"Hey, Adrian!"
On the farm, Adrian closed his sketchbook, ready to take a break and grab a glass of iced lemonade, when the door opened and an unexpected guest stepped in.
Lana, dressed in a light purple dress, walked slowly toward him, a soft smile on her face.
"I thought you went to Lex's wedding. I was just stopping by, didn't expect you were still here."
She looked radiant, her usual delicate frame transformed by the dress. Adrian had to admit she seemed almost otherworldly, though he secretly judged her as still somewhat flat compared to Akins, Catwoman, or Wonder Woman.
"I was delayed by some matters," Adrian replied casually, picking up his lemonade. "By the way, that attire… were you invited by Lex Luthor as a bridesmaid?"
"Yes, Dr. Helen asked me. I didn't expect them to marry so early," Lana said, letting out a soft sigh. "Sometimes happiness comes suddenly, perhaps in the next instant. Dr. Helen seems very happy—I envy her."
Adrian set down his glass and nodded thoughtfully. "Lex Luthor dragged into marriage? Trust and love rarely mix with someone like him. Their end will be tragic."
Lana gave a small, awkward laugh, unsure how to respond.
"Clark!" Adrian called upstairs, ignoring her discomfort. "You'll be late."
Clark appeared, awkwardly greeting Lana.
"Hi, Lana."
"Hi, Clark."
She hadn't expected him to still be home and worried he might have overheard her conversation with Adrian.
"I…" she hesitated, then turned to Adrian. "I'm going to the wedding. Do you want to come along?"
"I'll go later, Clark. You take Lana," Adrian said.
Clark, usually eager, hesitated. Moments later, after dropping Lana off, he paused, glancing back at her with conflicted emotions.
"Sorry, Lana, I have things to deal with today."
She nodded, understanding. "I understand. But Clark, are you okay?"
He forced a smile. "I'm fine. Go ahead."
Back in the room, Adrian prepared to talk with Clark, noticing his brother's recent odd moods, perhaps from sleepwalking.
Just as Adrian was about to speak, the phone rang. After a brief conversation with their mother, he packed his things and headed to Luther Manor.
"Adrian!" Clark called as he opened the door.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, it's nothing." Clark exhaled, masking his concern.
Adrian left, and Clark, momentarily dazed, pulled a new hardcover edition of Cthulhu Appreciation and Evaluation from his pocket—a birthday gift he had planned for Adrian. After a brief pause, Clark put it away, his gaze sharpening with determination.
---
Luther Manor.
Lex greeted Adrian. "Thank you for coming."
"You're welcome. A rare grand event in town," Adrian replied, returning to his parents.
Ms. Atkins, wearing a striking red dress, sat next to him, greeting Martha and Jonathan warmly.
"Hi, Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent," she said.
Jonathan, surprised by her closeness to Adrian, replied politely. "Hello, Ms. Atkins."
"You're attending as Lex's parents? He must hold you in high regard," she added.
Jonathan nodded. When she turned to Adrian, Martha whispered, "Who is she?"
"Ms. Atkins, Clark and Adrian's biology teacher," Jonathan explained.
Adrian asked her, pressing subtly, "Why are you here?"
"Didn't I tell you? I know Lex too," Desiree replied, sliding her leg under the table, close to Adrian.
"By using your powers to influence him?" Adrian asked bluntly.
She leaned in, smiling. "A woman uses all her tools. My talent is just… exceptional. You can't deny it."
Adrian grabbed her leg under the table. "If you don't restrain yourself in public, I might have to enforce it later."
Desiree's eyes sparkled. "It's a deal. Just you and me, later. Break the deal, and there will be consequences."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, perplexed. Was she serious?
Meanwhile, Jonathan and Martha noticed Clark hadn't arrived yet.
Adrian, glancing toward the farm with Super Vision, saw no sign of Clark. But duty called—he had to participate in the wedding. Reluctantly, he turned his attention back.
Lex quietly asked during a break, "Clark hasn't arrived yet?"
Then, without warning, the ground trembled violently!
Chairs toppled, chandeliers crashed, and the priest fell, sending the altar rolling toward the guests. Screams filled the hall as people scrambled for safety.
Adrian, moving with super speed, immediately evacuated his parents. He grabbed Akins and threw her out with precision; she landed soaked in the fountain outside. He ignored the crowd—rescuing everyone was unnecessary for him.
"Martha, are you okay?" Jonathan asked.
"I… I think so," she said, covering her mouth, staring at the chaos.
Though brief, the tremors caused injuries among the wedding guests. What was meant to be a romantic day had become a scene of panic.
Jonathan reached for his phone. "Call the hospital."
Adrian stopped him. "Wait, the quake isn't over yet."
After ensuring the injured were transported safely, Jonathan said goodbye to Lex and left with his family.
In the pickup truck, Jonathan drove carefully, mindful of his pregnant wife, while Adrian sat beside him, expression thoughtful. He had felt a surge of energy during the earthquake—it was no natural event.
"Clark!" Jonathan shouted upon returning to the farm.
"I saw him," Adrian said quietly, eyes scanning the distance. "He's not on the farm."
"Where is he? Take me to him," Jonathan demanded, jumping into the truck.
"Rest, Martha. Don't worry. Adrian and I will handle it," he said, driving off.
Adrian, usually indifferent, remained silent, analyzing the situation. Clark's recklessness was extreme.
---
Nearby, Clark lay in the crater he had created.
Coughing, he rolled over, his back pressed to the scorched earth. Clothes torn, hair wild, face covered in mud, he felt utterly drained, as if kryptonite had sapped his strength.
Clutching his chest, he tried to rise. With a splash, he fell forward, tasting dirt.