Protecting the Future [24]

Clark looked at Chloe for a long moment before sighing, his hands moving nervously. He knew this conversation was inevitable, but it was still hard to begin.

"Chloe... I'm not like the others," Clark said, his voice low and serious, looking directly into her eyes. "I have... abilities beyond what anyone can imagine."

Chloe frowned, not fully understanding. "Abilities? What are you talking about, Clark?"

Clark took a deep breath, deciding it was time to show rather than just tell. He glanced at one of the hay bales stacked in the corner of the barn.

"I have super strength," Clark said, walking over to the bale and easily lifting it above his head with one hand. The bale seemed as light as a feather in his hands.

Chloe's mouth dropped open, her face full of surprise and amazement.

"I'm also really fast," Clark continued, and before Chloe could respond, he moved at super speed, running from one side of the barn to the other in a matter of seconds, appearing as a blur before her eyes.

Chloe covered her mouth, clearly impressed, her eyes wide as she tried to process what she was seeing.

"And there's more," Clark said, returning to her side. "I can hear things from far away... my hearing is super sensitive. And... I'm practically indestructible."

"Indestructible?" Chloe murmured, still trying to absorb everything he had just shown her.

"Yes, Chloe. Almost nothing can hurt me," Clark explained, his tone softer now, realizing how shocking all of this must be for her. "That's why when you see all the accidents around here and I come out without a scratch... it's because of that."

Chloe remained silent for a moment, clearly processing all the information. She took a step back, placing her hands on her hips as she tried to form a question.

"This is... incredible, Clark! You're like a superhero or something?" Chloe said, with an incredulous smile on her face, still trying to get used to the idea.

Clark shook his head slightly. "I don't see myself as a hero, Chloe. I'm just trying to live my life as best I can. But... this puts me in complicated situations."

Chloe laughed nervously, still impressed. "Complicated? This is amazing, Clark! How did you manage to hide this for so long?"

"I had to hide it, Chloe. And that's why I need to warn you about something," Clark said, his tone becoming serious again. "I'm not the only one around here. There are more people with abilities... and over time, more will show up."

Chloe crossed her arms, looking at him curiously. "What do you mean by 'more people'? Are there others like you?"

"Yes," Clark replied, with a somber expression. "And many of these people can be dangerous. That's why I'm asking you... you need to be careful with your Wall of Weird and the articles you write about the strange things happening in Smallville."

Chloe frowned, visibly concerned by what Clark was suggesting. "Are you telling me to stop investigating? To stop telling the stories of what's happening here?"

"Not exactly," Clark said, trying to find the right words. "I'm just saying that it could put you in danger, Chloe. There are people... and things... out there that are very dangerous. And the more you dig, the bigger the risk."

Chloe stayed quiet for a moment, thinking it over. She knew Clark was trying to protect her, but at the same time, she was a journalist at heart, always searching for the truth.

"Clark, I understand what you're saying. And I appreciate that you care about me," Chloe said, her gaze determined. "But you know I can't just stop. I need to keep telling these stories, it's what I do."

"Chloe, you don't understand. It's not just you who'll be in danger," Clark said, with a serious expression, stepping closer to her. "If you keep investigating and exposing these strange things happening in Smallville, it won't just be you who'll suffer the consequences. Your family, your friends... my parents... everyone will be at risk."

Chloe frowned, realizing the weight of Clark's words. "You think the government would do something like that? You think they'd come after me?"

Clark sighed, looking away for a moment. "It's not a matter of 'thinking,' Chloe. I know they would. They already have a presence in Smallville. If you start exposing these things, you'll draw their attention, and you know what the government does with what it doesn't understand."

"You've heard stories, right? People being quarantined... or worse, being dissected like some kind of scientific experiment," Clark continued, his voice dark. "You could be next. Or anyone close to you."

Chloe blinked, feeling a chill run down her spine.

"Clark, that sounds... extreme. Do you really think the government would do something like that?"

"Yes," Clark answered without hesitation. "They would. If they find out someone like me exists, they won't stop until they capture me. And the worst part is, they won't just be satisfied with me. Anyone who knows the truth will be a target."

"You'd essentially be throwing your friends under the bus. The people you love. And I can't let that happen."

Chloe swallowed hard, the gravity of the revelation finally sinking in. "I... I didn't know it was that serious, Clark."

"It's very serious, Chloe," Clark said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I know you want to tell these stories, but the truth is, sometimes exposing these things can be more dangerous than protecting the people involved."

"I don't want to put anyone in danger, Clark," Chloe said, her voice softer now. "But... what do I do, then? Just stay quiet and let these things happen?"

"You can still tell stories, Chloe, but you need to pick your battles wisely," Clark said. "Some things are safer left in the shadows. If exposing the truth means risking the lives of your friends, it's no different than betraying them."

Chloe looked at Clark, her eyes full of uncertainty.

"I'll think about it, Clark," Chloe finally said, with a resigned tone. "But you have to understand, it's not easy for me to just stop."

Clark sighed internally. 'She still doesn't fully understand. She's the kind of person who only changes after facing the consequences.'

He thought, knowing that despite his words, Chloe wouldn't give up on her investigations so easily. Still, he had a plan.

With a smooth gesture, Clark tucked a strand of Chloe's hair behind her ear, keeping his gaze fixed on hers.

"I appreciate your passion, Chloe, but I just want to make sure you don't get hurt in the process."

As he made the gesture, Clark, almost imperceptibly, began to exert a mental influence over her. He knew he couldn't change who she was entirely, but he could at least plant a seed of caution. Subtly, he inserted thoughts of hesitation, of worry, that would make her think twice before diving headfirst into something dangerous.

"You don't have to stop investigating," Clark murmured softly, keeping his tone calm. "But maybe it's better to be careful, to think twice before exposing certain things."

Chloe nodded slowly, as if absorbing the words, but Clark knew it was more than that. His mental influence, though subtle, was helping to shape her decisions. She would still be the determined investigator she always was, but now with a restraint he had put in place.

"I'll try, Clark," Chloe said, her voice softer but still determined. "I don't want to put you, or anyone, at risk."

Clark feigned a relieved smile, knowing the changes he had made to her mind were working. "Thank you, Chloe. I knew you'd understand."

'Of course, she didn't change on her own,' Clark thought. 'But I'll let her believe she did.'

Clark watched as Chloe seemed more at ease, as if she had finally accepted the need to be more cautious. He knew that, with these subtle changes, she would be safer, at least for now.

"I knew you'd make the right decision," Clark said, with a light smile. "You're amazing, Chloe. You always have been."

Chloe gave a faint smile, still thoughtful, but visibly calmer. "Thanks, Clark. I guess I needed to hear that."

Clark internally sighed with relief, satisfied that he had achieved what he wanted without having to push too hard. He knew that, in time, Chloe might face the consequences, but for now, he had managed to take a step to ensure her safety.

"Let's get out of here and get some fresh air," Clark said, placing an arm around her shoulders and guiding her out of the barn, where the daylight still shone gently.

As they walked, Clark reflected on how much he would need to continue controlling certain situations. He knew he couldn't always protect everyone he loved, but at least in that moment, he had managed to prevent a possible catastrophe.

'For now,' Clark thought, with a slight shadow of disappointment still lingering in his mind.

To read 7 chapters ahead, go to

pat reon.com/22Mirko22