First aired October 20th, 2004

Provided by Suzanne

Hanison: I'm not waiting around for some damn kid. He's late.

Bart: Your watch is fast. If there's one thing I am, it's never late. I say I'm gonna be somewhere, I'll be there like a flash.  Nice car, man. What is this, real leather?

Hanison: I got places to be, small fry. What do you got for me?

Bart:  Oh, I got some great stuff for you, Mr. Hanison. I'm talking top of the line.

Hanison:  Well, you've been busy.

Bart: Well, you know, idle hands... empty pockets. So, what do you think?

Hanison: I'll give you $200 for the lot.

Bart: It's worth like ten times that much!

Hanison: And I told you I don't handle this nickel-dime crap anymore. You land a real score, you come talk to me. Until then, you take what I give you.

Bart:  Maybe I should just take it all. 

Hanison: That isn't a threat is it, kid?

Jonathan: Ah, jeez.

Clark: The doctor said you're doing great.

Jonathan: Yeah, right before he gave me this new prescription. Red ones. At least they'll go nicely with my pink, blue, and green ones I'm already taking.

Clark: I'd rather have more colors in the medicine cabinet than not have you around.

Jonathan: I just didn't want to have to worry your mother with anymore of this stuff. That's all.

Clark: Dad, we both worry about you. What Jor-El did to you because of me...

Jonathan:  Wait a minute. I knew what the risks were, Clark. And I'd take them again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe. Don't you and I have a game to catch?

Clark: Metropolis Sharks, 50-yard line. Lex really came through this time.

Jonathan: Look, son, I understand what that friendship means to you, but please don't forget he had you investigated. Be careful.

Clark: I'm not going into this with my eyes closed. He wants another chance to prove he's changed.

Jonathan: Clark--

Clark: Dad, this is my senior year. I don't want to have to worry about Lex or Jor-El or any of that. I just want to live a normal life, hang out with my friends, and play football.

Jonathan:  All right. Why don't you go get the truck? We don't want to miss the kickoff.

Clark: Dad! Dad, you okay?

Jonathan:  Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Your mother would be visiting me in the hospital again if you hadn't pushed me out of the way.

Clark: Dad, it wasn't me. I saw someone who can move like I can. I couldn't believe it. He saved you.

Jonathan: Whoever it is, not only did he save my life, Clark. He also stole my wallet.

Martha:  Hey. Aren't you two supposed to be at the game?

Jonathan: Well, the tickets to the game were in my wallet.

Clark: Which was stolen. Some kid swiped it outside the medical building.

Martha: Oh, my God, you were robbed? Are you all right? Did he have a gun?

Jonathan: Yes, no, he had a very fast pair of sneakers. But I'm gonna call the credit card company and report it stolen.

Clark: Hey, Dad, wait. This kid, he was as fast as I am. I should find out who he is. Just let me talk to Chloe. Maybe she can track down where he's been using your card.  Come on, Dad, if I don't find anything by the end of the day, then make the call.

Jonathan: All right, but I want you to be careful, Clark. We don't know anything about this kid.

Clark: That's why I have to find out who he is.

Martha: Are you sure you're okay?

Jonathan: Sweetheart, I'm fine. I wish you wouldn't worry about me all the time.

Martha: You were in a coma for three months, Jonathan. It's hard not to worry when you've been through so much.

Jonathan: With a little help from modern medicine, I plan on going through a whole lot more. Starting with a romantic evening with my beautiful wife.  I thought maybe we could have a little dinner and then drive on down to the lake.

Martha: I'd love that, sweetheart, but I... I might have to work late again tonight.  Running the Talon is a lot more involved than I thought it would be. But I'll call you later, okay?

Jason: What is that?

Lana: Um, it's nothing.

Jason: It looks like a very large tattoo hovering over a very provocative spot. When did you get that?

Lana: Um, I-I got it, uh... before I came back from Paris. 

Jason: Really? Why didn't you tell me? I could've come with you and gotten a mermaid or an anchor or a mermaid holding an anchor.  What?

Lana: I didn't plan on getting it, all right? It kind of just happened.

Jason: Tattoos don't just kind of happen. There's usually some ink and a fair amount of pain involved.

Lana:  Well, what was I supposed to do, ask you for permission to get it?

Jason: Whoa, hey. That's not what I meant. Why are you biting my head off right now?

Lana: I'm not.

Jason: Yes, you are.

Lana: Look, I just... I don't want you making a big deal out of this.

Jason: I don't care about the tattoo, okay? But what bothers me is the fact that, for some weird reason, you felt like you had to hide it from me. I've seen what keeping secrets has done to my parents. I'm not gonna end up like that.

Lana: Jason, the last thing I ever want to do is hurt you, but there are some things that I am just-- I'm not comfortable sharing with you yet. I'm sorry.

Bart: Dude.  You lost? You know, because I guess you must be, because this is my room.

Clark: Technically it's my dad's since you used his credit cards to pay for it.

Bart: I didn't take anything from anybody.

Clark: You can save the innocent act. I had a friend trace all the charges you're trying to stick on him after you stole his wallet.

Bart: And you went through my backpack. Man, that's an invasion with privacy, messing with my stuff.

Clark: Your stuff? You stole all this.

Bart: Yeah? Prove it.

Clark: I saw you save my dad from that truck this morning.

Bart:  Man, nobody sees me when I'm doing my thing.

Clark: Maybe you're not the only one who can move like that...  Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, whatever your name really is.

Bart: It's Bart. Well, not that that matters because I'll be a thousand miles away before you can even blink.

Clark: I don't know. I can blink pretty fast.

Bart: Who are you, man?

Clark: I'm gonna get my dad's wallet, and then you and I are gonna sit down for a long talk.

Bart: I'm not big on the chit-chat, dude. Smell you later.

Clark: Dad, I found the kid who stole your wallet, but I lost him down at the docks. He just took off across the water.

Jonathan: Uh, son.

Jonathan looks in the direction of the kitchen and Clark looks in that direction too. He sees Bart sitting at the kitchen counter eating a meal.

Bart: Hey, Clark. What took you so long?  Dude, I didn't think anybody else could move like that except me! Because, hey, I'm the fastest man alive, right?  Yeah.  You were right on my butt, man. You know, I've always wondered if there was anyone out there like me, and it turns out to be you, Jimmy Crack Corn fresh from the farm.

Clark: What kind of story did you spin to con my dad out of a free meal and a bed on the couch?

Bart: No story, Clark, just the truth.

Clark: And what's that?

Bart: All right, well, a couple of years ago there was, like, this accident, right? There was this huge flash of light, and my body went into overdrive.

Clark: And this happened in Smallville.

Bart: No. Man, this is my first time here, and no offense, dude, but hopefully the last.

Clark: I've never met anyone with powers like yours that wasn't from around here.

Bart: Yeah, well, maybe you should get out more. So, how'd you get so fast? You in an accident too, or...

They stop on the landing.

Clark: I was kind of born this way. Why are you living on the streets, Bart? What happened to your parents?

Bart: Their son got zapped into a human lightning bolt. That's what happened. I mean, they made this whole big deal that everything was gonna be okay and that... [Pause. Clark looks at Bart with sympathy.] I don't know, man, you should've seen the way they looked at me, you know? I could tell that nothing was gonna be the same.

Clark: So you ran away?

Bart: I...  I just didn't fit in. But, man, I guess you don't have that problem.

Clark:  Oh, you'd be surprised. I ran away once, too.

Bart: Why'd you come back, man? Mow the lawn? Milk the cows? Dude, you should be out there with me tearing it up.

Clark: You mean stealing everything in sight.

Bart: It's not like I ever really hurt anybody.  I mean I usually just swipe a little bling from the stiff upper crust whenever I need some cash. I'm what you'd call a have-not, Clark. I take from the haves.

Clark: Like my dad?

Bart: Look, man, don't even sweat it, okay? They don't charge you if your card's stolen.

Clark: Oh, and that makes it all right.

Bart:  Look, man, my friends down in the Suicide Slums, they shortchanged me. So I had to boost your dad's card in order to get a room. I don't like spending the night out in the streets, okay? Stuff happens there. When I'm asleep, I'm just as slow as everybody else.  Don't you make the big cow eyes there, stretch, okay? I can always take care of myself.

Clark:  Yeah, you've done a great job so far.

Bart:  You know what, man? Enough about poor little street urchin, all right? Let's take a closer look at the mysterious Clark Kent.  You like to study Native American mythology.  You've scrawled the name "Lana" on your notebooks, and you have one of the most boring hobbies known to man. Rock collecting.

Clark: I don't collect r--

Bart: Dude, are you okay?

Clark:  Put that away. I'm allergic.

Bart: Man, I've heard of people sneezing around cats and dogs and stuff, but never getting all weak in the knees over a rock.

Clark:  It's a long story.

Bart: Which is one I'm sure I would love to hear...  after we get back.

Clark: Get back from where?

Bart: Anywhere we want. I mean, dude, we are two super-powered studs here. Why else do you think I came to Smellyville looking for you, man? Let's go crank it up, go have some fun!

Bart: You ever seen Florida?

Bart: Dude, that girl in the black bikini was totally checking you out.

Clark:  No, she wasn't.

Bart: Look, the girl was eyeing you like you were a sno-cone, dude. You should've got her number.

Clark: I can't just walk up to a girl on the beach and get her phone number.

Bart: Yeah, well lucky for you ...I can.  She says to call her next time you're in Miami.

Clark: Sshh!  I can't just go run back down to Miami.

Bart: Why not?

Clark: Because it's--

Bart: It's what? Too much fun, Clark? Come on, dude, nobody's ever died from it.

Clark: What are you doing?

Bart: I'm eating a cookie, dude, I'm starving.

Clark:  You can't just take whatever you want. My mom runs this place.

Bart: Look, man. There's a line. I don't do lines.

Chloe: What's up, Kent? I thought you'd still be in Metropolis playing detective.

Clark:  I thought I'd leave that one up to the authorities.

Bart:  Never would've caught him, anyway.

Clark: Chloe, this is my friend Bart. He's from...

Bart: The future.

Chloe:  Really?

Bart: Yeah.  I ran all the way back in time to tell you that we're still in love a hundred years from now.

Clark:  Bart...

Bart:  What's your favorite kind of flower, Chloe?

Chloe: Uh, tulips.  How did you do that?

Bart: Magic. 

Chloe: Wow.

Bart: You want to see some more?

Martha: Clark.

Clark: Knock it off.

Martha: Your dad called.  Is that the boy who robbed him?

Clark: Yeah. His name's Bart Allen.

Martha: Why is he here?

Clark: I think he's lonely, wants to be my friend.

Martha: Good. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.

Clark: I'm trying.

Martha: Oh, um, Lex is looking for you, sweetheart. He asked if you'd stop by the mansion. He said it's important.

Clark: Okay, but I probably shouldn't leave Bart alone.

Martha: I really don't think he'll notice you're gone.

Lex: I purchased this from a private collector in St. Petersburg. Convincing him to part with it required quite a few glasses of vodka and a small fortune, but it was worth it.

Clark:  It's very nice.

Lex: Take a closer look at the border design.  Embedded glyphs similar to the Kawatche symbols found in the cave.  And no one's spent more time down there than you.  Any idea what they mean?

Clark: No. But I thought you weren't interested in this stuff anymore.

Lex: Oh, I'm still interested, Clark, just not obsessed. Which is why I'm not keeping this from you. I'd like it if we could work on this mystery together.

Clark: I'd like that.  So what is it?

Lex: It's the last surviving page from a 14th century manuscript.  It depicts the Grand Prince Danskoy's victory over his mortal enemy Mamaya at the Battle of Kulacova. Legend has it that this was the only object adorning the walls of Rasputin's chamber while he studied at the Verkhoture Monastery.  He believed this page would reveal a path to unimaginable power. Rasputin would stare at it for days at a time, attempting to penetrate its secrets.

Clark: It's incredible.

Lex: Don't.  I've had state of the art security installed to protect it. I'm keeping it at the mansion for a few days before it goes into the vault at LuthorCorp.  I'm sorry, Clark, I have an appointment. Why don't you swing by tomorrow and we'll, uh, roll up our sleeves?

Clark:  Yeah.

Bart:  Dude, you know Lex Luthor?

Clark: What are you doing here?

Bart: Well, Chloe shot me down, but, you know, her loss. Man, this place is awesome!   I mean, have you seen all the cool stuff?

Clark: You were just in there?

Bart: Yeah, I just took a quick spin. Don't worry, man, he won't have a clue.

Clark: You gotta get out of here.

Lex: Clark.  Who are you talking to?

Clark: Dad!

Jonathan: Hey, Clark. You're just in time, son. Your mom's working late again, so I thought maybe we'd have guys' night. You know, catch up on the highlights of the game we missed?

Clark: I saw something at Lex's, Dad. It was a page from an old manuscript and it had Kryptonian symbols on it.

Jonathan: Kryptonian symbols? Were you able to read them?

Clark: It had a message repeated over and over. "Look deeper." I used my X-ray vision, and I saw a map hidden underneath.

Jonathan: A map? A map to what?

Clark: I don't know, Dad, but I think it has something to do with Jor-El and what he sent me after when he was controlling me.

Jonathan: I want you to leave this alone, Clark.

Clark: No, Dad--

Jonathan: Son, you were just telling me how you want to have a normal senior year, right? Well, how does traipsing around the globe on Jor-El's crusade fit in with that?

Clark: It doesn't. But hanging out with Bart reminded me that I'm not normal, Dad. Maybe it's time I stopped running from who I really am.

Jonathan:  What you really are is a 17-year-old boy. Now sit down.

Clark: Dad, it doesn't matter how old I am. Whatever Jor-El sent me to find, I have a feeling it's very powerful and dangerous. Especially if it falls into the wrong hands, and I'm the only one who can stop that from happening.

Jonathan: How? By stealing this manuscript from Lex?

Clark: No. He has no idea what he has. All I have to do is sneak back in there and get a better look at it.

Jonathan: Clark, it's a bad idea. He could see you.

Clark: I'll be in and out before he even knows I'm there.

Bart: Dude! Lex's place was sweet! I mean, that guy's got like 20 cars, man! There's no way you get that rich playing it straight. Man, I gotta step it up a notch, because that is definitely how I want to live.

Clark: Listen, Bart, there's something I've got to take care of, all right?

Bart: Can I come?

Clark: No. Um, it's personal. But maybe we'll hang out when I get back.

Bart: Oh, dude, there's this midnight showing of "Speed" at the Mann's Chinese Theater. The best popcorn, and Keanu rules in that one. So do you want to go?

Clark: You know, it sounds great, but, uh, just don't mention it to my dad, okay?

Bart: Okay.  Clark.  Man, it's been really cool hanging out with somebody like me, you know? So I got you something just to say thanks for everything.   It's an MP3 player. That way you can download all your favorites tunes and listen to them wherever you go.

Clark: Where'd you get this?

Bart: I got it for you, Clark. It doesn't matter where I got it.

Clark: Yes, it does, Bart.  You haven't been listening to anything I've said to you. You can't go around stealing whatever you want.

Bart: Why not?

Clark: Because there are laws.

Bart: For normal people. And, dude, why do you treat your abilities like a curse? They're not, man. They're a gift. I'm gonna use them.

Clark: I'm not saying you shouldn't. Just use them to help people, not hurt them.

Bart: Who am I hurting, the store that I swiped this from? Because they're insured.

Clark: That doesn't make it right.

Bart: Whatever, dude. I'm not sticking around for another lecture.

Bart starts to walk away.

Clark: What are you gonna do, run away again? You're not gonna solve all your problems like that, Bart.

Bart:  Look, I'm not running away, Clark. I'm running towards something. I'm gonna have everything that I've ever dreamed of one way or another.

Clark: Bart--

Bart:  Look, I thought you and I were the same, but I was wrong. You are nothing like me.

Clark:  Bart.

Guard: Don't move!

Lex: Clark?  What the hell are you doing here?

Lex: Would you like to explain what happened here?

Clark: I just came by to say hello. The next thing I know, all these alarms and lights were going off.

Lex:  It's a little late for a, uh, social call, Clark.

Clark: Yeah, I just-- I should've called, but I just figured you'd be up.

Lex: Are you sure you didn't see anyone else when you came in?

Clark: No, I-I didn't see anyone.

Lex: Then you don't know who did this.

Clark: No, I don't.

Lex:  I believe you. I know a real friend would never lie to me.

Clark: I better go and let you take care of this.

Lex: I'll let you in on a secret.  I'm not that worried.

Clark:  You said this manuscript page was worth a fortune.

Lex: It is.  And there aren't that many fences in Metropolis that can move such a high-end item. If I put the word out, I'm sure some fiscally challenged citizen will point me in the right direction.

Clark: You really think that'll work?

Lex: Don't worry, Clark. Our thief is gonna learn that there's nowhere on earth he can run from Lex Luthor.

Martha: I'd like that too, Jonathan, but I can't.  Because I still have all this work to do. I'll be home as soon as I can. That's the best I can do.  Okay, bye.

Lana: You're working late.

Martha: Oh, God. It's like this never stops. I don't know how you managed all this and went to school too, Lana.

Lana: It wasn't easy. But I don't remember staying this late after closing every night.

Martha: Well, it's easier to do this here than at home.

Lana: Is everything all right, Mrs. Kent?

Martha: Oh, Jonathan thinks the only reason I took this job is to help out with our finances.  I love him so much. But after everything that's happened, all his health problems, the only time I'm not worried about losing him is when I'm here working.

Lana: But if you're here all the time, then, um, you don't see him anyway. Isn't that like you've lost him already?

Martha:  A summer in Paris has really given you some insight, Lana.  Thank you for reminding me.

Lana: Reminding you of what?

Martha: That it's easier to deal with your fears if you can share them with someone you love.

Hanison: Sure, however you want to handle it.  No problem, and it's my pleasure.

Bart: Well, it's about time.

Hanison: Oh, I had some things to take care of. Maybe when you grow up, you'll understand how men do business.

Bart: This grown up enough for you?

Hanison: It's a start.  Mr. Luthor, I believe I have something that belongs to you.

Lex: Is this the dangerous criminal you warned me about?

Hanison: Hey, he's not your problem. Come on, let's talk about that finder's fee.

Lex: He's just a kid. Let him go.

Hanison: No. You have no idea what that freak is capable of.

Lex: If I were you, I'd be more concerned about the police right now, Hanison.

Hanison: What did you do?

Lex: In about five minutes, this place will be swarming with Metropolis P.D.

Hanison:  Well, okay, then I guess we better hurry this up, huh?   Tony.   Aah!  Look at the mess you made, kid! Let's see if you're faster than a speeding bullet.

Clark:  You don't want to be here!  You still think what you do never hurts anyone?

Holding the manuscript, Clark walks over to Lex and turns him onto his back. He is bleeding from the side of his head. Clark checks Lex's neck for his pulse.

Clark: Lex.  Lex?

Bart:  I am sorry, Clark.  This doesn't change anything.

Clark: No, you don't understand. It'll kill me.  You're not a murderer! That's not who you are!

Bart: You don't know who I am!

Clark: Yes, I do. Bart, I saw you save my dad. I've seen the good in you. Bart, you've got to stop running, or in the end you'll just be alone. You don't want that. I know you don't. I know because down deep, we're the same.

Bart: I wish that was true, Clark.

Jonathan: You have no idea where Bart could be?

Clark: Lex was unconscious. I stayed with him until I heard the police sirens. Then I went after Bart. By then, he could've been halfway around the world.

Jonathan: Well, I think it could be for the best, Clark.

Clark: But, Dad--

Jonathan: Now, look, I know how much you wanted to help him out, but you can't force people to change no matter how strong you are.

Clark: He's not a bad kid, Dad, he's just different. At least he's willing to accept that.

Jonathan: Clark, embracing your abilities and flaunting them are two entirely different things.

Clark: I know. It's just sometimes there's a part of me that wishes I could be more like him. [They stop walking.] I mean, I spend so much time trying to hide who I really am, I'm starting to feel like two separate people.

Jonathan: Clark, I think you'd be really surprised to find out how many normal people feel exactly the same way. Son, everybody has secrets. Yours are just-- just bigger than most.

Clark: Well, I better go check on Lex.

Jonathan: All right. You want to use the truck?

Clark: No, I, um, I kind of want to stretch my legs.

Jonathan: Hey. I thought you'd be at work all day.

Martha: Well, that's one of the benefits of being the boss. I promoted Linda to assistant manager so I could take a break and spend some time with a ruggedly handsome farmer.

Jonathan: Well, you're in luck. There just happens to be one sweating in your driveway right now.

Martha:  Maybe I should get the hose and a bucket of soap.

Jonathan: I've really missed you.

Martha: Me too.

Jason: This is amazing.

Lana: When Clark first found these caves, I had no idea why he was so obsessed with them. I always felt like he was keeping secrets from me because he was afraid of how I was going to react. I don't want to live like that. I don't want to be afraid all the time.

Jason: You don't have to be. Not with me. That's what I've been trying to tell you.

Lana: Okay.  Do you remember the church we went to in Paris?

Jason: Yeah, and I had to leave early to make arrangements for your birthday.

Lana: Right. Well, after you left, I noticed something strange on the tomb of Countess Theroux. There were these symbols etched into the rock like the ones in this cave.

Jason:  How is that possible?

Lana:  I don't know.  And when I touched them, there was this blinding light and then pain. And all I remember is waking up the next morning to you knocking on my door. And I had this.

Jason: Okay, wait a second. So you're saying that some strange symbols on the tomb of a dead countess gave you a tattoo?

Lana: I know how it sounds. Why do you think I didn't want to tell you?

Jason:  That's why you left Paris.

Lana: I had to come back to these caves. I had to find out why I was missing 12 hours of my life. But all I found were more questions.

Jason: It's the same as yours. What does the symbol mean?

Lana:  I don't know. Jason, I don't know what's happening to me.

Jason: Hey, hey. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together, okay?

Lana:  Okay.

Lex: Clark. Good to see you keeping normal hours.

Clark: I just came by to see if you were all right. I heard you had some trouble in Metropolis.

Lex: News travels fast.

Clark: Curse of a small town. So what happened?

Lex: I decided to play cowboy and got my spurs handed to me. To be honest, I don't know why I'm not dead.

Clark: There must be someone watching over you.

Lex:  In more ways than one.

Clark: How'd you get this back?

Lex: I didn't.  It was sitting on my desk when I returned from the hospital. Whoever took it must've had a change of heart.

Clark: I guess he did.

Lex: Look, we'll have plenty of time to study this later. Right now I'm still nursing a bit of a headache.

Clark: I'm just glad you're feeling better.

Lex: Clark.  I thought you'd like to know I had the manuscript page examined by a team of experts as soon as it turned up.  Do you know what they discovered?  That I paid too much for it.  Thanks for checking in on me.

Bart: Dude, your drawing sucks. Stick to the hero thing.

Clark: You mean like returning a priceless artifact to its owner?

Bart: Carrying all that money around would've just slowed me down anyway.

Clark: To a dead stop if I hadn't found you.

Bart: Yeah, how did you do that? What are you, fast, strong, and psychic?

Clark:  I wish.  I spent a whole night down in Suicide Slums trying to convince someone that I had a thousand of these to fence. A few guys pointed me in the direction of Hanison.

Bart: Well, look at you. Channeling your inner criminal.

Clark: So, um, what are you gonna do now?

Bart: I don't know. I mean, it's a big world. I figure I'd check it out, see if there's anyone else out there like us. Maybe start, like, a club or a league or something.  You know, you could come with me.

Clark: Or you could stay.

Bart: You have a great life, Clark. But it's not mine. I have no reason to stay in Smallville.

Clark:  You have me.

Bart:  Thanks for being my friend.

Clark: Are you sure there's nothing I can do to change your mind?

Bart:  Tell you what. If you can catch me... I'll think about it.

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