Rating: T (Teen)--Language

Notes: Smallville and its characters belong to DC and the CW. All other characters are of my own invention. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .



Chapter 1 [Six weeks after “Focus!”]

[Talon Café]

After a long day on the farm (even by Kryptonian standards), Clark parked his parents’ truck in front of the café and walked inside of the building. Looking around, he saw no trace of Lana anywhere despite the semi-busy pace in the place. Where is she?

“Hey, Clark,” Miranda called out while returning to the counter. “She’ll be right back.”

“Great. Thanks,” he expressed while sliding into a corner booth. [“Lana?”]

[“What’s going on, Clark?”] his wife asked with concern over their link.

[“Sorry. I ran late with all of Dad’s stuff. Where are you?”] he apologized.

She sighed, recalling the catch up work around the Kent Farm as well as Jor-El’s increased training and the work with Miri’s uncle. [“Why don’t you look and see?”]

[“Look and see?”]

[“Yes, Clark, look and see.”]

He frowned while closing his eyes. He still wasn’t used to the full range of Kryptonian telepathy. Worse, he was still dealing with the overwhelming detail in Jor-El’s demonstration. He grunted, not quite trusting the link.

In his mind’s eye, he saw only darkness.

[“Come on, Clark. Just trust that it’s okay,”] Lana assured him.

He managed to relax and let his inhibitions down just a bit.

And, as he did, he entered Lana’s dreamscape…..

****


[Lana’s View]

“Open your eyes.”

He did so to find himself in the middle of the Smallville Bank and Trust. He was amazed that every detail seemed lifelike and real.

Which of course, it was…..

…except that Lana still wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

“Lana?” he asked.

“I’m right here,” she answered. “You just can’t see me.”

“Why?”

He could almost feel her rolling her eyes.

“Because you’re seeing this through my eyes, Silly. Remember what Jor-El told us? Just lighten up and trust that it’ll be okay. At least we know it works. I’ll be back at the Talon in twenty minutes. Thanks, Clark, for checking on me. How are Mom and Dad?” she queried.

“We’re all tired out at the farm. Long day. The Talon is full too.”

“The rush hasn’t stopped all day. Jasmine and Mrs. Singleton came out of Angie’s to help out for a few minutes there. Miri’s handling it okay though,” she explained. “Anyhow, I’ll see you in a few minutes. Love you.”

“Love you too,” he concurred before closing his eyes again and ending the dream link.


****


[Talon café]

Clark opened his eyes to find a mug of freshly brewed coffee sitting on the table in front of him. In addition, he saw Lex sitting across the table from himself. “Lex?”

“Are you okay, Clark?” the billionaire wondered. “Farm work isn’t getting you down is it?”

“Somewhat. Dad needed a lot of help around the place today.” He breathed in deeply before taking a gulp of his coffee. Seeing that there wasn’t anyone really in earshot, he continued low, “Mind exercise. Jor-El.”

The Bald One nodded in understanding. While it had taken some adjustment to wrap his mind around the fact that his best friend and the latter’s wife were really aliens, he felt glad to be included in the loop. Consequently, he watched their backs and tried to understand what they were going through…so that he might better understand and help them. “Say no more, Clark…at least not here. We can talk more at the Mansion if you’d like.”

“Thanks for understanding, Lex.” Clark gulped some more from his mug.

“Don’t mention it.” He arched his brow. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed distracted for the last week or so.”

“Just trying to deal with the new stuff that Jor-El’s throwing at us. Sorry, Lex, it isn’t you,” Clark apologized as he stood up to leave. “Thanks though for the concern. It’s nice to have friends.”

“Remember, you can talk to me about anything,” Lex reminded him.

“I know. Thanks,” Clark replied while flashing him the Kent grin.

Lex glanced back at Miranda briefly and then at the truck heading out of town toward the Kent Farm. Weird. I hope Clark and Lana are okay. He sipped thoughtfully at his cup.




Chapter 2
[Clark and Lana’s bedroom—later that night]

After muddling through dinner and a few remaining chores, Clark and Lana retired to the bedroom rather early.

“This is so strange,” she complained as they got into bed.

“Tell me about it,” he concurred while scrunching his eyebrows. “All of this mental stuff is giving me a headache.”

She rubbed his shoulders, trying to work the knots out of them. “It’s going to be okay, Clark. Jor-El and Dr. Dubois know what they’re doing.”

“I hope so because this is definitely going to take some getting used to,” he agreed while slumping back into the pillows.

“The mental stuff or being with me like this?” She grinned at him.

“I definitely like the last part,” he slurred while pulling her gently toward himself.

“Glad to hear that,” she laughed while kissing his cheek. “I think we just need to relax is all. If we can get through all of this, we’ll be fine.” She yawned. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Kent, I think I’m going to take a rain check though on the post-dinner activities for tonight.” She put her head down against the pillow.

“Spoilsport,” he muttered.

“I heard that.”

He shrugged and fell asleep himself, drifting into the world of dreams……

****


[Downstairs]

Even as the newlyweds drifted off in each other’s arms, Martha fixed coffee for herself and her husband. While they both normally valued Miranda’s insight into Clark and Lana’s issues, she wanted a chance to speak to Jonathan by herself.

“This is definitely strange,” he observed; his paranoia exhibiting itself.

“It could just be another of their abilities, Jonathan,” she replied while handing him a cup. “You know how hard it’s been for Clark every time there is a new gift. He’s also worried about how Lana will take it. Believe me; it’s hard on all of us.”

Recalling the turmoil over the x-ray vision, heat vision and super strength, he had to concede the point. “I guess they’ll come to us when they’re ready.”

She was about to agree when a knocking came from the door. “I’ll get that.” She opened it to find Lex standing there. “Good evening, Lex.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Kent,” the billionaire greeted in return. “Are Clark and Lana around? I was hoping we could talk.”

“They went to bed early, Lex, but you can come in if you’d like,” she invited. “We’re having some coffee. Would you care to join us?”

“I’d like that. Thank you.” The visitor took a seat opposite to Jonathan and added, “Sorry to be coming by so late. I’m concerned about them. They’ve seemed out of it for the past week. Then Clark spaced out at the Talon this afternoon. He claimed it was a mind exercise.”

“That would make sense,” she agreed while offering Lex a steaming cup. “Clark and Lana are going to be okay. Wait and see.”

“They’re adjusting to some new things,” Jonathan interjected. “Have you talked to David about this?”

Lex nodded. “Dave says that their new abilities are telepathic. Based on Clark’s actions this afternoon, I say that would hit the mark.” He sipped from the cup, savoring the flavor. “Mmmm. This really hits the spot. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she accepted. “On this telepathy, you mean the kids have a link like what David has with his sister?”

“Actually, the link is between Dave, his sister and Miranda. I suspect that Clark and Lana are now in that circle too.” The billionaire took another drink from his cup.

“A mental link?” the farmer inquired anxiously.

“It’s a theory where Clark and Lana are concerned. However in Dave’s case, we know he and the Protector both have the capabilities to make something like that work. Remember when Miranda helped to hold off Arighatto in the Talon?” Lex proposed.

“I see your point,” she indicated. “I wonder if he knows what Jor-El thinks?”

Lex took a deep breath. “That would be telling. Odds are that he does.”

“And he wouldn’t let us know?” Jonathan queried tersely.

She shook her head at him. “Jonathan, you know David would never do anything to harm any of us.”

“You’re right, Martha. Still I would like to talk with him about this,” Jonathan insisted.

You and me both. Lex finished his coffee and stared out the window into the Kansas evening. While he knew that they still had some time, he could almost feel the clock running down on them.




Chapter 3 [Next Day—Western Kansas Technical University]

Twenty miles away, Western Kansas Technical University saw the first stirrings of student life for that academic year. The facility’s one story granite and wood buildings stood empty at that moment but would soon hum to life with class and lab activity. The small student center’s café, however, already showed some life as students savored snacks, coffee and conversation before braving the bookstore’s lines.



****

In the café’s back corner, Alicia Baker glanced dejectedly out the window. For the previous four years, she had languished in the state’s juvenile detention facility for assault and attempted murder. Already dealing with mood swings and borderline sanity issues before that, the sentence hadn’t helped her outlook any.

“Happy birthday to me,” she muttered to herself while glaring at the “present” from the state: a lead bracelet preventing her from using her abilities. While she needed to wear it to qualify for parole, she hated the continuous reminder. “So much for being free.” I can understand why Clark didn’t want to come forward. She sighed while remembering the tall farm boy from Smallville. During a class field trip, they’d revealed their secrets to each other in order to walk away from a faulty elevator.

Amazed that a fellow super being would be friendly to her, she fell for him.

However Clark didn’t feel the same way…..

I sure as Hell blew that one. She glanced at her watch. Seeing that it was time to start the other part of her parole conditions, she rolled her eyes. “Time to get to class.” She slung her book bag’s strap over her left shoulder and walked out of the student center.


****

[Mandor Hall]

Meantime Pete Ross slowly meandered around the building, trying to get over his own nerves. Man, why did history have to be my first class? First taste of college and it’s the geek squad.

“Pete? Pete Ross?”

He turned to see a 5 foot five white female with sandy brown hair approaching him. After a minute, he recognized her as one of his former classmates from Wichita. “Samantha Cooper?”

“You remembered,” she expressed almost gratefully; her cheeks flushing a bit. “Let me guess. You’re here for World History too, huh?”

“Oh yeah. Thrill a minute stuff for sure,” he told her while secretly glad that someone else was just as anxious as he was. “Want to go in together?”

“Sure. That is if you don’t mind,” she accepted.

“Nah. That’s cool,” he assured her as they entered the building and headed down the stairs. “Where’s that room?”

“Room 125, Pete,” she clarified from her schedule as they passed the room. “Here it is.”

He checked his own paperwork to be sure. “We made it so far.” He held the door open for her. “After you.”

“Thanks,” she expressed while they entered the lecture hall. She took in the theater-style chamber with its descending rows and the board at the front. Other students had already filled eighty percent of the area. “Wonder what the professor’s like?”

“You got me,” he replied still thinking that the Geek from Hell was about to walk in the side door. “Mind sitting up here?”

“Sure,” she agreed while sitting down behind the last row of students. “This okay?”

“Looks good.” As he sat down next to her, he glanced around the room taking in the faces. Then on the far right side of the room, he saw Alicia and stared at her. What the Hell’s she doing here? She supposed to be in jail!

“What’s wrong?” Samantha wondered.

“Nothing. Sorry,” he apologized. Then he saw Dave enter the room and set his materials on the podium. “I can’t believe it!”

“Can’t believe what?” she queried.

“That’s Miranda’s uncle! The girl I took to her Prom in Smallville—that’s her uncle.”

Recalling her own shyness about asking him to their Prom in Wichita, she grimaced. I wish he’d asked me to ours. Cut it out, Sam. You were working that night anyhow. “We’ll get to see how good he is at history. Class is about to begin.”

He nodded as they focused on their teacher.


****

Even as the students settled into their seats, Dave reviewed his notes while composing himself. You can do this! Come on!

[“No fretting now, Uncle Dave,”] Miranda advised over their link.

[“Not with you on the job, Short Stuff,”] he retorted wryly. [“How are Clark and Lana?”]

[“So far, so good. Mr. Plaid fretting a mile a minute. The Boss is with Mrs. Kent in the barn. Auntie’s okay with the twins and the girls. As for you: don’t worry. Knock ‘em dead. Love you!”] she reported.

He chuckled. [“Love you too, Kiddo. Thanks.”] As he ended the conversation, he glanced about the room. As his eyes passed over every detail, he recognized Pete from the previous Spring.

But then, his eyes stopped on Alicia. His mind picking up on her bubbling resentment. Now what? He decided to keep an eye on her.

The bell rang interrupting his thoughts.

“Good morning, everyone. I’m Professor Dubois and this World History I….” he started.

And with that, the semester began in earnest…..


****


[After class]

“That actually seemed interesting!” Samantha declared enthusiastically.

Pete shook his head in wonder. “I never thought I’d say this but I may survive this.”

“We’ll get through it together. Friends helping friends, you know?” she hinted.

“Classmates should stick together, Pete,” Alicia interjected while walking up to them. “Long time, no see.”

“Not long enough if you ask me,” he retorted darkly. “I thought they put you away for good.”

Alicia regarded him coolly. “Surprise! Juvenile hall only goes to eighteen. They let me out two days ago.” She held up her right hand, displaying the lead bracelet. “With a farewell gift.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “Look, Pete, I know I’ve made some mistakes and I don’t expect forgiveness…..”

“Good.”

“Pete, what’s going on?” Samantha wondered.

“Sorry, Samantha, this is Alicia Baker. Former classmate who tried to kill my friends,” he introduced with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Oh that’s right….Like you’ve never made mistakes,” Alicia countered.

Before the argument could go any farther, a voice cleared itself. They turned to see Dave approaching them.

“I agree with Miss Cooper. Pete, what’s going on?” the medievalist inquired.

“Dr. Dubois, she tried to kill Clark and Lana three years ago. Now she’s out and wants to make nice,” Pete recounted.

“I served my time but I guess I’ll never live that one down,” the ex-prisoner countered.

The professor arched his brow while fighting to keep the Protector on the inside. “Pete, if she served her time, she deserves a second chance. All right?”

“What? I figured you’d be protecting them!” Pete protested.

“I am but I’m also protecting her rights as well. Pete, I understand your concern but the hallway isn’t exactly the right place to be throwing accusations around,” Dave explained while feeling the numbness creeping up his scalp.

“So you understand?” Alicia queried with surprise.

“I understand that people make mistakes, Miss….”

“Baker. Alicia Baker.”

“Right. Sorry about that, Miss Baker. All of you think about what I said. Meantime, I need to be getting back to Smallville and my family if you’ll excuse me,” Dave concluded.

“Wait! So you’re okay with me?” Alicia inquired while grabbing onto his arm.

Dave wheeled back around. By now, his right eye was clearing closing and he lingered on the cusp of changing. “With your past and what Pete says you did? If true, then on that score—no, I’m not. Clark and Lana Kent are like family to me. I don’t take kindly to people threatening my friends and family. Are we clear?”

“Very,” Alicia agreed; her eyes watering with tears. “Are we finished?”

“Almost,” Dave replied, feeling himself calm down. “As I said before, everyone deserves a second chance. You’ve been given an opportunity. Take hold and run with it.” He smiled at her. “Just remember you’re going to have to earn that trust with everyone. Meantime, just keep trying. Now I really do have to go. See you all on Friday.”

“Wow,” Samantha gasped.

“It sounds like he knows a lot about that kind of thing,” Alicia supposed.

Pete snickered. “Ever hear the story about the Talon standoff when we were kids, Alicia? He’s the one whose name is on the plaque in the corner.”

“So he’s like….” Her eyes went wide. “The insane guy?”

Pete growled, “He’s not insane. Dealt with Daddy Luthor’s issues but he’s not there. Look, Alicia, Samantha and I really need to go. Okay?”

With that, they left the building.

Alicia sighed, feeling the weight of her past on her back again. Still if Professor Dubois could do that, so could she. There might be some hope yet. If I can earn their trust.




Chapter 4 [Smallville—Kent Farm]

Clark tossed the last hay bale, completely filling the back of his father’s truck. For most of the morning, he worked by himself so that he could think on things.

Hearing a knock at the barn door, he turned to see Jonathan standing there with two cups of coffee in his hands. “Dad?”

“Figured you were okay so I worked on the east fence,” the farmer informed him while handing him a cup. “Ready to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?” his son inquired before taking another sip.

“These mental abilities that Lana and you are dealing with. Clark, it’s okay. We’ll deal with them like the others,” Jonathan assured him.

Clark set the cup down and paced the floor for a minute, trying to think of exactly what to say. “Actually, Dad, it’s different than the others, you know? The whole mind link thing with Lana isn’t the issue. We’ve done that stuff for the past two years. It goes deeper than that.”

“Deeper? How so?”

Clark turned back to meet his father’s gaze. “About as deep as the split between Earther and Kryptonian stuff can go. It’s about communication.”

“Clark, you and Lana are from here!” Jonathan protested. “You can speak to each other just like the rest of us!”

The younger man rolled his eyes. “I knew you’d react like this.” He took a deep breath while trying to hold his cool. “We’re actually from both places. Dad, while Lana and I were away the last time, we saw what Kryptonian society was like. It’s not what we thought!”

The farmer scrunched his brow in confusion. “Son, the only examples we know of are Jor-El and Kara. What you saw over there is different.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. Dad, Lana and I are both from Earth and Krypton. We have a dual heritage that’s really important to carry on.” He raked the floor at super speed, wanting to get it over with before replacing the rake on its hooks. “Neither side is perfect but that’s what’s best for everyone.”

Jonathan shook his head. “Did David….?”

“Professor Dubois didn’t do anything, Dad. If anything, he’s trying to help us deal with these abilities,” he indicated. “You know he wouldn’t hurt us.” Clark sighed. “I think I need some air.” With that, he rushed off toward town at super speed.

Jonathan stuck his hands in his pockets, fumbling at the coins therein. He felt scared and confused and not for the first time. “Why can’t they just be simple kids?”

“Because they aren’t either simple or kids, Jonathan,” Martha interjected from the door. “You need to accept that.”

“I do, Martha, but….”

“But what?” She walked over and stared him in the eye. “Jonathan, it’s just like Clark said. He and Lana have to balance both cultures. We know that Kryptonians communicate telepathically. He speaks to us verbally. So does Lana.”

“But, Martha!”

“Jonathan,” she insisted. “I trust the kids. So should you. Are you going to take that hay in or should I?”

“I’ll do it.” He grabbed the keys. And meantime, I can get a few words in with David as well….
 

Chapter 5
[Luthor Mansion]

Lana walked up the steps to the sanctum slowly, trying to gather her thoughts before the weekly meeting with Lex. While business had remained the same, she had some new ideas for the Talon’s café portion. She also “heard” Clark’s argument with Jonathan earlier. This is like a big nightmare! I thought we were past the paranoia stuff. She rapped at the door. “Lex?”

Lex opened the door and grinned. “Morning, Lana. Great day, isn’t it?”

“It is. Sorry we missed you last night, Lex. It was a really long day,” she apologized while coming into the library and setting her things down on the table.

“You and Clark are okay, right?” he queried.

“Sure, Lex. Just a lot to deal with,” she declared. “You know as much about all of this as we do, I imagine.”

“In some ways,” he indicated while pouring them both coffees. “Dealing with the things that are targeting us does open one’s eyes. You and Clark saw that in the other universe though.”

She nodded. “We dealt with Isobel and both Lichtenfelds. We also saw what that mystery guy looks like.” She sighed. “The Protector helped kill him over there.”

He grimaced. “Not in front of you, I hope.”

“We stayed on guard duty back in the other Smallville. Since the wedding, we’ve been dealing with some issues,” she explained.

“Nothing wrong between you and Clark, I hope?” he worried.

“Of course not! We’ve been exploring some aspects of the whole dual heritage thing. You try balancing two worlds at once.”

He sipped on his coffee thoughtfully while letting that thought ruminate through his head. “On the plus side, you’d have great futures as diplomats which is in effect what you both are.”

“Don’t remind me. I just want to run the Talon, help Mom and Dad Kent with the farm and start a family with Clark some day. I hate all of this scary and dark stuff!” she spat.

He took a deep breath. “Lana, for what it’s worth, I’m just as scared about this as you are. I really don’t want to lose Chloe to this crap the way I lost Mom.” He gazed up at Lillian’s portrait.

“Lex, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that Clark and I were the only ones who were dealing with this.” She rubbed his shoulder.

He smirked at her. “I know and I appreciate that, Lana. Speaking of dealing with the situation, have you seen Heloise?”

“She went back to the other dimension with Deirdre, I guess. I hope she gets back soon too,” she replied. “Anyhow, we’ve still got some time.” She opened the books. “The café’s having a so-so month.”

“It looks good enough for me,” he assured her, sensing that he wasn’t going to get anything else out of her. “Let’s turn to Page 7 of that report…….”





Chapter 6 [Talon Café]

After returning from WKTU, Dave sat in a corner booth trying to enjoy a coffee before heading upstairs to help April with the twins. Not bad for a first lecture even with Pete’s disagreement with Alicia. He rubbed his forehead.

“Headache, Uncle Dave?” Miranda inquired.

“Hmmm? A little one, Sunshine.” He motioned for her to sit down. “What do you know about a girl named Alicia Baker?”

“Her?” Her eyes went wide. “Only that she’s nuts and tried to murder Clark and the Boss. Why? She locked up.”

“Correction. She’s out on parole and in my class along with Pete Ross,” he clarified. “I guess she was placed in juvenile prison.”

“She should be in Belle Reeve,” Miranda declared; her face flushing red. “Be careful of her. She’s dangerous.”

“I think she just wants to start over,” he presumed. “Anyhow, I warned her to toe the line or else.”

“Good plan if you can make her do it,” she told him. Then she saw Jonathan approaching. “Mr. Kent, hi! Can I get you something?”

“Maybe just some coffee. Thanks. I wanted a minute with your uncle if I could,” the farmer noted.

She shot her uncle a look before taking off for the counter.

“What’s up, Jonathan?” Dave asked, suspecting a brewing situation.

“That’s the big question these days. Dave, what have you done to Clark and Lana?” he queried sharply.

Dave swallowed coffee hard in surprise. “What have I done? Jonathan, I haven’t done anything!”

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with them though,” the farmer mentioned.

The professor shrugged. “I’ve been helping them to deal with things. But I haven’t been the cause of them if you get my drift.” He looked around anxiously to make sure nobody was overhearing. “We’ve got big problems about to hit us and we need every advantage we can get. If they can master their new talent, it’ll be a big deal….”

“What big deal? You’re almost as bad as Jor-El….”

Feeling the headache intensifying and his scalp turning numb, Dave glowered at the farmer. “He’s backed off, you know. For your info, so have I. They’re adults, Jonathan. Leave them be. Okay? Believe me; I have enough family issues to deal with without creating others.” He finished his coffee. “Clark and Lana need our support right now not our incriminations. Say hi to Martha when you see her, will you?” With that, he took off for the staircase.

Jonathan sat quietly even after he received his coffee musing over what his friend had said. Yes, he was still angry and scared over losing control over the situation. However, he also recognized that he needed to give Clark and Lana some space. What do we do? What do I do?




Chapter 7 [Crater Lake—an hour later]

Lana parked her Explorer in the lot beside the lake. After her meeting with Lex, she’d sped right over. [“Clark?”]

His moodiness hit her in the face like a strong wind burst.

Terrific. He’s miffed over that fight. She ran to his side at super speed, finding him on the dock. “What is it?”

“Shouldn’t you be at the Talon?” he wondered. “Great. I pulled you away from the café now.”

“I know what Dad said. Sorry I couldn’t shut it out.” She hugged him. “We support each other. You know that.”

“I do. Thanks,” he expressed, conceding a small smile. “I just wish Dad could accept us.”

“He is. We just have to hang in there with him,” she advised. “Meantime, we need to get into the Talon. I’ll buy you a couple this afternoon.”

“You’d do that for me?” he teased.

“Yeah imagine that. Come on, Clark,” she urged while taking his hand and leading him back toward the Explorer.

For the first time since that morning, he started to feel better.