! She's soooo beautiful.

Unless he lies!

[NYC300Z]

Glad ur back Ketchup! OMG I can't believe u ran into KK that's so amazing!!

So what is Clark's plan?? PPMS!!

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
I haven't even gotten to read the update yet but felt the need to tell you how jealous I am that you met KK!! wow...

You shud be =P I dont know if spending a minute or so trying to teach her to pronounce my last name is considered "meeting" her lol but I did get her autograph :cool:

Now go read the update. :p

[MOOman0618]

Wonderful update! I love Breaking Benjamin! Anyhow...I really like how different Clark is approaching his assignment. I wonder if Dave will like his little twist? Good to have you back and posting!

[SVsleuth]

Ketchup! If you had told us where you were going, we would have let you totally off the hook! Vancouver, Kristen, Wow!
you are lucky.

Great update. Thanks so much. We were really missing this story.

[Cardinal]

Clark's gonna schmooze his way in the front door, huh? Oh this is sweet!

[kewl]

Originally posted by Ketchup
I ran into KK in Vancouver! She's soooo beautiful.

i still haven't read ur update yet, but i just wanna tell you that i am so super jealous that you met KK!!!! you are so lucky!!! i just would love to meet her and i hope she gets the chance to visit Bangkok, Thailand someday!!! :D

[dreammaster]

another awesome chaoter

[kewl]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Clark's plan was working like a clock, and not just any clock, a Rolex.

awesome update ketchup and welcome back!!! LOL!!! so what's clark's plan??? can't wait for your next update, so please make it the soonest!!!! :D

[booze_is_me09]

clark was smart to use his Kent Charm on this girl!PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Oh, man!! I love this fic! It's really heating up now, and I love how Lana is starting to feel a little tingly :) So great!! And YEAH!! You're back!!! Life is so bland without Ketchup! :D

[binkys711]

dude! you met KK?! THAT'S SO COOL!!!:cool:i'm so jealous!your so lucky!!! jeje she tried pronouncing your last name....she must have been there pretty long for her to pronounce it correctly:p awesome update ketchup!!!my fries needed some ketchup:)PPMS!!!:D

i just would love to meet her and i hope she gets the chance to visit Bangkok, Thailand someday!!!
what time does smallville air over there kewl? and what day?:confused:

[kewl]

hey binkys711! smallville is only available when u have cable tv and it's aired monday nights @10 local time.... not really updated though..... like right now, they're only showing season 3 :D and to think the start of season 5 is just around the corner :D

[clana4ev3r]

Kewl, your Thai???????

[kewl]

clana4ev3r : :) nope, i'm a filipino who just happens to work here in Thailand for 10 years now :D

[binkys711]

oh man! ....you get cable in hotel rooms right? and do you know when will season 5 be airing over there?:confused:...wait you've been living in Thailand for 10 yrs? WOW!:eek::D

[kewl]

lol yeah, u do get cable in hotel rooms!!! i have no idea on when season 5 will be aired here,.... say maybe in the next 5 years? :D j/k yep, been livin' here for 10 years and 6 months now to be exact ;)

[Kryptonite Spear]

You Met KK? Damn, You're my new hero... :lol:

Lucky You... I Wish I Could Meet Her... I Wonder If She Ever Passes Through California... :D

Anyways, just started reading this story, and i can't wait for more!!! :D

[binkys711]

Originally posted by kewl
lol yeah, u do get cable in hotel rooms!!! i have no idea on when season 5 will be aired here,.... say maybe in the next 5 years? :D j/k yep, been livin' here for 10 years and 6 months now to be exact ;)

thanxz for the info;):D... too bad they aren't gonna air season 5 there 'till......(too far to count:p)....and that's really cool you've been livin' there for 10 yrs and 6 months:eek::cool:

[EyeluvTom]

Can't wait for your next update.

By the way, you're so lucky to have met KK!:lol:

[Ketchup]

Working on it rite... now... shud have it up before 1am central time... otherwise my parents will kill me cuz skwl starts tomorrow.

[Cardinal]

Thanks in advance, I'm sure I'll like it! Good Clana is always worth the wait!

[booze_is_me09]

hope KK will pass through little ol' millersport, ohio.

back to the story
Ketchup, PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your school starts tomorrow?

[Ketchup]

Yup, skwl starts tomorrow, here in Plano, TX. We DO get off a whole month before other schools. =)

And sry, I think I got a writer's block, needa sleep it off. Blah I'm so sorry for never keeping my promises about update times =(

[booze_is_me09]

*sigh* it's fine we're used to it.j/k but PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Wow! School here starts Aug 12, Friday, & I was complaining about how early THAT was! I hope you get a class called "Creative Writing" so you can have fun at school. ;) Or maybe one that covers "How to overcome writers' block." :lol: I know, you probably just have the typical English III or IV or whatever - but it would be cool, wouldn't it? Do your best at school. Just don't forget about us after your homework is done, Okay? ;)

[Cardinal]

He might have a writing class. I know I had Advanced Composition as a senior lo, these many years ago!

[ClarksGirl21]

i really like this story! i just started reading it! it's awesome! can't wait for your next update!

[Ketchup]

The commander's office reflected the general atmosphere of all governmental buildings in the capital. The modernistic tastes of the time dictated a set of clean, aluminum-covered walls, laden with abstract glass sculptures of all shapes and colors. The semi-transparent floor tiles revealed the emblem of the new United States, a silver, square flag, with a purple, triangular "L" in the center. This was the office of the Head of All Civil Obedience Forces in Metropolis.

Clark carried Suzie inside, looking for a place to set her down, so she could rest comfortably. The drugs kicked in only a few minutes ago, pushing her into a deep, impenetrable state of sleep. Having placed her on the leather couch positioned near the entrance, Clark proceeded to scan the room for anything worth reading. Remembering his bet with himself, he refused to use his X-ray vision to help him out. Soon enough, he gave up searching for any printed documents, and settled himself in front of the commander's computer.

Clark's eyes wandered across the hard, metallic desk, settling on a set of business cards belonging to the rightful occupant of the office. The name read "C.O. Peter Ross." This made no sense. Pete never told him he held a post this high. His once-friend, the one that used to hate anything Luthor, was now basically Lex's right hand man.

He cleared his thoughts, reminding himself what he was doing here. During his years in Metropolis, Clark learned a few useful things about technology, so it wasn't hard to him to hack into Pete's account. "Wish Chloe could be here," he said to himself, jaded, once he saw the endless list of emails. A short search for Lex's name returned eleven titles. The latest one, still unopened, was titled "Level 33.1" It was a short and mysterious memo that read:

To Head of C.O., Peter Ross:

All new recruited subjects, as of August 13, 12:01am, are to be transfered to Level 33.1 facilities for processing. Report any difficulties directly to me.

Lex Luthor.

Clark had no idea what Level 33.1 was, but the word choice was terrifying. "Subjects" to be "processed" in a "facility?" Was this another one of Lex's sick experiments? If so, why would he need this many subjects? Clark's curiosity called for an in-depth investigation. The rest of the emails were Lex's relatively routine responses to Pete's recruitment reports, or simply friendly conversations. Despite his expectations, Clark's attempts to locate any more references to Level 33.1 were met with no success.

Just as he finished printing the memo and was about to log off, Suzie's even breaths were joined by a set of footsteps, disturbing the silence. So much for not using my powers, Clark figured, as he quickly wrote a note to the sleeping beauty, curled up on the couch, explaining that she fell asleep on him and he couldn't wake her up. He stuck the note into one of her breast pockets, pausing to admire her innocent facial expression. For a moment, he almost hated himself for leading her on this way, but dismissed the thought, remembering that she was his enemy.

The footsteps grew louder, until finally the doors slid open, and in walked Peter Ross. The smile that only just shone on his face, was quickly washed away at the sight of his visitor. She still lay there motionless, only her chest slightly rising, and then falling again.

"Officer Atwood?" he said, softly at first. Seeing no response, he walked up to her and raised his voice. "Suzie?!"

Her eyelid shifted, revealing a thin, hazel line of her eyes, followed with a sigh.

"What are you doing here?" Pete asked, but she was too tired to respond.

***

Clark strolled down the empty streets of late-afternoon Metropolis. There used to be times when the streets, all streets were crowded, brewing with people headed somewhere. Each resident had a purpose, a pleasant worry to keep him or her busy. Whether it was a fireworks show, or a music festival, or simply a good-weathered day, the city felt alive, welcoming, and friends. All of that has changed as this city of lights slowly crept into darkness. One by one, its residents realized that the good times were over, the streets were no longer safe... at least not from the government. Officially Metropolis held the one hundred percent approval rating, but the real ratings lingered much lower.

But even for this dark city, the streets seemed strangely abandoned. On his way towards the underground hide-out, Clark passed a number of Civil Obedience officers, all looking very uneasy. Something was going on, and Clark somehow knew it had to do with the memo at Pete's office. There were too many patrols, too great a governmental presence, for this to be a commonplace drill. Having little to fear, and little to lose, he walked up to one of the C.O. guys and addressed him.

"Excuse me officer," Clark asked in a calm, collective voice, "what is going on? I haven't seen this many patrols since July." July marked the first and most probably last assassination attempt at President Luthor's life.

The man was slightly shorter than Clark, but what he lacked in feet, he made up for in rudeness. "What makes you think its any of your business? Just go home like the rest of them and lock the door."

Clark wouldn't back down without a straight forward answer. "Listen up, jerk," he once again pulled the made up identity card, "I've known Peter Ross since I was in high school, and I would love to see his reaction when I tell him of your attitude. Now tell me what the hell is going on."

He knew he could be very intimidating if he played his game right, and he played it to perfection. The C.O. immediately assumed position of attention. "Sir, we just received news that China will launch its entire nuclear arsenal at us, unless President Luthor cancels some defense project. They gave us a week to comply."

"You know what that project is?"

"No, sir, Mr. Luthor denies its existence."

No kidding, of course he does. In his mind, Clark has long equated the terms negation and confirmation, when it came to Lex. There was no doubt that this project not only existed, but posed a considerable threat to the world's other superpower. The bald mastermind was boldly entering the world arena. Now all Clark had to do was figure out how all of this connected to increased recruitment and Level 33.1.

"Alright, thanks," he said, walking away, towards a dark, secluded alleyway. Once out of sight, he sped to the tunnel entrance, eager with questions that needed answering.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry, its kinda short, but I felt I had to give u guys at least this. =)
No, no creative writing at my skwl =( I only have 4 classes this year, Bio Ap, Chem AP, Eng 4 AP, and Calc BC AP. Fun times :D

Oh and in case u were wondering, the rest of the story take place in a one-week interval.

[booze_is_me09]

FANTASTIC!! short but great!ppms!

[4EverSmallville]

Wonderful update, Lex is just like his father - running things straight into the ground for everyone else. One week? Lets see how Clark, Lana and the rest of the Resistance save the world, or at least the country :p.

[clana4ev3r]

Originally posted by kewl
clana4ev3r : :) nope, i'm a filipino who just happens to work here in Thailand for 10 years now :D

aww..... dude..... I'm like the only thai person here then.... :(

[Ketchup]

aw, well im pretty sure im the only russian on these boards, so we can be lonely together lol

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[kewl]

thanks for the update ketchup. though short, but at least we got an update!!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

Great update, Ketchup. Thanks. Level 33.1 Yay! At least it's not forgoten in fanfics!

2 Science classes? Yow! I hope you like science. --- Get some sleep tonight --- You won't survive school staying up till 2 a.m. ;) I know, you did it just for us, so we could have this great update. :)

[binkys711]

great update Ketchup!!!level 33.1?! YAY!!!can't wait to see where this leads us!!!PPMS!!!:D

[MOOman0618]

YEAH! AN UPDATE! May I be so bold as to ask for another? :)

So what does Clark have to do for lossing his bet? ;)

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
YEAH! AN UPDATE! May I be so bold as to ask for another? :)

So what does Clark have to do for lossing his bet? ;)

Yeah when do we get another update??

Did Clark even bet anything??

PPMS!!

[ajfinn]

Wow!! Even your short updates are well worth waiting for!!

AHHHH, Pete!! Have you been invaded by that cave worm again? You hate Luthor, dude! How could you have gone to the dark side? *sniff*

And you know my big dumb alien's secret - if you betray him...... oh, you don't even want to know what I'll do to you after I jump into this thread! *ajfinn does a Lanabel karate chop*

[Kryptonite Spear]

:lol:

Great Update!!!

Someone Get Pete A Tissue, he has some brown stuff on his nose... :lol: :D

[LuvClana]

Ouch Lanabel chops will hurt, watch out pete :P

[SVsleuth]

Maybe Pete is a double agent????

[Ketchup]

This concludes Chapter 2. Hope you guys like. Tomorrow's Friday... guess what that means? An update! I hope... unless something comes up. Also I'm guessing I'm al ittle past the middle of the story.
--------------------------------------------------------------

At the announcement of the latest international news, the Resistance headquarters witnessed quite an upheaval. Lana warned Dave about announcing five briefings at once, but he wouldn't listen. As a result, the narrow halls quickly filled up with more people than could ever get through, making movement inside nearly impossible.

After a half hour of meandering, Clark finally ran into Lana.

"Hey, we need to talk," he said, pulling her into his cell and cutting to the chase.

"Calm down," she asked, confused by the haste. "what's all of this about?" Sure, hte world might come to an end in a week, but that shouldn't have been a problem for Clark should it have?

Clark sat down on his hard bed, and ran his fingers through the long, curly hair. "I think my nightmare is coming true," he said, drilling a hole in the ground with his ocean-blues.

She sat down, close to him, and put a hand on his back, letting it slide up slowly, feeling every muscle. "What makes you think that?"

"I told you about the dream - the one where I'm floating above Earth and all humankind gets wiped out right in front of my eyes," he paused, "well in the past few days I've been seeing other things too."

"Like what?"

Clark's face emerged from behind his hands and looked up at that of the person next to him. Lana seemed both concerned for his well-being and terrified of the story he was telling. "Well its like... every time I dream, I see more and more of what happened right before the first missiles were launched. Last night I saw Lex walking out of the White House to enjoy the view of the holocaust. He was smiling. He had to organize this."

"Clark, why would Lex want to blow away the entire world?" she asked, "he wants to rule it, not destroy it." She was trying to calm him down, but deep inside she feared that Lex was more of a lunatic than a tyrant. Who knew what his twisted mind was capable of.

"I don't know, but there's more." Clark got up and start pacing in circles, around the tiny room. "At Pete's office... I read an email from Lex. He ordered Pete to send all new recruits to Level 33.1." He stopped in the middle of the cell, once he heard Lana draw her breath, whispering to herself 'no'. "What's wrong, Lana?"

She was mumbling to herself, barely audible: "No, no, no. Its can't be, it was torn down, along with the building. We looked all over for it, and never found it. It can't still exist." He walked up and sat down in front of her, taking her hands in his. Lana looked up to meet his gaze, and Clark saw her eyes, filled with horror. "You have no idea-, you can't imagine the things that they do there."

"Listen to me," Clark said, looking deep into her hazel eyes, "I will find the place, and whatever they do there - I'll end it. I will never let anything happen to you." He gave her a reassuring smile. He promised her again, the same thing as in Smallville. Back then, she felt pain at the sound of those words, right now she felt comfort, the safety she's been longing for. "I'll need your help, though."

Lana breathed in and exhaled, heavily, as if her lungs were being compressed by something ill and powerful. "Sure," she said, "alright, wha-what do you want me to do?"

"Can you watch me sleep?"

She scoffed and looked at him, confused. "What?"

"I have to take a nap," he explained, "so I can see the dream again... the earlier parts of it. That's the only lead I have. I need you to wake me up whenever I start screaming... that's usually when I get to the floating-above-Earth part. Could you do that?"

"Yeah, sure."

With those words, Clark helped her up and onto the chair that was conveniently positioned right across from the bunk. He then took some sleeping pills that he kept under his bed. He had grown accustomed to their bittersweet taste over the years, and no night was complete without them. It was now a little past four, so he had to double the dose for the drugs to have the desired affects. In a little while, his breathing grew steadier, his heartbeat decreased, and his mind drifted carelessly into a whole another reality.

The shroud of white dissipated before his eyes. He felt, choked, surrounded by what were once humans. Before him, lying there, covered in silver blood, was her fragile body. Her eyes glowed a light shade of green - her skin felt cold and solid. His eyes moistened, as he picked her up, carrying her past the endless fields of metallic soldiers. His tears fell on her cheeks, sliding further down, towards the chest, and onto her lifeless heart. She blinked.

His mind skipped a little ahead. His sore feet moved with great hesitancy, stepping onto the soft, wet ground. The tears that rolled down his face blended in with the cold, abundant rain drops. His clothes were soaked, but so was his mind. He felt as though his heart was gone, torn out, and cut up into pieces. He was tearing himself apart. She was gone, his soul was dead, his life had lost its meaning.

Drenched in the depths of his agony, he lifted off, carrying her far up, into the skies and closer to heaven. The soft wind gently blew into his long, curly hair. The whole of Earth was laid out before his eyes, somewhere far below. Suffocation had a psychological affect, one he got over as soon as he realized he didn't need air to survive. The golden disk of the Sun carefully crept out from behind the endless blue, shading its warm rays onto the tiny world beneath.

Slowly advancing against the surface of the planet, a number of bright white trails appeared. They proceeded in curved lines, until each reached its destination. Upon impact, the clouds in the area suddenly disappeared, hiding behind a blinding flash of light. He felt himself scream out into the void, but the words wouldn't come out.

He didn't care for the world, nor the lives that were about to be lost. In his heart, his mind, he was dead, and so was she, lying peacefully in his arms. The world slowly destroyed itself. She blinked.

Clark woke, at the sound of his own voice, with moist eyes, his heart beating a million miles an hour. The room glowed with isolation, him lying on the bed, depressed, scared, and alone. Lana was gone, he knew not where, but he needed her here, now, for comfort for safety - her own safety. The dream was vivid. The dream streamed restlessly through his exhausted mind, stuck in an endless loop, endlessly repeating. The dream was never wrong.

He groaned, his back was sore. Clark tried to get up, but it was harder than it seemed. He looked at his watch. It was a little past four, but the date... it was the 13th. He slept for more than twenty-four hours. Throughout his attempts at sitting up, something fell off his chest and onto the floor. He picked up a piece of paper, a note, and read it.

Clark, I tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't wake. They know of the Resistance, somehow, and they are here right now. Lex is making me write this note to you, I don't know why. But I just wanted to tell you that there comes a time in every man's life when he has to move on from his past and live for the future. Right now its either your guilt, or everyone's wellbeing. I trust you'll make the right choice. I doubt we'll ever see each other again, but I have to tell you. I love you, I always have, and I always will. Save them, save everyone, you are the only one who can. -Lana

Poor girl, she's so in love with you. I regret to inform you that she's going to Level 33.1 with me. I'm sure you've heard of it, perhaps from an email I sent to your buddy, Pete Ross. It's really not that bad of a place. You know, we kind of drifted apart ever since you left Smallville, so if you feel like catching up, you can meet me there tonight. Looking forward to seeing the best of my friends. -Lex

There was no denying it, the dream was never wrong.

[ajfinn]

I'm posting before I even read it because I'm jumping up and down in excitement just thinking about it!!!!!

:D

[SmallvilleMan]

wow!

[Cardinal]

Woo-hoo!

The Great Ketchup Shortage of '05 has been ended! We have a new update!

The only thing more depressing than this story right now is the thought (my personal bad dream) of season 5 Chlark. :( :( :(

[Ketchup]

Sorry for the depressing entry... would it help if I said that this story DOES have a happy ending?

[Scotty]

This was so sad :(

*Edit*
Sorry for the depressing entry... would it help if I said that this story DOES have a happy ending?

Yes, we feel much better now.

[Cardinal]

Really? :eek: Yay! That perks me up like a triple espresso!

[SVsleuth]

I doubt we'll ever see each other again, but I have to tell you. I love you, I always have, and I always will. Save them, save everyone, you are the only one who can. -Lana

That brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for the update, Ketchup. Super update as always. I'm still loving your writing.

Thanks for letting us know that there will be a happy ending.

:):):):):)

[Scotty]

I doubt we'll ever see each other again, but I have to tell you. I love you, I always have, and I always will. Save them, save everyone, you are the only one who can. -Lana
Originally posted by SVsleuth
That brought tears to my eyes.

Yeah now none of us will be able to go to sleep happy now.
Thanks Ketchup :mad:

Kidding, great update as always :p

[NYC300Z]

Sad update what is Clark going to do? How is he going to find level 33.1?? oh man PPMS!!

[kewl]

I doubt we'll ever see each other again, but I have to tell you. I love you, I always have, and I always will. Save them, save everyone, you are the only one who can. -Lana
this is just so sad *wipes tears & blows nose*

Sorry for the depressing entry... would it help if I said that this story DOES have a happy ending?
yay!!! a happy ending!!! *jumps up & down*

hope clark finds level 33.1 soon enough..... PPMS!!! :D

[Clana-follower06]

Very depressing, but brilliant writing. I really like the way that you're taking this story. PPMS!

[binkys711]

yep..that part that everybody quoted is just sad!!!!:(*cries* great update Ketchup PPMS!!!

[SmallvilleMan]

Wait a minute, isn't Lex suppose to be a criminal mastermind? Why the heck would he not kill Clark there? Unless he doesnt know about clark, which he probabky does.

[Scotty]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Wait a minute, isn't Lex suppose to be a criminal mastermind? Why the heck would he not kill Clark there? Unless he doesnt know about clark, which he probabky does.

I can only think of one reason he wouldn't kill Clark. Lex thinks he is more useful alive than dead.

[SmallvilleMan]

Probably, but if he was as smart as he thinks he is, he'd know that Clark is the only one who can stop him.

[MOOman0618]

Wow...so sad. BUT at least there will be a happy ending! GREAT Update! How did Lex find out about the resistance?

[SmallvilleMan]

I bet it was that dave guy, damn him.

[4EverSmallville]

:eek: I'm a little upset I didn't read the update sooner. Wow, I'm just in awe. Not to mention the last few lines of Lana's note were very poignant. As I was reading, I kept thinking it was just as sad as the last Clana scene in Commencement. Great update.

[SmallvilleMan]

Commencement wasn't sad, because she said she loved him and you knew she wasn't going to die.

[4EverSmallville]

Though it was an opinion scene - I thought it was sad, SVMan, because she thought she was going to die and she didn't want to leave without telling him she loved him. It's a classic romance plotline.

[SmallvilleMan]

happy:p

[4EverSmallville]

So since Ketchup has already told us that his story will end happily, does that make the letter happy?

The events that happen later, which we don't even know to the fullest extent, don't change the mood of the scene.

[Ketchup]

Holy crap, you guys are so good at guessing...

[Kryptonite Spear]

YES!!! Awesome Update!!! I Sense A Faceoff Coming Soon... :D

[ajfinn]

Great update, Ketchup!! The dynamics of the Clana in this story is so dang interesting. So different than I think what many of us could've imagined for a fic.

And I still LOVE the "gloomy-end-of-the-world" feeling of this fic that you've so perfectly created.

Now, fix it :D Not right away, but can we see a beautiful sunset at the end?

*snaps her fingers because she remembers Ketchup doesn't think everything has to end with a sunset, do you? What about little bunnies hopping around Clark and Lana? Can you do that for me?*

[Ketchup]

An update for ajfinn:

He saw little bunnies hopping around Clark and Lana. "No no, not again," Lex said, "I can't stand this... its too... happy." *presses the red button, blowing up the world*

Like? haha Im working on a real one rite now, but I might post it tomorrow, cuz its a long one...

[SmallvilleMan]

long is cool:cool:

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Ketchup
An update for ajfinn:

He saw little bunnies hopping around Clark and Lana. "No no, not again," Lex said, "I can't stand this... its too... happy." *presses the red button, blowing up the world*

Like? haha Im working on a real one rite now, but I might post it tomorrow, cuz its a long one...

:lol: :lol:

[SmallvilleMan]

bunnies, also cool:cool:

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Ketchup
An update for ajfinn:

He saw little bunnies hopping around Clark and Lana. "No no, not again," Lex said, "I can't stand this... its too... happy." *presses the red button, blowing up the world*

*Claps hands, whistles, stands for an ovation!!! Holds up candle and begs for more bunnies*

I'm SO much happier now!! NOW I'm in the mood to write again. :D

Oh, and can those little bunnies jump on Lex and eat him up like in the Monty Python movie? Wouldn't that be fun? That would be hysterically dark -- just what you're looking for, right?

You can answer me in the Clana fix clubhouse. I DO want an answer, you know ;)

[clana4ev3r]

Originally posted by Ketchup
An update for ajfinn:

He saw little bunnies hopping around Clark and Lana. "No no, not again," Lex said, "I can't stand this... its too... happy." *presses the red button, blowing up the world*

Like? haha Im working on a real one rite now, but I might post it tomorrow, cuz its a long one...

:lol: :lol: :rotfl:

[booze_is_me09]

good clana is worth the wait

[Clana-follower06]

I am growing very impatient. *taps foot and glares at computer screen* PPMS!

[kewl]

ketchup, give us an update right now and i mean now!!!! :D :D please? :D

[LuvClana]

AHHHHH! Damn the dreams! ahahahahahahha! .... sorry I get REALLY into the story

PPMS!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[SmallvilleMan]

I thought we were getting an update here.

I saw that post k-up(your new name to me), work faster.

[Kryptonite Spear]

UPDATE!!!

Please?

:lol:

[Ketchup]

Well here's y'all's update. Dark and gloomy? Oh yeah, just the way I like it. I'll try to post more as soon as I can, but, as you are all well aware of, I suck at keeping promises when it comes to updates.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

There was no denying it, the dream was never wrong. Cold sweat rolled down his back, as he sat up, the note still in his hands. It was all coming true. He remembered his dream, every part of it, and he knew where he had to go. Chandler's field. It wasn't really a field anymore, it's been built over by Luthor Corp. Their brand new, glass-laden headquarters were located there.

Lana's words lingered in his mind. He knew what she meant, when she spoke of the choice he had to make. Years of ignoring his fate were now catching up with him. His parents' death was his fault, his castigation. He was not strong enough to save them, but perhaps this was his one chance at redemption? It couldn't be, she was still going to die, his nightmares always came true. His heart sank at the thought, as he was about to give up. She loved him, always have, and always will. That's what she said. He'd been waiting to hear those words for too long, and now that he has, he wasn't going to let her die, at least not while he could do anything about it.

Clark let the note drop out of his arms, and he followed it with his eyes, as it glided down onto the floor and into a pool of blood. He jumped up from the bed at the sight of the red-soaked piece of paper. Was it Lana's blood? The blood trail led past the door, and into the hallway, where he found a man lying face down on the floor. Clark ran up to him, and was about to turn him over, when he recognized the OEA uniform. He was one of Lex's men.

The man let out a moan, but did not dare move. His head felt blank. The bullet pierced his skull and got stuck near the other side. Clark turned him over, careful not to move the his head too much and avoid shifting the bullet. To his astonishment, it was Dave.

"Clark," the man whispered. His voice was weak, broken up as it passed between this teeth. "I'm, I'm so sorry- I'm sorry I led them here."

Clark took his hand. "What happened here?" he asked as calmly as he could. Mixed reactions were drifting through his mind. This traitor led Lex to Lana, condemning her to certain death, but now he seemed the only explanation Clark could afford to hear.

"Lex, uh-, he came here, for you. He needed you for something. He wouldn't tell me." Clark couldn't stop staring at his ghostly eyes, his pupils turning whiter as they spoke. "Then he-, he-" his voice was breaking up, and a tear rolled down his face. He was desperately grasping for air, nearing his death, "Lex took her, with him. He sent everyone else to be processed."

"Processed? Into what?" Clark asked, worried that whatever it was Lex intended to do with them, he'll also do to Lana.

Dave's grasps became more frequent, as his breathing sped up and became erratic. His entire body was twitching, calmly at first, but grew ever increasingly violent. "In-to... his soldiers. H-he rids the-them of their souls. Their b-bodies are the only things left." Dave raised his hands, pulling Clark closer to him with surprising strength. "Pro-promise me, Clark," he said, breathing into Clark's face, "promise... me... you'll save... her." His last breath gave out; his hands fell flat on the floor.

As he closed Dave's eyes, Clark wondered why Lex would kill his agent. It was obviously unexpected - shots to the head usually are.

"Well, Lex," he said as he got up, looking down at the bloody mess his rival left behind, "you wanted to catch up, we'll catch up."

***

Clark touched down in front of the Luthor Corp. building. He didn't care that at least a dozen people saw him. His face expressed a mixture of determination and despair. The entrance was swarming with OEA agents, complete with the latest military products of Lex's corporation. As Clark walked towards the amazed guards, they moved aside, letting him pass by with little encumbrance.

Inside, right before he passed through the metal detector, he turned to one of the guards. "How can I get to Level 33.1?" Clark asked in a voice that rivaled that of his alternate identity.

"You must be Clark Kent?" the guard replied calmly, testing Clark's patience, "Mr. Luthor has been waiting for you."

Clark recognized his voice. "Ted Riverman?" Ted was Lex's internal security adviser - in other words, the head of the C.O., as well as his main propagandist. One couldn't listen to the radio for five minutes without hearing this guy speak. Clark pulled out his gun, and pointed it at Riverman. He had no idea why he even needed a gun, but having a backup was never a bad idea. "Take me to wherever Lex is keeping Lana! Move it!" He waved his gun towards the detector, indicating the direction for him to take.

Ted remained calm, cool, and collective, as he led Clark towards the elevator. "You know," he said as they waited for the lift to arrive, "you don't have to keep a gun to my head. My instructions were to get you to Mr. Luthor's office anyway," he leaned in closer to Clark, "His Level 33.1 office of course."

Once inside, Ted punched in a few numbers, and the elevator took them to the otherwise inaccessible floor of the building. The screen glowed with the number "33.1" against a black-blue background, and the door slid open. Laid out before Clark's eyes was a scene he has already witnessed once, in his dream. The endless field of human subjects, suspended in tanks full of liquid, that emitted a neon-blue glare. There were thousands, tens of thousands of them. Some seemed more human then other, some still retained their skin color, but most were anything, but human. Their eyes glowed a light shade of green, and their skin reflected the light around them, as it turned silver.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" came a voice from behind his shoulder, "this is what the Chinese are so upset about - Mr. Luthor's newborn army." Clark couldn't take his eyes off of them. A horrible thought occurred to him – this is what Lex was going to do to Lana.

"Where is Lex's office?" Clark asked, with fury in his eyes.

Ted did as he was told, and led Clark off to the side, away from the factory, and towards a door. As they approached it, Riverman stopped.

"Here we are," he said, turning to Clark, "you can go in now, Mr. Luthor is ready to see you."

Clark responded by lowering his gun, and walking through the doors. They opened inward, automatically. After a few steps, he saw Lex sitting at his desk, relaxed, engaged in a conversation with somebody he couldn't see right away. Clark then saw Lana, tied up to a chair in a corner. He made a few more cautious steps, hearing his shoes clank against the steel floor. Then he realized that Lex was on the phone with Pete - Clark's personal Judas.

"Let her go," Clark yelled.

"Clark," he heard Lana scream, "behind you!"

Suddenly Clark felt an all-too-familiar feeling in his stomach. His insides were being twisted, as something tried to tear them out. He felt weak, but with the last bit of his strength, he managed to turn around. Ted has standing behind him with a lead safe-box, a glowing, green rock inside. Clark finally collapsed on the floor, as his eyes began to darken.

"Be careful now," he hear Lex's voice, "I don't want him to pass out." Then to Clark, "Clark, my best friend from Smallville. You know, this is quite a reunion. You, Lana, and I. Too bad Lois couldn't make it." As Ted retreated a few steps back, Clark's vision got better and he could see the mock expression on the lunatic's face. "Maybe I shouldn't have killed her," Lex said to himself, with the intention of bringing out the hate in the broken man who lay on the bare floor.

"Why do you need her?" Clark managed to get out. He looked over at Lana, her face filled with tears. "You have me here now, let her go."

A smirk appeared on Lex's face. "Ted, leave us," he waved his hand towards the door, as he himself got up and walked over to Clark. "Well see, Clark, I need you to do a favor for me," he continued, showing off the Kryptonite ring on his right hand, "a task that only someone like you could pull off." He knelt down, closer to Clark, "If you help me out, perhaps I'll grant you a favor," he looked over at Lana, "and let your sweetheart go."

"What do you want?" Clark replied, feeling the pain surge up every time Lex swung his arm closer to him.

"First, I have to tell you a few things," Lex said, as he pulled up a chair, sitting close enough to Clark to keep him wedged to the steel. "and I'll start by telling you that I," his smile grew even wider, more evil, "plan to rule the world."

[SmallvilleMan]

i knew it was that guy dave, damn nice update.

[NYC300Z]

wow things are still looking pretty dark and gloomy, but for some reason a little better than we were last left hanging...

PPMS!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by Ketchup

"and I'll start by telling you that I," his smile grew even wider, more evil, "plan to rule the world."

This is beginning to sound like an episode of Pinky and the Brain!:D

Seriously, this is great, keep up the good work.!

[SmallvilleMan]

Pinky: Brain what are we going to do today?

Brain: The same thing we do everyday pinky. Try and take over the world.

*It's pinky and the brian......*

The classics never die:cool:

[Ketchup]

LMAO, I've only seen like one episode of that show, but... damn, you're right, Cardinal. :D

[NYC300Z]

LMAO Pinky and the brain I use to watch that all the time back in the day.....very funny! Lex is the Brain and hmmm let me guess Pete's going to be pinky? and spoil Lex's attempts while tring to help him?? oh iono just guessing..lol :lol:

[Scotty]

Another cliffie! :mad: At least we know it will have a happy ending. :D

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by Scotty
Another cliffie! :mad: At least we know it will have a happy ending. :D

You know, I've been thinking about that... hmm...

[SmallvilleMan]

Yeah, why'd you go and say there was a happy ending anyways? Leave me in suspense, that's how i like it. :cool:

[ajfinn]

The endless field of human subjects, suspended in tanks full of liquid, that emitted a neon-blue glare. There were thousands, tens of thousands of them. Some seemed more human then other, some still retained their skin color, but most were anything, but human. Their eyes glowed a light shade of green, and their skin reflected the light around them, as it turned silver.

Seriously, Ketchup, you creep me out so bad sometimes! In a good way!!! :cool: You have a real talent for the dark/gloomy/creepy/scary/close my eyes type of writing :D

Clark responded by lowering his gun, and walking through the doors.

WHY, Clark, WHY? I wanted him to blaze in there like Neo did in the Matrix.

"and I'll start by telling you that I," his smile grew even wider, more evil, "plan to rule the world."

Okay, now let me tell you why I had to laugh out loud here, dark and gloomy, or not. I TOTALLY pictured you writing that last sentence, then doing your Bwwaaawwwaaahhhhaaawwwaaa laugh after in front of your computer. ADMIT IT! You did the laugh, didn't you dude??? :lol:

[Ketchup]

Yes, :D Yes I did.

BWAHAHAAHAAAAAAAA

[Clana-follower06]

Great update! *chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Yes, :D Yes I did.

BWAHAHAAHAAAAAAAA

I knew it!!!

*chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*
*chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*
*chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*
*chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*
*chants* MORE MORE MORE! *chants*

[Scotty]

You know, I've been thinking about that... hmm...

OMG you can't change your mind now! If Lana dies then ketchup is definitely going to the BOTTOM of the hamburger from now on. I'll promote mustard to the top to hang with the pickles...

[Kryptonite Spear]

:lol:

Awesome Update!!! Things Are REALLY Picking up!!! :D

Update Soon!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

Super update. But don't leave us hanging. PPMS

[kewl]

super update!!! things are really getting so interesting!!! lex is so evil!!!! PPMS :D

[4EverSmallville]

I think sleep has just become a forgotten pastime for me :rotfl:. I started and couldn't stop - and I loved it :D.

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

keep going, PLEASE! this is getting so good!! PPMS!!!!!!

[Kal-El & Me]

I just caught up on this story and can't believe it took me this long to find it. IT IS AWESOME!!! I can't believe it's almost finished. sniff sniff sniff. WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

Okay, Ketchup. How about a race with 4Ever. Who will update first today - you or her? On your mark, get set, goooooooo!!!!!!!! :lol:

[Cardinal]

That's not fair to Ketchup. He's back in school. I don't think she is yet. ;)

[SVsleuth]

It's just for fun and to let him know I really am waiting for his story - It's so good!!!

[binkys711]

dude! completely awesome update!:eek: i mean like...wow!!! can't wait to hear Lex's devious plan!:D PPMS!!!

[itsallinthespelling]

just caught back up on this story, and it is great. i hope you continue it soon.

[Serene]

*Whew* I'm really doing marathon catch-ups on these stories! Really exciting stuff! I luv the creepiness :)

[SVsleuth]

Ok, Ketchup, it's been 3 days now. When can we expect your next update? I know, stupid school & homework - - but we need an update Ketchup! PLEASE!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

If any of you out there are old enough to remember the old Heinz commercials with Carly Simon singing in the background, then this waste of time post is for you!

*Pan to Ketchup slowly typing on his keyboard, one finger at a friggin' time*

*Cue Carly Simon*

Anticipation. An - ti -ci - pa - a - tion. It's makin' me wait.

Hurry up Ketchup, you're slower than an unopened bottle of your namesake! :D

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Cardinal
If any of you out there are old enough to remember the old Heinz commercials with Carly Simon singing in the background, then this waste of time post is for you!

*Pan to Ketchup slowly typing on his keyboard, one finger at a friggin' time*

*Cue Carly Simon*

Anticipation. An - ti -ci - pa - a - tion. It's makin' me wait.

Hurry up Ketchup, you're slower than an unopened bottle of your namesake! :D


:lol: :rotfl: :rotfl: :lol: I'm old enough. Now THAT was priceless.....

[Scotty]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Hurry up Ketchup, you're slower than an unopened bottle of your namesake! :D

So true. :lol:

[Ketchup]

Here's the next update. Sorry it took so long, but school/college classes Im taking are really killing me. Either way, I got the storyline worked out until the very end, and I'm not going to tell you whether or not its a happy ending. I probably won't update until at least Friday, maybe even later. Until then enjoy, and comment too of course =)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps if Clark didn't know Lex better, those words could have struck him as humorous. "That's a little ambitious, Lex," he spoke through the staggering pain, "don't you think?"

"You know me," Lex said with a smirk across his face, "I never settle for anything. But listen now. You are well aware that our Chinese friends are... well afraid of my army, as are the Russians, and pretty much the rest of the world. All of their threats, however, are empty." He made everything seem so simple. "No one in their right mind would launch a nuclear attack on my country." He stood up, towering above Clark's body. "This is where you come in."

"Care to enlighten me? I hate when people plan out my life, and fail to share the details."

Lana's wrists were beginning to hurt. Until Clark showed up, she didn't even try to free herself - he was coming to her rescue. Now, the tides have changed. The ropes dug in, slowly but steadily, into her gentle skin. She just had to get him away from Kryptonite, and then they could fly away, far away from all of this.

"I want you," Lex continued, "to make sure that those rockets are launched. I want you to make sure that China strikes first, and that they attack Russia and the EU, while they're at it. I want every even remotely powerful nation in this world, including this one, wiped out, along with their populations." By the time he got to the last sentence, the tone of Lex's voice took on that of a lunatic. His words were a town bell that rung inside Clark's and Lana's minds for the next few moment to come. For whom doth the bell toll? For the world.

"But why," Lana finally asked, pausing her attempts at freedom, confused and terrified, "would you want to do something like that?"

Lex's smile turned into a tiny smirk, barely distinguishable from his regular reserved facial expression. "I've studied the lives of every man who ever wanted to rule this Earth, from Hitler to Alexander, wondering why each one of them failed," he got up, positioning the green-glowing ring on Clark's chest, and started pacing about his sterile office, "And then it struck me. They all made the same mistake," he turned to Clark, "they all tried to conquer and never accepted the simple fact that it is impossible to control billions of people at once. It never occurred to them that the only way to achieve ultimate domination, to rule the land and sea, to bring every human soul down on his and her knees, was to simply lower the world's population to mare thousands." He spoke as if he lectured a band of raging fanatics, basing his points on the past, making them clear as the light of day. "Do you see now," Lex asked, as he walked over to his desk and pulled something out, concealing it inside the sleeve of his vanilla-white suit, "what I need you for, Clark?"

The green poison on his chest enfolded Clark sometime during the long lecture. He could still hear the ramblings of the madman, still able to understand most of what he was saying, but to speak was too much. He groaned in response.

Lex picked the ring back up, and put it on. "Good, I'm glad we finally understand each other." With Kryptonite a few extra feet away, Clark felt slightly better, and tried to speak.

"I will never," he said, face full of determination, as he attempted to get up, failing miserably, "let you... do this." His head fell back down on the hard floor.

The villain sighed, carelessly. "I figured you'd say that," he said. "See, that is the difference between the two of us - you always let your emotions get the better of you." Lex took his victim by the shoulders and dragged him onto the couch, a few feet away from Lana. "I, on the other hand, only use logic. That is why I never fail. You see, one doesn't try and wipe out most of humanity without a back-up plan for every action he takes."

He positioned Clark so that he could see Lana, tied up, her wrists bleeding, slightly. She was in pain, no where near as terrible as the one he was experiencing right now, but all of that was about to change. Lex pulled out that something he held up his sleeve. It was a syringe, filled with a dull, silver-colored fluid. He removed the plastic safeguard, revealing the thick needle.

"What is that?!" Lana called out to Lex, horrified of what he was going to do to Clark.

Lex turned to Lana, who couldn't take her eyes off his instrument, in her mind - his instrument of death. "I really hate to do this to you," he said, stroking her silky brown hair. At this time she realized that the needle was not meant for Clark. She cringed at the cold touch. "So beautiful and righteous," Lex stalled the inevitable, "I can see why he loves you so much." With those words, and a quick motion of his arm, he injected the metal deep into her neck. Using his other hand, he held her head still, subsiding her jerks, as the fluid flowed through the tube and into her veins.

"Nooo," she could hear Clark scream, his voice restrained. Very soon the dim, fluorescent lights that surrounded the room began to intensify, almost blinding her. She tried to close her eyes, but her eyelids were paralyzed. Lex turned into a ghost, his shadow hovering somewhere in front of her body. The sounds, distant conversations, were exaggerated, turning into sharp, metallic clangs. Her head felt as if it was about to explode. Her muscles contracted erratically, as the cancer clawed its way through her entire body. The pain was exasperating, but soon faded away. She couldn't feel herself go numb.

Clark's face was filled with rage and despair, as he stared at the blank expression of Lana's face. Her skin was rapidly loosing its color. "What have you done to her!" he heard himself yell out.

Lex removed the needle from her neck, letting a drop of the venom inside stain his attire. "Within the next four hours, her muscles fibers will become more durable and elastic, making her at least ten times stronger," he said, walking over to Clark, "In about eight hours, her skin cells will be replaced completely with grains of meteor rock, or should I say Kryptonite, enhanced nano tubes, making her virtually impenetrable. She has about twelve hours before she loses all the traits that make her human." Lex smiled, very pleased with himself, as he leaned over Clark. "What have I done to her? I made her into you."

Clark open his mouth, about to respond, but was met with a blow. Lex punched him in the face, the green ring still on his finger. "Shut up," he ordered, "and listen. The process can still be reversed. You can still have your Lana back, but I'm the only person who can take her through the procedure. This morning, after a lengthy demonstration, I killed the scientist who developed it.

"Clark, my friend," Lex said, laughing, "you have to thank me for giving you a choice. Its your guilt over the end of the world, or her well-being. I trust you'll make the right decision," he finished as he walked up to his desk and pressed a button on a receiver. "Ted, get in here."

The Head of the OEA burst into the office. "Should I let him out, Mr. Luthor?" he asked, looking at Clark's motionless body. "Please do," Lex replied.

***

In a couple of minutes, Clark found himself lying in the dirt next to the remnants of the old windmill. A soothing wind sent slight chills down his back - a sign that Kryptonite had yet to wear off. Somewhere far off, a tractor engine worked its way through a field, readying the ground for the winter season. Further away, near the horizon, the glass monoliths of Metropolis rose high into the evening sky. Millions of innocent souls tucked their children in beds, enjoyed dinner with their families, and watched TV, completely unaware of their doom.

The thoughts that passed through his mind were mostly of Lana. Clark knew Lex, he knew that all of this was a part of his elaborate plan, starting with his forced retirement from the Daily Planet, and ending where he stood right now. How could he be so blind. So many year spent in vain, as he searched for the one his heart truly accepted, and now her life was slowly being chipped away, all because of him. Lex was right, he did have a choice. He could kill six billion people and save the one person he still cared about, or he could let her die. What kind of a sadistic choice was this?

He got up off the ground, feeling his strength return. The promise that he made, it haunted him. He swore he wouldn't let anything happen to her, and he already has. Her love completed him, made his life make sense, for once. She was the embodiment of all the good left in this world, and he couldn't let her go.

His mind made up, he started walking East. The wind that blew against his face grew stronger, matching his rage. The sky was growing darker as the star that once warmed his heart shed its rays on a stone he now stored inside his chest. This was it, he thought, the last setting of the sun.

[ajfinn]

Wow!! :eek:

Lex has plain flipped! I like how you're bringing in Lex's inner ambitions from Smallville . . . to stand around in a white suit while missles are going everywhere. Creepy.

Fantasic update, as always :D

*pickets Ketchup's home . . . SAVE LANA SAVE LANA*

[Scotty]

2nd!

Can't wait to see what Clark is going to do now... :confused:

[SVsleuth]

3rd!

Great update, Ketchup. It was worth the
An-ti-ci-pa-tion!

Wow! 2 great updates (4Ever & Ketchup) & 2 news reports in one day - well, actually, this is now Thursday, huh. And I know, aj updated too (another teriffic one!), but I got there just in the nick of time, with no chance to do a news report - I owe you one, aj.

Ketchup, I like that Clark will go save Lana - & then try to save the whole world?? You are so sweet to stay up late for us to give us this great update. Thanks! :):):):):)

[Ketchup]

Lol, you guys are funny =) Well read the update eventually, and tell me what oyu think. I'm going to sleep, 3 hours left =/

[SVsleuth]

Don't forget to check the Clubhouse, Ketchup to see your special news report about your post.

[F-Stop Blues]

I read the first chapter but i have a question, did you kill off lois with that car bomb?

[NYC300Z]

What just happned? Does Clark even know what he has to do to help Lex? How is Clark going to get Lex to reverse the process on Lana? What have u done Ketchup??

PPMS!!

*joins picket SAVE LANA SAVE LANA!!

[SVsleuth]

SV joins picket line:

SAVE LANA! SAVE LANA!

[linn]

love the story

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

*joins new picket line: KILL LEX!!!! KILL LEX!!!

and SAVE LANA SAVE LANA

[LuvClana]

holy
crap
lex
needs
to
go
on
Dr.
Phil!

Great update!

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by F-Stop Blues
I read the first chapter but i have a question, did you kill off lois with that car bomb?

As far as this story is concerned, yes. If I ever do a sequel, no. ;)

Originally posted by NYC300Z
What just happned? Does Clark even know what he has to do to help Lex? How is Clark going to get Lex to reverse the process on Lana? What have u done Ketchup??

PPMS!!

*joins picket SAVE LANA SAVE LANA!!

Don't worry about Clark, he'll know what to do. He's Clark Kent afterall ;) :D

[4EverSmallville]

Wow, excellent update Ketchup. I said from the previews I was going to love it :D.

[itsallinthespelling]

great update ketchup, and no that that is said, chants *save lana save lana*

[Cardinal]

You know, if you kill Lana, there is no more Clana, and therefore we'll have to have your story booted from the Clana section! :D

[binkys711]

dam!dude! you got me on th edge of my seat here! what the hell is going to happen?!yes, i agree with Cardinal, you will be voted off the clana island if you don't give us clana:p

*joins both picket signs: SAVE LANA SAVE LANA!!!KILL LEX KILL LEX!!!*

[NYC300Z]

He can't kill Lex until Lex does the antidote thing to Lana right?

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
He can't kill Lex until Lex does the antidote thing to Lana right?

Yup.

[binkys711]

Originally posted by Ketchup
Yup.

don't get tongue twisted Ketchup...i know that it's a very complicated word:p:lol:

[midnite_spark]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

i say clark makes an iron suit, wears it, beats the crap out of lex until he tells him how to reverse the poison and then chuck lex out the window :D yes...that is what i say...but that's only me lol.

[kewl]

great update ketchup!!!!! okay, now i've come to a conclusion.... LEX IS NOT HUMAN!!!! maybe he's part kryptonian???? :D the man got no emotions!!!!
think fast clarkie!!!!
*joins picket SAVE LANA SAVE LANA!!*

[clana4ev3r]

Originally posted by midnite_spark
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

i say clark makes an iron suit, wears it, beats the crap out of lex until he tells him how to reverse the poison and then chuck lex out the window :D yes...that is what i say...but that's only me lol.

I agree and :lol: thats funny. *Joins everybody in there little enchanting world of theres* SAVE LANA SAVE LANA KILL LEX KILL LEX

[booze_is_me09]

your right, NYC. *KILL LEX after you get the antidote*

PPMS!!!

[midnite_spark]

::looks around....debates whether to pack for Gainesville to go back to school or join in chant::

:: picks up a sign::

SAVE LANA SAVE LANA!!! KILL LEX KILL LEX!!

[ajfinn]

*ajfinn uses her Mr. Rogers voice regarding Ketchup's predicament*

"Can you say "PRESSURE" boys and girls?"

[Cardinal]

Pressure, huh?

Excerpt from Pressure - by Billy Joel

You've only had to run so far, so good
But you will come to a place
Where the only thing you feel
Are loaded guns in your face
And you'll have to deal with
PRESSURE

[clana4ev3r]

hahahaaha that last two lines are funny!!!! :lol:

[C.A.chick]

*joins picket line SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA KILL LEX! SAVE LANA KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX! SAVE LANA, KILL LEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh, and by the way PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did i mention i LOVE this story? i can't believe i didn't read it until now! i read all 15 pgs at one time!

[Ketchup]

Hey, sorry to get ur hopes up if you thought this was an update. The thing is, I'll pretty much have to post the rest of Chapter 3 as one installment (at least 3 normal updates in length) cuz otherwise... well you all will kill me if I won't (trust me on this one lol). No promises but I'll try to get the triple-update up by tomorrow night.

And thank you all so much for the feedback! Cardinal haha where do you dig up these old songs?! I know every single one of them, cuz well my mom listens to them all the time =D

[NYC300Z]

Triple update tomorrow!! Can't wait! PPMS!! :D

[ajfinn]

Here's another song for you, Ketchup . . .

. . . . IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN . . . .

Yippee - update coming :D

[SVsleuth]

WooHOOO! Triple updates are getting more & more common. Look what you started, 4Ever! Can't wait...

[Cardinal]

aj, you could have gone all day without bringing in a 80s-hair-band song,

*Hears Sebastian Bach in his head, cringes in reflex*
.
.
and SV, if triple-posts become common, I know I did a triple-post before 4Ever, back on the 13th. *Sticks tongue out:p *

Of course mine weren't as large or as good as hers. :\

[4EverSmallville]

Oh now, Cardinal. Don't you know all my posts are triple updates? Because I had buffers, it was the first time anyone could tell :p. I was hoping on updates from my favorite stories, what's going on in here?

[SVsleuth]

Well, Cardinal, I've done a few triple updates myself, but 4Ever's are SO much longer.

4Ever, keep checking the stories. There were updates yesterday you might have missed. - I did a double one on Clana Journals... ;)

[binkys711]

yay! can't wait 'till your update Ketchup!:)

[C.A.chick]

can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!triple update!!!YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*jumps up and down, hits head on cieling, looks around to make sure no-ones looking and keeps jumping* YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
: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 :D :D :D :D :D :D :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[binkys711]

wow!:eek:...those are A LOT of smilies!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Well, I'm at the very first page at this story. I've heared good things, so hopefully I''m having lots of good reading in front of me! :D

Edit: I've now read all the pages. Fantastic story! It's so much darker than I'm used to. *Crossing my fingers for an happy ending* Can't wait for your next update! PPMS!

[C.A.chick]

binkys711, i like smilies! * puts on a huge evil grin* let me show you...: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 :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 :D :D :D :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl::p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) one last one :rolleyes: ok, i lied, there are more! :rotfl: :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p

[MOOman0618]

Holy Crap! Somebody is a little excited!


But I would be too if we got an update!!

[Kryptonite Spear]

Wow, this story is racing towards a WONDERFUL end...

This was my favorite line:

Originally posted by Ketchup
This was it, he thought, the last setting of the sun.

Damn, you HAVE to update soon dude, I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN!!!

Update Soon please!!! :D

[booze_is_me09]

YO KETCHUP!!!!! where is that mabye triple update?

PPMASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[binkys711]

*looks at C.A. chick's post*

wow! you are the Smiley Master! *bows* sooo many smilies.....getting dizzy....*faints*

[C.A.chick]

*sees stars around head* hehe, ummm, i think i must gotten tired from clicking the mouse for the smilies,since i fell asleep on the couch, not my bed. * tries to stand up, falls* oops, i guess that means im stuck at the computer, insn't that too bad., I get to read clana for a while.

[midnite_spark]

C'mon Ketchup! I'm back in Gainesville....school's gonna start Wednesday....i definitely need an update....i need something to cheer me up....

Hurry up and post!!....PLEASE!

[MOOman0618]

We could sure use an update!


...Please?


...we'll be really good.

[SVsleuth]

C'mon, Ketchup. I know school is killing you, but - Hope you can find some time to squeeze in an update for us - sometime soon? Please?

[kewl]

yeah ketchup, we're all hungry for an update here and it would be great if you can give us one....a short one would be okay ;)

[Ketchup]

An update before 2 AM Central Time today (or tomorrow to be more precise, cuz its past 12).

[SVsleuth]

YES! We will be waiting in AN-TI-CI-PA-TION..... (hear the old Heinz commercial...)

If I'm online tonight, I'll try to do a newscast. :)

[ajfinn]

NOW I SHALL JOIN THE CAPS WAR TO CELEBRATE!!!!!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

(That is not laughing, it's evil Bruhahahahahaha -- can't wait for the update!!!!!)

[kewl]

where i'm at it's almost 10pm, wednesday, 8/24...... would that mean that i would get the update later tonight or tomorrow morning? :(

[binkys711]

Originally posted by ajfinn
NOW I SHALL JOIN THE CAPS WAR TO CELEBRATE!!!!!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

(That is not laughing, it's evil Bruhahahahahaha -- can't wait for the update!!!!!)

I'm sorry aj but the CAPS WARS are over:( we called it off...you can see the brutallity of the war:p and abrupt end in the Emotional Detachment thread....:\go over there and check it out! it was hilarious!:D

[kewl]

sorry aj ur a bit late... CAPS WAR's over. we just ended it :( i kinda miss it though... it was really funny :D

[ClarksGirl21]

omg! this story is awesome! Please update ketchup! You're a great writer!

[Ketchup]

Well here's the conclusion to Chapter 3. The story DOES NOT end here, there's another chapter coming up, so dont kill me after u read this. :rolleyes: Sorry I kept you all waiting for so long.
----------------------------------------------

As he walked on, Clark put his hands in his pockets. Inside the black military-issue leather jacket, he felt something rubbing against his fingers. It was a small cardboard box, covered in black wax paper, making it glitter in the last rays of the sun. The box had a familiar symbol on it, a mascot of some sort. Smallville High. Clark already knew what was inside, but opened it up anyway. The chunk of Red Kryptonite glowed slightly, almost too eager to corrupt Clark's mind once again. Atop the 2002 class ring, lay a note. He was tired of reading these memos - they never brought anything but bad news - but this one was too important to pass up. He unfolded the tiny piece of paper:

Some Red Kryptonite for you, in case you ever think your real self couldn't handle the task. You have about six hours before the process will be irreversible.

The note was signed – "Lex" - and went on to explain, in very vague terms, where Clark needed to go and what he needed to do. Six hours. He looked at his watch. The hour hand shone silver - a color he was beginning to despise - positioned halfway between eight and nine, Central Time.

He took a few more minutes to realize exactly how hopeless this situation was. Lex wasn't going to cure Lana and let her go until the deed was done. Nor was he the kind of man known to act out of fear for his life, no matter how many blows Clark would subject him to. The logic within his fragile mind screamed with its last, struggling breath, to pick humanity over his love. His heart, singing the delicate and sweet promise of true love, moved his hands, as he slipped the ring on. He felt the rush, the burning sensation sweep through his entire body.

"This could be fun after all," Kal said, smiling, and sped off towards his destination. The sun was bleeding out the red of its last rays, spilling them behind his back, as it slowly wound itself up and fell beyond the burning horizon.

***

August 14, 2014 (4 hours 45 minutes left)

The ghastly dark of the night gave way to the light of the newborn day. The rich-blue skies were barely visible through the thick fog that held most of Shanghai hostage. The PLA's (People's Liberation Army of China) First Strategic Nuclear Forces base was located just off the coast of the magnificent city, on a tiny island of Suzhao. The night watch has only just come to an end, and the guards went through with their rotation. The few minutes of upheaval were followed by a deafening silence. The fog would not clear.

Projectors repeatedly scanned the grounds around the old, worn-down building. Unlike Lex's Empire, the Chinese government never bothered to turn every military complex into a sci-fi movie set - they only upgraded the necessary. At the front of the base, there was a marching field, with the flag of the People's Republic of China soaring proudly in the middle. The place was more of a stronghold than an outpost, surrounded with thick, towering walls, and encircled in a minefield.

Suddenly, only a few feet away for a heavily guarded gate, the ground came undone, as the explosives tucked underneath gave way to combustion. The dirt slowly settled back down, and all was quiet again. Unwillingly breaking the entrancing silence, a lazy, crying wail came from the top of the surveillance tower, as the sirens lit up the dense fog in red. The gate came crashing down, barely allowing the soldiers positioned outside to slip back in. Platoons of armed men came flooding out of the main building, aligning themselves in a circular formation around the flag pole. Leaning carelessly against it was a tall, dark-haired man, with a glowing-red ring on his hand. He was unarmed.

"Any of you war junkies speak English?" Kal asked looking at the stern faces, their AKs pointed at him.

A man, older than most, clearly of a higher rank, stepped forward. He wore his parade uniform, covered in medals for service for him motherland. "Do not move, American," he spoke with a heavy accent, "we will not hesitate to kill you."

The intruder smiled. "You can't kill me, uh... what did you say your name was again?"

"That is of no concern," the man took out his gun and put it against Kal's head. The latter didn't even shiver. "Who sent you? Start talking."

Kal's grin wouldn't wash away. "You know," he said almost too calmly, "if I were you, I wouldn't grow too attached to that gun of your, because..." He knocked the gun out of the man's hand, caught it in midair, and reversed the direction, "... guns aren't as loyal as your government lapdogs."

The man stumbled back, almost falling to the ground, but Kal grabbed him by his jacket. He could feel the cool of the steel against his bare skull. The soldiers stood, frozen to the ground, bewildered by what just happened.

The man finally regained his collectiveness. "Wha-what do you want?"

"What any descent man wants," Kal replied, feeling his finger on the trigger, "to be with the woman I love, and there is only one way of making sure that happens. Take me to Missile Control."

Without any further delays the man, who turned out to be the base commander, took Kal away from the dozens of confused faces, and into the bleak, concrete building of the stronghold. The corridors were barely lit - the two had to follow the trail of light-bulbs, fixated to the ceiling. Every-so-often they would pass a door or two, turn a corner, and climb down hatches. Eventually they reached their destination, and Kal lowered the pistol, grabbing the general by his neck instead. With that, he kicked the door open, ripping it off its hinges.

"If you think," he whispered into his captives ear, "I need a gun to kill you, think twice."

The control room was lit up with hundreds of lights of all possible colors, that twinkled in the dark. They created what seemed to be a perfectly orchestrated symphony of light. The huge room glittered all shades of all tints, further eliminated by the huge crystalline map of the world. Silhouetted against this provoking display, were two figures that both came to attention as the sight of their commander. They couldn't see Kal's firm grasp of his neck.

He pushed the general towards an armchair in the middle of the room, directly across from the screen, and then sat down on one of the tables. The two soldiers immediately grabbed their AKs and opened fire in his direction. Two thirty-bullet magazines gone, the sharp, explosive sounds of gunshots were followed by that of clinging shells falling to the hard floor. The men stared in wonder as Kal knocked both of them out.

-------------------------------------------
MOOman, buffer plz? =D

[MOOman0618]

KEEP READING!

[Ketchup]

"Glad that's over," he said, glancing over to where his companion was sitting, "too bad the jacket's ruined." He laughed at the expression of general's face. "Don't worry, I'm not here to kill anyone, just launch a few missiles. Speaking of which, I gather this base has nuclear capabilities?"

"Yea-yeah," the commander stuttered, "but they, uh-, took the warheads out. Replacements come in for a few months."

"Do the Russians know about this?"

"Of course not," the man replied quickly.

"Well than what difference does it make?" Kal chuckled, "we'll just launch a blank," he blurred next to his captive, "won't we?"

"Yes," the general shouted, fear in his eyes, "Yes, I-I will get right to it."

Kal barricaded the entrance to keep the soldiers from disturbing the general, who was busy preparing the rockets for launch. Lana was one Kal's mind, and the thought of destroying the world to safe her did not seem at all unjustified. This planet did not bring a bit of joy into his life, except the good times in Metropolis, back during his sophomore year. Perhaps, he'll take her away from all of this and live alone with her on a deserted Pacific island. There, every night could be their best, and the past would finally leave him be. You know what they say about the Pacific - it has no memory. The problem was that he'd have to help Lex kill most of humankind before this dream could come true.

This train of thought came to a halt at a dark station, in the middle of nowhere, when Kal heard the general say something:

"What is the target?" the man inquired.

"Moscow," Kal replied, with a unique sense of determination. He'd give up the world for her.

His captive punched in a few numbers. Smaller monitors, previously concealed by the darkness that shrouded the control room, lit up with countdowns in preparation for the launch. A white dashed line appeared across the map screen, indicating the trajectory of the missile. In the bottom, right corner of the map, a smaller window appeared, displaying the view of the launch silo. As the countdown neared the imminent 0:00, Kal could see the rocket rise slowly out of the ground. Blood-red in color, with a skull-in-a-triangle radiation sign on the side, there was something terrifyingly beautiful about it. Eventually sparks incited underneath the boosters, followed by a free flow of liquid hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in combustion. Flames spread, filling the entire screen white, with only the red projectile in the middle, slowly rising. The countdown switched from time till launch to minutes to impact.

The general turned around and faced Kal. "It is done. There is nothing that can stop or change the missile's course."

Kal smiled at this, knowing that now his reunion with Lana was only minutes away. "See," he said, more to himself than the general, "that wasn't so hard was it?" With that, he sped away through the doorway, and away from the ever-thickening fog of the tiny island.

***

3 hours left

"It is done, Lex," he said as he burst into Lex's office on Lever 33.1, "the missile is on its way."

Lana now lay on the couch, her skin very pale and slightly metallic. Lex sat motionless at his desk, going through some papers, and only looked up to notice the red ring on Clark's right hand. "Take it off," he said, still looking over his papers. Kal couldn't understand why this man was reviewing documents when most of humanity was about to be wiped out.

"Why?" Kal retorted. and earned himself a glance from the mastermind.

"Because I need to talk to Clark," Lex explained calmly, "not his alter ego."

It was true, Kal was not Clark. Kal had a short temper, easily enraged by just a few words, and he had just heard them. No one dared to speak to him this way. His face filled with rage, he advanced towards Lex, who simply stretched his hand out to him, revealing the green Kryptonite jewel. The familiar feeling came back, the pain, as Kal collapsed to the floor. Lex walked up to him, and slipped the class ring off his finger.

At first, Clark felt disoriented. All he could feel was the twisting sensation in his chest and the cold of the hard, steel floor. The memories of the past few hours rushed though his mind. The control room, the countdown, the launch, they all seemed so vivid, yet distant, much like a nightmare he knew was coming true. He single handedly set the pieces in motion, events that will soon alter the course of human history. Clark almost forgot about the green fever that was taking over his body, when a thought occurred to him for the first time since he left Shanghai. He was a murdered, a savage worse than Hitler or any other maniac who ever walked this earth. Sure, he was on Red Kryptonite, but Kal was still Clark Kent, regardless of how different the two seemed. Lex wasn't the villain of the story, Clark realized, he was.

"Well, Clark," he heard Lex's voice pull him out of the abyss of his thoughts, "I never imagined this to be so easy. Love is a very," he paused to kick Clark in his stomach with all of his force, "interesting phenomenon. It can truly," he kicked him again, making Clark spit out blood, "change a person's perspective on well, just about anything. It seems to me like I no longer need you around." Lex sat down next to his victim, looking at Clark's face, then down at the drops of blood, and back up again. "Now, I've been told that when you're exposed to Kryptonite, you can even get shot with a good-old Desert Eagle. I'm sorry, 'friend,' but I really can't let you live. You are the only one who could ever bring me down." He got up to walk back to his desk and get the gun.

Clark's eyes filled up with black ink, dark spots taking place of the neon lights on the ceiling. He had done all of this - for nothing. He was still going to die, and Lana with him. The world was about to be blown to pieces, and his brains were about to get a head start. He heard himself yell something out, a name, but he wasn't sure if it was him talking. The voice sound like his, and screamed her name, but he wasn't the one commanding it. It had to be the dark spots, he decided, as he lost any use of his mind. Blood still dripped, a drop at a time, staining the bare metal underneath him.

[SVsleuth]

Oh! What to say? Must get rid of evil Lex. Clark and Lana must survive.

And NOW I'm supposed to go to bed? About to run back to ajfinn's story for some happy Clana to prevent nightmares of doom, when a 3rd part is noticed. Ok, I'll read part 3 first, and if we're still hanging on the edge of doom, THEN I'll return to aj's thread. ;)

[Ketchup]

***

A voice came to her from a far, piercing the deadly white light. It called out to her, sweetly, almost seductively, begging her to wake up from this dream of torture. She blinked. The voice echoed on - a repeating melody that brought feelings back into her otherwise feelingless body. The light that blinded her so dearly, slowly lost its brightness. It seemed like an eternity before the first outlines exposed themselves past the shroud of white.

She got up, doing so intuitively and autonomously. Her mind was still too enticed by the sweet whispering sound of his voice, to be able to guide her. Two dark shadows appeared before her. They looked like those of men, one of the ground and the other towering above him, holding something in his hand. A gun. And then all turned clear. Clark. The name came with a flood of memories, all conveying one message. Clark was different, and she couldn't let him die. But the man had already pulled the tight trigger, the hammer had already hit the primer in the bullet, and the bullet itself was launched on its deadly trajectory. She saw it move, as it inched its way towards Clark's forehead.

And then she ran. She ran towards it, as it slowly moved in front of her eyes. She ran faster than she ever has, faster than a speeding bullet.

But she was still vulnerable. It entered her fragile body, breaking through her pale, metallic skin, digging deeper inside. She barely felt the blow, as it threw her a foot in the air, before she slammed down on the bare steel. She saved him, she thought, and that was all that mattered. Silver blood stained her clothes. She blinked.

***

All Lex saw was a blur, but when he finally realized that it was Lana who took the bullet, his hand went numb. He never meant to cause her any harm, just use her to get to Clark. He didn't love her, but he did care for her. Now she was lying on the floor, a couple of feet away from Clark's body, her life slowly spilling through the wound. The gun made a loud clang, as it dropped from Lex's hands and hit the metal below. He ran over to Lana, and knelt down before her, forgetting all about the man that was lying a short distance away.

With the ring further away, Clark could feel some strength return to him. He opened his eyes and marveled at the titanium curves of the Desert Eagle in front of his face. With the limited capacity he has regained, he reached out for it, and his hands obeyed. His fingers grazed the warm handle, slowly forming a tight grip around it. He could hear Lex talking to himself, not too far away. Clark turned towards the source of the voice. There he was, his enemy, leaning over her body, and relishing in her suffering. He felt no remorse as he lifter the gun and pointed it at Lex. With the last of his strength, he squeezed the trigger. Lex struggled to his feet, trying to get away, but he could barely move. The second shot left a burning sensation in his back, just under his neck, as he fell down.

For a few minutes, Clark blacked out, but when he regained consciousness, Lex's body was gone, and the ring with it. His power restored, he sped to Lana's side, to see an all-too-familiar scene. She lay there, before him, drenched in silver blood. Vacant, her eyes radiated a dim shade of green. Her skin felt cold and solid. His eyes moistened, as he picked her up and carried her through the door and past the endless fields of metallic soldiers. His tears fell on her cheeks, sliding further down, towards her chest, and onto her lifeless heart. She blinked.

"No," he whispered, holding her tighter, his voice breaking, "no, no, you can't leave me, no." The elevator slowly made its way down to ground level, and he carried her outside, past the guards, and into the dusk of the empty field. In the dark, her eyes glowed stronger. It started raining.

His sore feet moved with great hesitancy, stepping onto the soft, wet grass. The tears that rolled down his face blended in with the cold, increasingly-abundant rain drops. His clothes were soaked, but so was his mind. He felt as though his heart was gone, torn out, and cut up into pieces. He was tearing himself apart. She was gone, his soul was dead, his life had lost its meaning.

***

Half-way across the globe, the missile reached its fatal destination. There was no bang, nor flames, nor explosion - just a nationwide alert and nuclear retaliation. Hundreds upon hundreds of rockets lifted off, by themselves, heading for their designated targets in all corners of the world. Flying at speeds greatly exceeding that of sound, the first impacts occurred within a half hour.

***

Drenched in the depths of his agony, Clark lifted off, carrying her far up, into the skies and closer to heaven. The soft wind gently blew into his long, curly hair. The whole of Earth was laid out before his eyes, somewhere far below. Suffocation had a psychological affect, one he got over as soon as he realized he didn't need air to survive. The golden disk of the Sun carefully crept out from behind the endless blue, shading its warm rays onto the tiny world beneath.

Slowly advancing against the surface of the planet, a number of bright white trails appeared. They proceeded in curved lines, until each reached its destination. Upon impact, the clouds in the area suddenly disappeared, hiding behind a blinding flash of light. He felt himself scream out into the void, but the words wouldn't come out.

He didn't care for the world, nor the lives that were about to be lost. In his heart, his mind, he was dead, and so was she, lying peacefully in his arms. The world slowly destroyed itself. She blinked.

That's when he heard the voice deep down inside his head.

"Kal-El," it said, "what have you done?"

He wanted to respond, to say that he was sorry, to say that he didn't mean for any of this to happen, but the words, again, wouldn't come out.

"You chose her over your destiny, and look where it has led you. But do not worry, son, not all is lost." With that, everything around Clark went white. I'm giving you another chance, a voice called out from afar, don't fail me this time.

-----------------------------------------------
There, end of Chpt. 3 :cool:

[MOOman0618]

Need another?

[ajfinn]

*HOLY CRAP* cries aj after reading first section ---- must breathe. Kal's crazy!! AWESOME idea!! Bruwhahahahahah I'm loving it already. *goes back to read second section -- hopes there's ten of them!*


ahhhhhhhhh . . . . okay, I couldn't stop to post between section two and three! Wow Ketchup, I usually get the good creepies when I read your story, but tonight you just gave me chills :D

UP UP AND AWAY!!!!!!! (And counter-clockwise around the Earth? hee hee, just a guess.)

[MOOman0618]

HOLY CRAP is an edited version of what MOOman just let out! I cannot believe what just happend!! I can't breath...


Ok, I am slightly better now. ANOTHER CHANCE! OH MY GOSH! I can't decide if I am ecstatic that there is another chance or if I am appalled that he needs one!

That was horribly evil of Lex to give him that Red-K ring!

Oh my gosh...how far back will this chance be? Ten minutes? 6 hours? Years? ARG!

I definatly can't wait this long again to find out!





Oh...Great update by the way.:D

[SVsleuth]

Ketchup, your writing is awesome. Glad he'll get another chance. But this IS difficult to read just before entering slumberland - so back to ajfinn's thread I go for a Happy-Clana bedtime story. ;)