Rating T (Teen--some language)

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW. All other characters unless otherwise noted below are mine and fictitious. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1[A week after “Family Ties”—Kent Farm]

Clark sat up slowly in bed; his mind haunted by nightmares of his and Lana’s last encounter with her ancestor. As was the case every night during that week, he’d recoiled from a bright glaring light and fell into darkness. This is nuts! He rubbed his face furiously, trying to rouse his eyes back to normal.

“Clark?” Lana whispered with concern. Her fingers groped with uncertainty in the darkness—both the night’s and their blindness—until they brushed across his arm softly. “What is it? The dream again?”

He nodded glumly. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”

She pulled him into a tight embrace. “I got us into this. I should’ve thought things through more clearly.”

“You were worried about Pete, Samantha and Alicia. I can understand that,” he assured her. “I wish we could do chores for Mom and Dad.”

“I wish I could work at the Talon. This really stinks—not being able to pull our weight,” she lamented. Hearing a knock at the door, she asked, “Yes?”

Miranda stuck her head in. “Hey, guys. Mrs. Kent’s got breakfast on. You want to join us?”

“Sounds great, Miri. Thanks,” Lana expressed while edging her way out of the bed. “Get my robe please?”

“Coming up, Boss,” the sensei concurred before handing the other a lavender robe.

“Thanks,” she agreed. “Clark?”

“Yeah I’m coming,” he relented, climbing out of bed and making his way grimly down the stairs.

“Sorry, Miri. He didn’t mean to be like that,” Lana apologized.

“It’s okay. This must be really hard for you both. I’m here, Lana. Remember that. So are the Kents and our friends,” Miranda declared warmly. “You need a hand?”

“I can make it but follow me just in case?” Lana requested.

“Right behind you,” the other girl agreed readily.


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[Downstairs—five minutes earlier]

Martha arranged the table in the usual fashion, making sure that items were in their normal places. Since they had brought Clark and Lana back from the other universe, she’d made sure that everything was in a set order so that the two teens could find what they needed from memory. “The French toast smells great, doesn’t it?”

“Absolutely,” Jonathan concurred albeit without enthusiasm. “Martha, what are we going to do?”

“We do what we can,” she insisted firmly. “Jonathan, we can’t stop living our lives because of what happened….” She heard Clark’s footsteps on the top step. “We’ll pick this up later if we need to.” As their son approached, she put a smile on her face. “Morning, Clark. French toast will be right up.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he expressed. “Miri’s helping Lana.”

The two parents exchanged looks wondering why Clark hadn’t done that for her before he asked, “How’d you sleep?”

He shrugged. “Nightmare again.”

“I told him it’s going to be all right,” Lana added as she felt her way down the stairs, letting her hand glide down the banister. “I feel I should be doing more at the Talon.”

“Alicia’s been picking up the slack after school. We’re doing okay, Lana,” Miranda emphasized while helping her into her seat. “You just get used to this stuff and you’ll be back before you know it.”

“Thanks,” Lana replied in appreciation.

“Don’t mention it,” her friend told her while sitting down beside her. “Now let’s get some breakfast and maybe we can go over to Mr. Luthor’s? He wanted to see you both.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Martha agreed. “How about it?”

“Sure. Let’s eat, Clark and then get over there. All right?” Lana suggested.

“Can’t run. So how?” he queried grumpily.

“Newsflash, Mr. Plaid, I can drive you. Now eat up,” the sensei retorted.



Chapter 2 [Luthor Mansion]

Chloe stood in front of the window, looking out into the grey early morning. While her editor at the Ledger wanted her there on that particular morning, she couldn’t refuse Lex especially when it came to helping her friends. What’s more important? News or friends? She sighed while realizing her dream was slipping away more and more over the previous few months. She considered the engagement ring on her finger. When she accepted the ring, she had understood the responsibilities that went along with marrying Lex. She never thought it would hit so fast.

And then Clark and Lana’s current situation lent to the burden. We have to do something. I can’t believe this happened! How could it happen?

“Penny for your thoughts?” her fiancé inquired.

“The price of love over dreams,” she remarked. While she could’ve tried lying to him, she knew better than that. “I always thought of myself as a reporter first.”

“Dreams are portable, Chloe,” he assured her while placing his hands on her shoulders. “We’ll have each other and our friends. I can make sure that the Ledger will always have a place for you. What else is bothering you?”

She took a deep breath. “It’s Clark and Lana, Lex.” She turned back toward the window. “I thought they were invulnerable…..”

“We knew better than that, Chloe,” he replied, trying to be as considerate as he could be. “Life saves surprises for us all. Think of it as a test.”

“A test?” she snapped. “Lex, those are our friends who have lost their sight!”

“I’m aware of that. The question is how they bounce back. How will the rest of us bounce back? We have to be strong for them now as they’ve been strong for us,” he proposed.

Her eyes watered. “I’m sorry, Lex. I didn’t mean that you didn’t understand. It’s the frustration talking.”

“I know. Believe me; I’m glad that Miranda’s standing in for Lana at the Talon. Alicia’s help is letting us stay on top of things.” He frowned. “I was going to offer David Dubois a job today as a cashier as well.”

She looked at him. “The school fired him?”

“Suspended him for the rest of the academic year,” he reported, not holding his anger back. “They’re considering firing him altogether but I can put some pressure on them not to do it.”

“Lex, this isn’t his fault!” she protested.

“Of course it isn’t,” he concurred. “Administrators do what they know by nature which is to cover their asses when the chips fly. They don’t care what’s right or wrong as long as their little fiefdom is safe.” His face flushed beet red. “He can’t catch a break no matter how hard he tries. Damn it!”

“Maybe he’ll be around to focus more on Mr. Creepy’s next visit instead of splitting his time between here and Dodge?” she supposed.

He smiled at her, seeing her catch on quickly. “You do think on your feet, don’t you, Sullivan?”

“So people tell me,” she sassed. “Offer him the job.”

“I intend to on top of not charging them for the apartment,” he added.

“I knew you were a soft touch, Lex,” she assessed.

“Takes one to know one,” he rebutted while kissing her. Seeing the butler enter, he queried, “Yes, Rollins?”

“Pardon me, Master Luthor and Miss Chloe, the Kents and Miss Arighatto are here. Shall I show them up?” the older man inquired.

“Please do,” Lex requested. “And have some fresh coffee brought up if you would? Thanks.” Three minutes later, he greeted their friends, “Hey, guys, please come in!”

“Thanks, Lex,” Lana expressed gratefully while feeling her way toward a chair.

As the billionaire tried to help Clark, the latter stiffened. “Thanks, Lex, but I can manage.”

Hostility. Not good. “Okay, Clark, good to see that independent streak still going.”

Not to mention the chip on his shoulder. “Anything new?” Chloe wondered.

“No change,” the former cheerleader reported while rubbing her head. “Heloise has brought us back to the other side twice for treatment. So far nothing.”

“You know that I can get the best doctors in the world with one phone call, guys,” Lex offered.

“Sorry but unless they’re experts on Kryptonian anatomy, we have to stick with what we’ve got. Thanks, though,” Miranda declined.

“My father could arrange a secret meeting as well. We have trustworthy physicians in Javalastan,” Jasmine added.

“What Miri just said,” Clark insisted. “Thank you, Jasmine, but Jor-El will want this kept within the limits you might say.”

“Okay but you let Jasmine and me know,” Lex told the two blind guests. “Meantime, your coffee is right in front of you. I have milk to your right and the sugar is to the left.”

As the two teens started to fix their coffee, they had a sudden insight.

They saw the cups flickering from two perspectives as if right in front of them and off to the right. In a blur, the room came into focus.

“Clark?” Lana asked with uncertainty.

“Lana, what is it?” Chloe demanded.

The former cheerleader stared blankly at her friend—or rather through her…..

…at her own face.

“What the?” Lana demanded. “Lex, why is there a mirror in the middle of the room?” She started to grope at Chloe’s face.

“There’s no mirror, Lana,” Lex insisted. “But you see your face?” He grabbed onto Lana’s hand before she could hurt Chloe.

As Lana wheeled around to face Lex, the scene went dark again. “You ruined it!” She panicked, seizing his hand.

As this happened, Clark jumped up. “Lana, stop! You’re going to break Lex’s hand!”

Miranda muscled her way into the four way circus. “JASMINE!” she yelled while doing so. “Quit it! Damn it! I said QUIT IT!”

In her frustration, she created a telekinetic burst, sending all four of her friends skidding across the room. She rubbed her head. “Wow.”

“By the Prophet! What is going on?” Jasmine demanded. Seeing the others down, she tensed being ready for any threat. “What are we fighting?”

“Just frustration and weirdness,” Clark sighed. “This is just too strange.”

“Did I hurt you, Chloe?” Lana queried fearfully.

“Just a couple of scratches,” the reporter assured her.

“I’ll need to have my hand checked out though,” the billionaire noted while holding his wrist.

“I’d better get you two home,” Miranda decided, still feeling woozy from using her abilities. She staggered.

Jasmine shook her head. “Let Lex’s chauffeur bring you home. We’ll keep your blazer safe, Miranda.”

“You got it,” Lex agreed. “I’ll have my driver pull up around front.”

“Meantime, Lex, I’m getting you to the hospital to have that hand looked at,” Chloe informed him firmly.

“Great. We’re not even married yet and you’re already telling me what to do,” he groused half-seriously.

“You know I’m right. Come on. Jasmine, maybe you should go with them?” Chloe suggested.

“Of course,” the princess agreed while going with the others.

How did Lana know I was looking right at her? Chloe puzzled that thought in her mind as she helped Lex to her car.




Chapter 3 [Talon]

Even as the teens and Lex talked at the mansion, Dave sat in the corner booth in the rear of the Talon’s café section. He brooded over the suspension by the university. It isn’t my fault but can I blame them? I can’t keep putting students in danger. He sipped on a coffee, picking up on the people around him.

More so than ever, their emotions spanned the negative end of the gambit toward him.

Idiots. He shook his head while considering his options. At least April’s back at the shop again. With all of this stuff going on, I don’t know how I’m going to get another job. He gazed upon the plaque again; its glinting in the autumn sunshine reminding him of a deeper purpose. Once we survive the mess to come, maybe I can get my post back.

Thanks to his counterpart’s advice, he knew what he had to do. He flipped his notebook open to the list of teens whose abilities made them likely to survive a combined attack if they all worked together. They should be okay. I wish we had more though.

“Coffee, Professor?” Samantha inquired while holding the coffee pot up.

“Samantha, this is a surprise. A little far away from Dodge or Wichita, aren’t you?” he asked.

“I wanted to help out. Besides, I can use a little extra money. Are you doing okay?” she queried.

“Wish I were still teaching. How’s the class going?” he replied, trying to keep his tone upbeat.

“The new prof’s boring,” she assessed. “How come they don’t understand it wasn’t your fault?”

He looked around at the other patrons who were listening. “They never do, Samantha. Just get through the semester. Hopefully, things will be better come January.”

She nodded. “I hope so too. By the way, are you going to be around later? I wanted to talk to you after my shift. If you can work with me, I might be able to help you with the other problem.”

He stared at her expectantly but decided to humor her with a nod. “Let’s make it for about 7.”

“I get off about 6:30 so that’ll be fine,” she agreed before leaving.

Wonder what she wants? He shook his head before getting up from the table. The headache he was feeling only got worse. Maybe a nap might do me some good.



Chapter 4 [Kent Farm—later]

Fortunately for all concerned, Lex’s wrist was only strained and not broken. In addition, Miri had contained the standoff before any serious damage could occur. Still they didn’t understand what had happened in Lex’s study.

“How can we even go out if we can’t control ourselves?” Clark groused.

“They understand, Clark,” Lana assured him. “We need to adjust.” She stood up and walked around the Loft, trying to get her bearings.

“Lana?” he inquired desperately, not wanting her to leave his side.

“Right here,” she answered. “I just wanted to feel…..” As she said that, she accidentally stepped over the edge of the barn’s top door, falling to the ground.

Hearing the impact, he jumped to his feet. “LANA!” He stumbled around for a couple of minutes.

She is all right, Kal-El. Calm yourself! Jor-El commanded.

[“But she….”] he started to protest.

A mere fall like that will not hurt her. You certainly know that. Reach out to her and see for yourself.

He did so literally.

I meant with your telepathy and senses, Kal-El, the father spirit admonished while trying to retain his patience.

As he did, the sounds surrounding him within the barn—animals baying, machinery running and hay rustling within the wind—deafened him. Clark recoiled, falling back onto the couch. “AAH!”

You see? You *can* still pick up on things around you both. You need to practice with your gifts.

[“Easy for you to say,”] the younger Kryptonian complained while rubbing his head to get rid of the pounding there.

It is for me, Kal-El. I have mastered these skills. Quit expecting others to do these things for you! Reach out with your telepathy.

Clark angrily did so, seeking his wife’s mind. Lana?

[“He’s right,”] she concurred. [“Jor-El, hang on. This hearing thing is more difficult than I thought.”]

Use your thoughts, Lana.

[“And his heartbeat. Got it!”] She sped back up the stairs only knocking over a shovel in the process.

Nicely done, Lana. Jor-El appeared in front of them. Sense my thoughts now. Open yourselves to me. Look through me.

The newlyweds did so and jumped again. “The mirror again!”

Jor-El almost rolled his eyes—or would have done so if he could have. As you both and David Dubois have deduced, you both have an extra sensitive telepathic gift. The ’mirror’ as you call it is your ability to link to see through someone else’s eyes.

[“See through….?”] Clark wondered.

As you did back at the large structure this afternoon, Kal-El. Let me ask you both a question: when did your sight return? When could you see? Do you remember what was happening?

She squeezed her husband’s hand. [“I saw myself when….”] She tapped her finger on the end table next to herself. As she did, she recoiled from the vibrations as Clark had earlier. “OW!”

Your other senses have become more acute, Lana. Focus now and remember.

[“I heard Chloe’s heartbeat and breathing….That’s it! I was looking through her eyes!”] she realized.

[“Then how did I see you wrenching Lex’s hand and…myself?”] He rubbed his wrist. [“The telepathy?”]

Yes. You are both relaxed around the ones known as Lex Luthor and Chloe Sullivan. As such, you reached out with your minds and they accepted it albeit not knowing what that would do. Relax and do the same with me.

When they had done so, the spirit floated in a circle around the Loft, taking in the entire area.

As he did so, the two teens “saw” the Loft for themselves. “Wow!”

Despite what certain Earthers think, my children, your Kryptonian gifts do have advantages. Work with your newfound sensitivities. You may not have your sight but you will be able to function. As we approach the time, you will need to do so. With that, he disappeared.

“Terrific. Another puzzle!” he complained.

She shook her head. “No, Clark, he’s right. We just can’t sit up here like a couple of invalids and do nothing.”

“Lana, we can’t….”

She frowned. “I know we can’t see, Clark! But we have our other senses: touch, taste, smell and hearing. That’s not counting the telepathy either. We can do this! Come on.”

He pulled himself off of the couch and shuffled toward the stairs.

“Walk normally,” she instructed, hearing his footsteps. “If we’re going to pull this off, we have to seem normal.” As she said that, she bumped against a beam.

“Says you,” he teased.

“Keep it up, Mr. Kent, and you might be sleeping out here,” she chided half-seriously.

He shrugged, conceding defeat. “Fine.” He walked in a straight line, recalling where the stairs ended and the floor began. Just before stepping into the abyss, his fingers brushed across the rail. “Found it!”

“Walk down the stairs,” she instructed while slowly coming over.

He made his way down the stairs. As she had done earlier, he combined the use of his senses….

…the creak of each board as his boots pressed on the steps

…the cow’s baying

….the breeze coming through the open barn door

Granted the vibrations still made his head hurt but he was making progress. Hearing his right sole touch the concrete barn floor, he grinned. “I did it.”

“You sure did,” she agreed. Then she noticed another heartbeat in the doorway. “Did you?”

“I did.” He listened and smiled. “Miranda?”

“Guilty as charged. I was coming out to check on you both. I hope you don’t mind but Jor-El gave me a mental-gram,” she explained. “Let me know if you want me to ‘see’ for you.”

“Thanks, Miri, but we’d like to try and adjust first. Maybe we can work with you, Lex, Chloe and Jasmine tomorrow?” Lana declined.

“Sounds great. Keep this up and you’ll be back at the Talon in no time,” the sensei cheered. She held a pail up. “Your folks wanted me to milk the cows first.”

“We can do that,” he noted while letting his fingers pass over the barn walls until he got the second pail. “I’ll take Matilda. Lana, want to try Bessie?”

“I’m on it.” She reached out toward her best friend. “Miri, can I?”

“Sure,” the other girl agreed. “I want to watch you do this if that’s okay?”

“Okay,” Lana concurred while making her way toward the pens. “Sorry. Right or left?”

“Left,” her friend advised.

“Thanks.” Lana stepped into the pen. As she did so, her foot sank into something soft and smelly. “Ugh!” She wrinkled her nose.

“Not as easy as it looks, is it?” he supposed teasingly.

“Bet it isn’t for you either. There go these shoes,” she retorted, not giving him an inch of the banter fest. She made her way across the floor; her feet breaking straw stalks as she went.

“Bessie’s right in front of you,” Miranda instructed.

Listening for the cow’s breathing and then touching her side, Lana nodded. “Thanks.” She turned to the cow. “Hey, Girl.” She stroked the animal’s side. “Hope I don’t hurt you.” She slid her hand along the animal’s udder and found her targets. “Sorry. I’m trying to do this without seeing.” She smiled nervously while sliding the pail underneath where her hand was and began squeezing.

The milk went right into the pail without a hitch.

Across the entryway in the other stall, he was having similar luck although the pail did have a few white streaks on its sides.

In the midst of the learning experience, Miranda smiled contentedly. Way to go, guys!




Chapter 5 [Talon—7:00 PM]

Samantha stood at the counter waiting for Dave to show up. According to April, he’d gone out on an errand but would be right back. “He did say 7.” She drank from her coffee broodingly.

“So I did,” the professor concurred. “Sorry I’m a little late. I had to deal with something where Clark and Lana Kent were concerned.”

The co-ed turned to find her former teacher watching her. “That’s okay. How are they doing?”

“Dealing with their situation and doing very well,” he agreed with a smile. “Anyhow, I was wondering what I can do for you? Did you need some tutoring or something?”

“Maybe later. I was wondering if we could talk somewhere private?” she replied.

He nodded. “Upstairs will work. I had Miranda take the girls out. April’s got the twins in the shop with her.” After leading her to the apartment, he let her in and shut the door behind them. “Okay, what’s up?”

She shuddered, not sure if she should trust the man in front of her. Sure, he was a great prof. and Pete certainly spoke highly of him. But there were his issues….. In the end, she decided to tell him. “You can keep a secret?”

“Of course,” he assured her. “Samantha, what is it that has you so on edge?” He opened a bottle and took two herbal pills to deal with the numbness in his head.

“You know how you helped Alicia with her situation?” she inquired.

“I do. Why?” he wondered, not sure where she was going with this train of thought.

“Professor, umm…remember what I said earlier about helping each other?” she queried.

He nodded while considering her more closely; his senses picking up something unique about her. “Go on. I’m listening.”

She pointed at him. “Brace yourself.” She focused on the air under his chair, compacting the molecules there.

He felt himself floating and looked at her with amazement. “So this is what you were talking about?”

“Yes, sir,” she agreed while letting him back down.

He rubbed his chin, musing over how she could use this talent. “So you have control over the air itself? If needed, could you use it in defense too?”

“I did it that night in the lecture hall,” she informed him. “But I only do so to help my friends.”

“I know that, Samantha. Okay, if you’re willing to work with me, you’re in. I’ll also keep your secret. Remember though, this is dangerous business. Therese and her accomplice are coming back and you’ll need to be ready,” he explained.

“Therese? You mean that ghost?” she inquired anxiously. “And who is her accomplice?”

“Yes, I mean the ghost. The scene in the lecture hall was only her first salvo.” He sighed heavily. “As for her accomplice, it’s a dark wizard who rides around on a white horse and dresses like a pilgrim.”

“Oh. You mean like one of those Salem people?” she guessed, trying to contain the chill of fear running up and down her spine.

“It was one of those people according to my sources,” he noted. “The reason I’m telling you this, Samantha, is to advise you. Be careful and watch out for Pete. He’s a target as we all are now.”

“I…see. Is it just us then?” she wondered.

“Fortunately, no. You’ll meet the others soon enough. Anyhow, I owe us both a refill. Let’s share a coffee and talk about the class okay? The rest of this stuff will wait for now.” He opened the door and ushered her back toward the café.

For now? What have I gotten myself into? She gulped anxiously. Can I keep Pete safe?




Conclusion [Kent Farm—an hour later]

Lex stretched his sprained hand gingerly, trying to ease its stiffness somewhat. His mind also swam with guesses as to what the sudden meeting was about. He sipped on a cup of coffee broodingly.

“Lighten up, Lex,” Chloe chided at his side. “They’re not the IRS or your father.”

“True,” he conceded. “But I’ve already heard enough bad news this week where Clark and Lana are concerned.”

“It’s going to be all right, Mr. Luthor,” Miranda assured him while sitting down with Jonathan and Martha. “It’s a surprise.”

“A surprise?” Jonathan asked suspiciously. “What’s going on?”

“I hope it is a good one,” Jasmine interjected.

“It’s all right, I’m sure,” Martha assured them while looking toward the upstairs bedrooms. What are they up to?


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