Rating: T (Teen--minor language, childbirth scene)

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1 [A Month following “Valentines”]
[Kent Farm]

Lana finished dusting off the oak end table by the television set and put her hands on her hips. Over the past three weeks, she had spent much of her time around the farm, making sure that the small chores were done and helping Martha around the house. Of course, she did drive into the Talon for an occasional decaf coffee with her friends or maybe to window shop for shoes.

However, she hadn’t even thought of running around the café on even a partial shift in that time.

Miri and Lex had made sure that wouldn’t be necessary.

“Pretty soon,” she reminded her expanded belly and gently patting it. She smiled, recalling all of the kicks and telepathic nudges coming from the being growing in there. “You enjoying yourself?”

A warm feeling surged through her in response.

Her smile widened.

“Can’t wait to see you. That way, Mommy can show you off to everyone,” she indicated.

“I’ll bet,” Martha agreed while walking through the door and collapsing into a chair. “What a day.”

Lana winced. “Busy, huh?”

“That would be an understatement. With the All-State Championship at Smallville High tonight, people flooded the Talon. We managed to keep up with everything though,” Martha informed her.

“I could’ve kept the coffee press and the cash register going. Sorry,” Lana apologized while joining her at the table. “I can put some water on for tea. Want a cup?”

“That would be great. Thanks, Lana,” Martha concurred. As she watched her daughter-in-law go through the motions, she pondered the offer again. Lana’s right. She should have been there with us today but Clark, Jonathan, Miranda and Lex are so overprotective! “It won’t be long until you can do that again.”

“I don’t want you to feel like you have to watch the baby, Mom,” Lana noted while bringing their tea over.

“Lana, that’s what grandmothers do. Remember, Jonathan and I handled Clark all right. I think we can do the same for your little one. In fact, I’m looking forward to it,” Martha concurred while taking a sip from the hot cup. “That hits the spot. Thank you.”

“For what you’re doing, that’s the least I can do,” Lana replied. “I just want to pull my weight.”

“You’re doing that and more. Everything looks great. I know Clark appreciates your help.” Martha sighed. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that your contributions are appreciated.”

“I know you’re right. It’ll feel better when I’m back at the Talon again,” Lana indicated moodily. “Carrying the first Kryptonian baby born in the Milky Way is nerve wracking.”

“Not to mention your first child,” Martha told her. “Take it easy. What does Jor-El say?”

“He’s been quiet. Too quiet. It’s weird. I know he’s watching but….”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to get you nervous.”

“Maybe,” Lana agreed albeit less than convinced.

I am here, Lana, Jor-El chimed in telepathically.

“Right on cue. Give me a minute, Mom,” Lana informed Martha before closing her eyes. [“Sorry. I didn’t mean to say you didn’t care.”]

I know. I have been watching of course. I wanted to—how do you Earthers put it?—Ah yes. I wanted to give you space. At this point, I didn’t want to jeopardize your condition. As Martha Kent has said, it will not be long now.

[“About how much longer do you think?”] she wondered.

Within one of your weeks, I think. As you have been told, the new role for you and Kal-El is important. However, you are not alone, Lana. Remember that. With that, he went silent.

“What did he say?” Martha asked.

“He basically agrees with you. Nice to know I’m not alone,” Lana agreed while getting up and opening up the refrigerator. “But there is this ham for dinner.” She shrugged. “I snuck out to the market at noontime for a break.”

“I think I can rig up some scalloped potatoes to go with that. Thanks, Lana,” the older woman expressed with a smile.


****

[Loft—an hour later]

After a day of helping his father get ready for the spring planting and other errands, Clark slumped on the couch. “Wow.”

Hard work is good for the soul, Kal-El. Even if the repetition can be tedious, Jor-El noted while appearing there. You seem to be making progress.

[“I am. It’s not exciting but it is a living. With the baby coming, we really need a great year,”] Clark replied. [“I’m glad Lana’s hanging in there.”]

You might talk with her though. Let her know that she matters.

[“She knows that,”] Clark stared queerly at the spirit.

It never hurts to say it though, Kal-El. Think on that…. With that, the spirit vanished.

Clark scratched his head wondering what he’d done now. Granted, he wanted to make sure she didn’t overexert herself with the pregnancy and everything. But he’d tried to make sure she knew how much he appreciated her. “What did I do?”

“What do you mean?” Lana asked while bringing two cups of cocoa up the stairs. “Sorry. I was just checking on you.” She handed him one of the cups. “Dinner’s going to be ready in twenty minutes.”

“Sounds great.” He smiled at her. “Lana, sorry I’ve been so overbearing. I just don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby.”

She nodded, understanding the orphan’s inbred fear of loss all too well. “I appreciate that, Clark. I’m trying to be careful. I just would like to help more. I guess I’m frustrated over the Talon.” She bowed her head. “And I’m nervous over the baby.”

“Yeah I know,” he agreed. “But we’re in this together.” He squeezed her hand gently. “Remember that.”

“I know but the reminder’s nice.” She kissed him. “Thanks. You have no idea how much I appreciate that. Now let’s enjoy the cocoa before it gets cold.”

“Yes, Mom,” he cracked as they dove into the chocolate goodness.

 

Chapter 2 [Next Day—Cowache Caves]

After receiving a telepathic cue from Jor-El, Clark and Lana drove and walked their way into the central chamber.

“I wonder what’s on his mind?” she asked.

Clark shrugged. “Wish I knew.” He looked around anxiously.

Relax, my children. There is nothing to fear. Jor-El appeared in front of them while motioning toward an entryway on his left. Step through and discover why I called you here.

They entered the chamber, apparently a recess like many of the others in the caves, slowly. As they did, a blinding white light dazzled them. [“What is this?”]

As I told you, there is nothing to fear.

When their eyes cleared, the two teens looked around at the chamber. However, they found it to be whitewashed with flowers and plants—both from Earth and Krypton—surrounding them. Gentle music serenaded their ears. A bed sat in the far corner.

After taking a minute to digest all of this, she complimented, [“This is really nice, Jor-El. What is it for?”]

You are in a Kryptonian birthing chamber, Lana, Jor-El pointed out.

[“A WHAT?”] Clark queried with uncertainty.

Calm down, Kal-El. Really. You were born in a chamber exactly like this one. If what your memories of the recent trip to Kandor are true, then so were your friends’ twin babies. The Earther plants are an added touch for Lana’s comfort when the time comes.

The two teens eyed each other anxiously. While they knew she wouldn’t be able to go to a regular hospital for obvious reasons, there would be no guarantee that they could make it back there in time for the birth either…..

….And then there was the whole Earth vs. Krypton thing where Jonathan was concerned. How would he deal with something like this?

I sense uncertainty about this in you both. Have I done something wrong? Jor-El wondered.

She shook her head. [“It’s not that. I really appreciate this, Jor-El, especially how you’ve combined everything so well. We’re not sure if we can get back here once the time comes…if you get my drift?”]

I can transport you here. On that note, Lana, be ready. It could be at any point.

The white flash enveloped them again. When it faded, the two teens were back in the central chamber again without Jor-El.

“How are we going to explain this?” he wondered.

“We’ll figure it out,” she reassured her husband while looking back at the recess again. “Meantime, we’d better be heading home.”




Chapter 3 [Next afternoon—Talon]

After finishing their chores around the farm and some “convincing” on her part, Clark and Lana drove into town to do errands and have a decaf at the Talon. As they walked in, they felt everyone’s eyes turning toward them.

[“Looks like I’m the center of attention,”] she pointed out.

While he didn’t like parading her around, he knew she needed this so that she wouldn’t go nuts out on the farm. He glanced around for Lex, Chloe or any of their other friends. [“Let’s get that decaf for you and get going?”]

[“I’d like to stick it out. Besides, I can deal with being the center of attention for now, I guess,”] she indicated.

He nodded. Seeing his mother behind the counter, he waved to her.

“Hi, Clark, Lana,” Martha greeted as she stepped out to greet them. “I’ll have your coffees ready in a minute. Everything okay at home?”

“Sure,” Lana agreed. “We just wanted a change of pace is all. Say, Clark, I’ll be in the Emporium for a minute.”

“I’ll get us a seat,” he concurred.

Lana smiled at him while heading for the flower shop. As she entered, she saw April finishing something on the computer.

On the counter, Colin and Peggy snoozed away contentedly.

April glanced from the screen. “Hi, Lana. How are you?”

“Okay…other than the baby kicking and the clock winding down.” Lana walked over to the sleeping twins. “They’re such angels.”

“So far. I just hope it lasts,” the florist noted. “Lana, remember what we talked about. You’re going to be a great mother. Just take each day as it comes.”

Lana nodded. “I hope so. I just want it to work out great.” As she said the words, she felt the baby kick again. Then a warm feeling rushed up her spine.

“Lana?” April asked with concern.

Lana smiled. “It’s okay. I….” She felt something peculiar and unique happening. And then, through a telepathic link, she heard a single word.

Mama.

“Wow!” Lana gasped.

At that moment, the twins woke up and stared at the visitor’s belly.

“What’s with you two?” April asked her charges. “Are you okay?”

While Colin drifted back to sleep, his sister kept looking at Lana—or more likely, through her.

“Peg, what is it?” Lana asked while approaching the baby.

The little girl reached a chubby hand out toward her belly.

And then, Lana felt the first pain cutting through herself. “Ah! April!” She felt her baby’s stress. [“Calm down. It’s okay.”]

Peggy started crying.

April rocked her daughter to try and reassure her. As she did, she stuck her head out into the café. “Clark! It’s happening!”

He jumped out of his seat and somehow managed not to super speed to the Emporium. There, he found his wife sitting down and holding her stomach. “Lana!”

“Clark, it’s okay. Just don’t stress on me. Neither the baby nor I can deal with that,” Lana advised him while grabbing his hand hard.

Even with his super strength, he felt the vice grip crushing his hand. “Okay. Just not so hard.”

“Sorry,” Lana apologized in between breaths. [“Jor-El!”]

It is time?

“Yes! Bring us there! NOW!” Lana demanded.

Just as Martha arrived at the scene, the two teens disappeared in a flash of light. “Where’d they go?”

“I have no idea,” April insisted while trying to calm both twins down at this point. “I don’t understand what’s gotten into them either.” She pulled out her cell phone. “I’m getting Dave on speed dial. I don’t like this.”

“Me neither,” Martha agreed. “If he finds anything out, let me know.” With that, she headed back toward the café.

I hope the kids are okay. April listened to the ringing while waiting for an answer.

 

Chapter 4 [Birthing Chamber—Cowache Caves]

When the flash subsided, Clark and Lana found themselves in the birthing chamber that Jor-El had shown them the day before.

The father spirit awaited them. Kal-El, guide her to the bed and help her to lie down.

[“Okay,”] Clark agreed while assisting her to the soft surface and easing her onto it. Then he eased her pants and underwear off. [“How’s that?”]

A good start. Lana, how are you doing?

[“I feel it.”] She gritted her teeth and grabbed the sides of the bed. [“AHH!”]

Take deep breaths. Focus on the music and our presence, Lana. Unlike Earther deliveries, this will not take long. Jor-El turned himself “solid” while walking to his daughter-in-law’s side. You are doing fine.

[“G…glad to hear it.”] She winced, feeling another contraction.

Clark looked from her to his father and back to her again.

Kal-El, hold her hand. I will deal with the rest. Jor-El looked her over before running a “telepathic check” of her and the baby. He smiled. Push, Lana! Push!

“Clark!” she screamed while pushing.

[“I’m here,”] he assured her.

[“Don’t leave me!”] she pleaded.

[“I’m not going anywhere,”] he affirmed.

She nodded and pushed again. As she did so, she sent a message to the baby, [“Come on out. It’s okay. You’ll be safe. Mommy and Daddy want to meet you.”]

As well as your grandfather, Little One. Come forth, Jor-El added in support.

Two more pushes later, the chamber echoed with a baby’s loud cries.

Kal-El, lend me your outer covering if you would, Jor-El directed.

Clark took off his jacket and handed it to his father. [“What’s going on?”]

Patience. Using his heat vision, Jor-El severed the cord between mother and child. Then he quickly wiped the newborn with the coat before wrapping it. I am proud of you both. You have given us our future.

[“How is the baby?”] she demanded.

Your son is fine, Lana. Jor-El smiled at them both. Then feeling the familiar aura manifesting itself in the corner, he turned to see the Protector appear in a dark flash. You just missed it.

“Wha’s goin’ on?” the Dark One growled. “Ah felt the crap an’ came runnin’!” He stomped over to the bedside.

“It’s okay,” Clark assured him.

She smiled at them all. “Meet our son.”

The Protector straightened up; his eyes darting about the area and then at the squalling bundle lying beside her. “Tha’s ba…by.”

“That’s right,” she indicated. “Just don’t scare him, okay?”

The Protector looked at the fragile creature in front of himself in wonder and then at her again.

“It’s okay,” Clark assured him.

“Ah know! Ah jus’ wanna…say hi.” Then the Dark One did something totally out of character.  He smiled at the little one and waved his finger at him. Ain’t nothin’ gonna touch ya, Kid. Nothin’. He looked back at the others before expressing, “T’anks. Ah’ll let Apr…il an’ others know.” With that, he vanished in a dark flash of light.

Clark stared incredulously at his father and wife. [“If I didn’t see it…..”]

See what? Kal-El, Dubois has taught him a great deal. The Protector is not a monster, Jor-El pointed out.

[“He used to look after us, Clark,”] she added while peeking at the little face next to herself. [“Hi. I told you I’d be here.”] She motioned to Clark and Jor-El. [“There are your Daddy and Grandfather.”] She kissed her son’s forehead. [“Go ahead, Clark.”]

Clark gulped and slowly picked the baby up, making sure to correctly cradle his head and back. [“Hi. I’m your Daddy.”] He hefted his son not believing how small and fragile the latter was. [“You’re so…perfect.”] He smiled at Lana. [“And so are you.”]

She grinned back, realizing that her dream had just become reality. They were orphans no longer in the truest sense. Now they had a family of their own. [“As are you. I love you.”]

He leaned over and kissed her gently, being careful of their son. [“What do we call him? I guess we need a name.”]

She shrugged. [“I thought we settled on Ryan Jonathan for him?”]

Clark rolled his eyes at his memory lapse. [“Right.”] He turned back to Jor-El. [“Thanks for helping.”]

It was my pleasure, Kal-El. We are all family. Ryan is our legacy. For all of us. May he live up to his namesake’s memory. Seeing the two teens looking at him, Jor-El asked, Why are you surprised? I know how special that young man was. Truly, he transcended what many others on this world aspire to. He studied his grandson one more time. Once again, thank you both for justifying my faith. Lana, you should be able to leave within one of your hours.

[“What about Ryan? He’s still weak,”] she noted.

As soon as he is in the sunlight, that will change. I wish it to be so before sunset today. Make it so. With that, Jor-El vanished.

“So what do we do now?” Clark asked while sitting down next to the bed.

“Maybe some bonding time? We do have someone to talk with, you know,” she informed him.

“Yeah right,” he agreed while pulling out his cell phone. “Chloe can help us get blow ups of these but I want the pictures.”

She arched an eyebrow but conceded the point. After smoothing her hair, she posed with Ryan. “Ready.”

Clark aimed and snapped five pictures using the camera in his phone, clearly enjoying himself in the process. Although it hadn’t sunk in yet, he wanted to make this as enjoyable as possible for everyone concerned.

Once that was done, the new family huddled up for some bonding time.




Chapter 5 [Kent Farm—an hour and fifteen minutes later]

After the super teens’ disappearance from the Talon, the people surrounding them started looking everywhere for them. Taking ‘quadrants’, Lex, Chloe, Miranda, Pete, Samantha, Jasmine, Martha, Jonathan, Sasha and April scanned the area, looking for any trace of them.

Once the Protector had returned from the birthing chamber, he let Martha know about what had happened in order to get an edited version of the information relayed to everyone else. Then he let Dave back out so he could ponder what had just happened.

Needless to say, a feeling of relief washed over the entire town as the news spread.

****



As Clark turned the blazer back into the farm’s driveway, he noticed the large number of cars blockading the way. “What’s going on?”

“We did disappear rather mysteriously,” Lana pointed out while craning her head back to look at Ryan in his car seat for the hundredth time since they left the caves. “All’s well that ends well, right? Let’s just park here and walk it.”

“It’s still kind of cold. What about the baby?” he worried.

She smirked at him. “You thought you wouldn’t know about being a Dad, huh? That was a good Daddy instinct. Nice going. We made sure he’s bundled up.”

“I’m glad you have faith in me,” he told her.

She shrugged. “Both Ryan and I believe in you, Clark. Know that. Trust that.” She kissed him. “Now let’s get him inside before we all freeze out here.” They got out of the blazer. “You’re right.”

“Super speed?”

She nodded. “Let’s go.” Cradling their son, she whizzed to the front door, beating her husband there by two seconds. She laughed. “I’ve still got it.”

“Showoff,” he groused playfully while opening the door to find their friends talking. He grimaced. “Umm…hi, everyone?”

“Clark, you’re okay!” Martha exclaimed as she rushed over to hug him and Lana. “When you disappeared, we were worried.”

“Sorry. Jor-El took us somewhere safe where I could deliver a certain someone,” Lana explained while smiling at her mother-in-law.

“You should’ve let us know,” Jonathan lectured.

“The Protector did,” Dave asserted, feeling his head going numb.

“Mr. Kent, they’re safe. Okay?” Lex cut in. “And from the looks of things, I’d say we have a new face to meet.” He walked over to Lana. “Mind if we get a look?”

“Let’s close the door first,” Clark noted while doing so. Then he set the baby seat on the counter.

“Thanks, Clark,” Lana expressed while setting their son into the seat. “And here he is! Meet Ryan Jonathan Kent.”

Ryan blinked for a second at the new telepathic contacts around himself. Then he yawned and went back to sleep.

“Sorry. We’ve all had a big day,” Clark apologized.

“It’s okay, Clark. We’ll all have time to catch up,” Lex assured him.

“I could get some pictures,” Chloe offered.

Clark waved his cell phone in the air. “I did get some of us right after Ryan joined the party. Maybe you can help us make prints?”

Chloe snorted. “Just try and stop me from doing that, Farm Boy.”

“As long as we all get copies,” Miranda insisted.

“Mom, Dad, you want a look?” Lana inquired.

“Are you kidding?” Martha retorted while approaching her grandson. She admired the dark hairs on his head and how perfect he seemed. “I can’t believe it.”

“He’s amazing, you two,” Jonathan complimented while wiping a tear from his eye.

“I’ll say,” Martha agreed while kissing Ryan’s forehead. “We love you.”

From around the room, everyone came around to take a look at the newest addition to the Kent family, complimenting the new parents as they did so.

For Clark and Lana, it was a dream come true. Maybe the impetus had been to deal with darkness but the end result brought light to them all.

And there would be nothing wrong with that……




Conclusion [That night]

After checking on Ryan, Lana eased herself back into bed and snuggled against Clark. “That’s better.”

“How’s Ryan?”

“Sleeping away peacefully. His diaper’s okay. Other than that, I’ll need to figure out all of the new Mommy things to do,” she reported. Feeling his anxiety, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t believe we’re parents! I mean, we have this little life to look out for. What happens if we screw up?” he worried.

She turned his head so that he faced her. She looked him in the eye. “We, Clark Kent, can do this. We have Mom, Dad and Jor-El to help us not to mention our friends. Did you see how everyone was downstairs today? That’s a pretty big support network if you ask me.”

“I guess.” He smiled. “I still can’t believe he’s here. Our spring baby.”

She considered that insight for a minute before agreeing, “Ryan did come with spring, didn’t he? He’s going to bring a lot of warmth to our lives…not that we didn’t have some already.” She kissed him.

“Eager to make another one?”

She rolled her eyes. “Let’s get Ryan set first, Mr. Kent. Then we’ll talk.” She rubbed his shoulder. “Meantime, I think we both need some sleep.”

He kissed her forehead. “Night, Honey.”

“Night,” she replied before drifting off.

Clark felt himself relaxing and managed a grin. At least, everyone was accepting the balance between Earth and Krypton in their lives. Where Ryan was concerned, that would be essential.

But then again, the kid had his parents and friends. And that would be a great start in itself…..


THE END (for now)


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