Reincarnation In Smallville

Luthor Mansion – Main Office

Lex walked down the long corridor of the mansion, his footsteps echoing lightly off the stone walls. The weight of his idea hung in his mind. He opened the office doors decisively, finding Lionel seated at his desk, surrounded by papers and holding a glass of cognac.

"Father, I need to talk to you. It's about the construction site."

Lionel looked up, a slight smile curling his lips.

"Then speak, Lex. What do you have in mind this time?"

Lex stopped in front of the desk, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"I want to cancel the works. Turn the site into an indigenous reserve."

Lionel leaned forward, carefully placing the glass on the desk.

"An indigenous reserve? And what would be the justification for that? Altruism? Cultural preservation?"

Lex maintained his firm posture, but his father's sarcastic tone was beginning to irritate him.

"Yes. It's the best way to avoid more conflicts. The land is sacred to the Kawatche, and insisting on construction will only bring more problems for LuthorCorp."

Lionel rested his elbows on the desk, bringing his fingertips together. His gaze pierced Lex like a blade.

"Are you sure this is your best idea? Canceling a million-dollar project because of local beliefs?"

"Yes, I'm sure. And I believe it's the best way to protect the company's interests in the long run."

Lionel was silent for a moment, his eyes assessing Lex in an almost predatory manner. Then, to Lex's surprise, he leaned back in his chair, letting out a slight sigh.

"Alright. Do what you think is best, Lex. Turn the construction site into a reserve."

Lex blinked, incredulity evident on his face.

"You accept so easily?"

Lionel raised the cognac glass again, swirling the amber liquid before bringing it to his lips.

"Yes, I accept. Because, in the end, you're responsible for Smallville now. And frankly, I'm tired of dealing with these local dramas. I'm returning to Metropolis tomorrow."

Lex frowned but kept his tone controlled.

"You don't usually give in, Father. What's changed?"

Lionel gave an enigmatic smile, leaning forward again.

"Let's say that, from time to time, it's good to remember that I'm a man of vision. Besides, Metropolis calls me. There are more important matters to resolve there."

Lex crossed his arms, studying his father's every word. 'My father accepted so easily... it's hard to believe. He doesn't do anything without a reason.'

Lionel stood up, picking up some papers from the desk before walking toward the fireplace.

"Lex, I'll leave Smallville under your responsibility. Do what's necessary, but remember: every move has consequences. Make sure your choices are smart."

"I know exactly what I'm doing."

Lionel turned to face him, a cold smile curling his lips.

"Good. I hope I won't be disappointed."

Lex maintained his steady gaze, even as Lionel turned his back and left the office. The silence left behind seemed heavier than before.

Lex sat in the leather armchair, resting his elbows on his knees. 'He gave in too quickly. What's he planning?'

The soft light from the fireplace cast shadows on the walls as Lex remained motionless, lost in thought.

...

Clark's House

The sound of branches swaying in the wind filled the room through the open window. Diana sat on the couch, with Tina beside her, while Clark reviewed some notes at his desk. The morning's tranquility was interrupted by the sound of a vibrating cell phone on the table.

VRRRRRRR.

Clark picked up the phone and read Chloe's message. His eyes focused on the screen for a moment before he typed a response.

"I'll pick you up at your house in my truck, and then we'll go to Joseph's house."

He sent the message and turned to Diana, who watched him with curiosity.

"I'm heading out. Chloe asked for my help to interview Joseph and Kyla."

Diana crossed her arms, her gaze assessing Clark.

"Interview, huh? Always finding excuses to be around her."

Clark let out a slight smile, ignoring the tease. He grabbed his jacket, draping it over his shoulders.

"She needs help. And you know Joseph can still be a key piece in what we're investigating."

Tina, who had been silent until then, exchanged a conspiratorial look with Diana before speaking.

"Then we'll keep ourselves busy too. Diana and I were thinking of buying some things to explore the caves. You know, flashlights, ropes, and maybe a bit of courage."

Diana nodded, standing with a firm and determined posture.

"That's right. We'll be out all day, Clark. Don't wait for us for dinner."

Clark chuckled softly, shaking his head as he walked to the door.

"You two always find a way to get into adventures, don't you?"

Diana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms again.

"And don't you do the same? Just with more charm, of course."

Clark opened the door, casting a final glance at them before leaving.

"Don't worry about me. And be careful in the caves. Remember, we don't know everything that might be in there."

Diana just gave a sly smile, grabbing the bag beside the couch.

"You too, Clark. And let us know if you discover anything new."

The sound of the door closing echoed through the house, leaving Diana and Tina alone. They exchanged a conspiratorial look before giggling softly, already thinking about what they might find in the caves.

---

Chloe's House

The engine of Clark's truck hummed softly as he parked in front of Chloe's house. He rolled down the window, leaning to the side.

"Chloe, I'm here. Shall we go?"

Chloe hurried out, carrying a bag and a notepad. Her hair swayed lightly in the wind as she approached the truck.

"Ready! I hope Kyla is more willing to talk today."

She got into the vehicle, fastening her seatbelt, while Clark started the engine again.

VRUUUMM.

"She will talk. I'm sure of it."

Chloe raised an eyebrow, looking at him with curiosity.

"You always seem to know everything, Clark. It's annoying, you know?"

Clark laughed, accelerating the truck down the dirt road.

"I just trust people. Sometimes, that's enough."

The winding road led them away from the town, the sound of tires kicking up dust into the air as silence momentarily settled between them.

---

Kyla and Joseph's House

The simple house, surrounded by tall trees, seemed even more welcoming under the soft light of early afternoon. Clark and Chloe got out of the truck, walking along the small stone path to the entrance.

KNOCK, KNOCK.

The door was opened by Kyla, who looked at them with surprise, but also with slight tension on her face.

"Clark? Chloe? What are you doing here?"

Chloe smiled, showing her notepad.

"We want to do an interview. Something to tell the story of what really happened and help people understand what this land means."

Clark nodded, his posture calm.

"May we come in?"

Kyla hesitated for a moment before opening the door wider.

"Of course. My grandfather is in the living room."

The two entered, greeted by the cozy atmosphere and the scent of wood. Joseph was seated in a rocking chair, his eyes fixed on the unlit fireplace. He looked up upon hearing their footsteps.

"Clark. Chloe. I see you don't give up easily."

Clark approached, greeting Joseph with a light handshake.

"We're here to listen to you, Joseph. Nothing more."

Chloe sat on the couch, opening her notepad.

"Shall we begin?"

Joseph glanced at Kyla, who remained near the door, clearly uncomfortable. He nodded slowly.

"We can. But I don't know if you'll like everything I have to say."

Clark crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as he observed.

"We're not here to judge, Joseph. We just want to understand."

The tension in the room was palpable, but Chloe picked up her pen, ready to record every word.

"Then start from the beginning, Joseph. What do these lands truly mean to you and your family?"

The sound of the pen scratching the paper echoed softly as Joseph took a deep breath, beginning to tell his story.

"These lands are not just soil and trees. They carry stories, memories, spirits. Every stone, every leaf, everything has meaning. The Kawatche have always believed that these lands are a portal, a connection to our ancestors and to something greater."

Chloe leaned in slightly, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"A portal? What do you mean by that?"

Joseph continued, his tone calm but laden with emotion.

"The Kawatche have a legend about visitors from the stars. They say these beings came here, left their teachings, and promised to return. The caves are the heart of this connection. Disrespecting these lands is like tearing apart a piece of our history."

Clark crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, listening attentively. Then, with a casual movement, he approached Kyla, who remained near the door, visibly uncomfortable.

"Could you get me a glass of water?"

Kyla blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. Clark's scent was intoxicating, a subtle mix of something fresh and warm, almost otherworldly.

'That scent... Clark is different. He's so charming.'

Clark tilted his head slightly, repeating the question with a calm smile.

"A glass of water, Kyla. If it's not too much trouble."

She suddenly came to her senses, blushing slightly.

"Oh, of course! Come with me."

Kyla turned toward the kitchen, feeling her legs a bit shaky as she walked. Clark followed closely, observing her with an amused look.

'This girl is swaying her hips in front of me. Brave little wolf, she doesn't know who she's teasing.'

Upon entering the kitchen, Kyla grabbed a glass from the cabinet, trying to hide the growing blush on her face.

"What am I doing? I'm not like this," she murmured to herself, almost inaudibly.

Clark leaned against the counter, his gaze serene but attentive.

"There's no need to be nervous, Kyla. I'm just here to help."

She turned, holding the glass with both hands, her heart racing.

"I know, Clark. It's just... you're different. Since I first saw you, I feel there's something about you that... I can't explain."

Clark accepted the glass, keeping his eyes fixed on hers.

"Maybe because I understand what it means to carry something others can't see. But you don't have to carry this alone, Kyla."

She looked away, biting her lower lip.

"Thank you, Clark. That means a lot to me."

Clark took a sip of the water, the gentle smile remaining on his lips.

"If you need help, you know where to find me."

Kyla nodded, still feeling her heart racing.

The two returned to the living room, where Joseph was still recounting his story to Chloe, who was writing diligently. The tension in the room seemed lighter, but the weight of Joseph's words remained.

Clark went back to leaning against the wall, listening to Joseph while Kyla, still restless, sat beside her grandfather. The story continued, but the silent connection between Clark and Kyla was undeniable.

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