Act 2 Scene 1

Martha is stirring a bowl as Jonathan drinks coffee in the kitchen. Day. The door opens.

Martha: (Smiling) Ryan. Hi. (Ryan comes in with Clark and Martha hugs Ryan) Oh.

Jonathan: Hi, Ryan.

They shake hands and Jonathan pulls him into a hug.

Ryan: (After the hug, he looks into Jonathan's eyes) Mr. Kent, please don't be mad at Clark. He was trying to help me.

Jonathan: I know that, Ryan.

Ryan: You should have seen him, the way he threw that orderly. He must've weighed like 300 pounds.

Clark: No, he's exaggerating. A little.

Jonathan: Look, Ryan, we're glad that you're okay, but Clark did go about this the wrong way. Now, I'm afraid that we don't have much of a choice but to give you back.

Martha: How did you end up in Summerholt?

Ryan: Dr. Garner told my aunt that there was something wrong with my brain. That's why I can read people's minds. When she found out about my ability, it just freaked her out.

Martha: Ryan, I'm so sorry.

Ryan: She's not a bad person. She just couldn't accept the fact that I was different. (Ryan suddenly gets a look of fear on his face) They're here.

They all go outside as Sheriff Ethan and Dr. Garner drive up.

Dr. Garner: (Getting out of the car) Hello, Ryan.

Ryan: Please don't let him take me, Clark.

Ethan: Jonathan, Martha, Dr. Garner's agreed to drop the kidnapping charges if you turn over the boy.

Dr. Garner: Come on, Ryan. We need to get back to Metropolis. (Clark and Jonathan block his way) Sheriff, I'm Ryan's legal guardian and I have the paperwork denoting such. Please do your job.

Jonathan: Come on, Doctor. Having custody of a child is not the same thing as having a pink slip to a car. Can't you see he doesn't want to go with you?

Martha: Ethan, please.

Dr. Garner: The choice is yours Mr. and Mrs. Kent. You can lose one boy here today or both of them. I believe kidnapping comes with some juvenile time.

Ethan: I'm sorry, folks, but--

Lex drives up, honking his horn. He gets out of the car.

Lex: Sheriff, before you do anything take a look at this. (He gives Ethan a piece of paper) It's a temporary restraining order giving the Kents custody of Ryan until the situation can by reviewed.

Dr. Garner: You want to try judicial roadblock, you go ahead. I'll have Clark arrested.

Lex: You could, but I have a countersuit ready to be filed. Metropolis D.A. is very interested in looking into Summerholt's research practice, especially involving minors held under duress. Your move, Doctor.

Dr. Garner: This isn't over. Your rich friend saved you today, Clark. (He walks back to the car) Sheriff.

Act 2 Scene 2

Ryan and Clark enter the Talon. Day. The lights turn on and a large group yells “Surprise!” There's a big banner that says “Welcome Back Ryan” and balloons are everywhere. Chloe comes up to Ryan.

Chloe: It's your jailbreak party! We even have the obligatory pistachio log ice cream cake and we managed to rustle up a band.

Ryan: (They walk over to Lana and Pete) This is so cool. Thanks, guys.

Pete: Good to see you man.

Lana: I'm so glad you're back. (She kisses him on the cheek)

Ryan: Wow. Yeah, me too.

Lana laughs and she walks away with Chloe and Pete.

Clark: You knew about this the whole time, didn't you.

Ryan: Half a block away.

Clark: Yeah. Thanks for not ruining the surprise.

Ryan: I was tempted to. I hate pistachio. But it was definitely worth the kiss. (Clark smiles)

CUT TO the band playing as Chloe and Pete watch.

Singer: A picture taken yesterday slowly starts to fade away. There's got to be an answer. There's no use feeling afraid to see what my life was meant to be...

Pete: (Walks to Clark and Ryan's table) Hey, guys.

Ryan: Hey, Pete. Tell your mom thanks. (Pete nods)

Clark: Thanks for what?

Pete: She cosigned the restraining order with the judge from Metropolis. Imagine getting a phone call from Lex Luthor at five in the morning.

Chloe: Hey, Pete! Come here a second!

Pete walks away.

Ryan: (Worried) Pete knows your secret.

Clark: Yeah, I know. I told him. It's all right.

Ryan: Did you know he's all stressed out about it?

Clark: No. Why?

Ryan: He's worried that one day you'll slip up and tell someone. Then they'll lock you up in a place like Summerholt.

Lana walks up with two pieces of cake.

Lana: I brought you guys a couple of pieces before everyone eats it all. (Ryan wrinkles his brow and touches his head) Hey, what's wrong?

Ryan: Just a headache.

Lana: I'll go get you a glass of water.

Clark: You sure you're okay?

Ryan: (Nods) Clark. Lana's moving to Metropolis.

Clark looks at Lana standing next to Chloe at the bar.

Act 2 Scene 3

Clark is reading a book called Understanding the Brain in the loft. Night. Lana enters.

Lana: Hey, Clark. Got your message. Is everything okay?

Clark: Yeah. I just want to thank you for the party. It was really great. Sorry we had to leave early, but Ryan wasn't feeling so good.

Lana: Yeah, how's he doing? He didn't look so hot.

Clark: To be honest, I'm not really sure. He's got a doctor's appointment tomorrow to try to figure out exactly what they did to him at that place. You should have seen him, Lana.

Lana: But he's safe now. Thanks to you.

Clark: Yeah, he's just such a good kid. It seems like life's always kicking him in the teeth. It makes you realize how lucky we are. (Lana nods, looking away) You okay? You seem a little preoccupied.

Lana: Oh, no, no, I'm fine. (She forces a laugh)

Clark: Lana, I know things aren't as solid between us as they used to be, but I'm still here for you. Do you want to talk about anything?

Lana: Nell and Dean are moving to Metropolis and I'm supposed to go with them.

Clark: How do you feel about that?

Lana: How would you feel, Clark, if you were uprooted and sent somewhere far way where you didn't know anyone?

Clark: I think it'd be really tough.

Lana: I feel like a piece of luggage Nell and Dean want to throw in the trunk as they drive off to their new life.

Clark: Have you talked to Henry Small about this?

Lana: No. I'm not ready to dump this in his lap. Just because we might share the same DNA does not mean we're family.

Clark: Well, you can come stay with us. It's just, um, kind of crowded right now.

Lana: Ryan's lucky. At least he got to choose his family. I'll see you later. (She starts to leave)

Clark: (After a pause) Don't go. I mean don't go to Metropolis.

Lana: Or what, you're going to kidnap me too?

Clark: Nell shouldn't be able to dictate your life without your input. If moving doesn't feel right, don't go.

She takes a deep breath and leaves.

Act 2 Scene 4

Martha and Ryan are walking down the hall at Lex's mansion. Day.

Martha: Mr. Luthor's in Metropolis so I won't be long, and then we'll get you to the doctor.

Ryan: You pretend around Mr. Kent you don't like your job, but you do.

Martha: Well, now that you've come into our lives, I may give it up so I can spend more time with you.

Ryan: I don't want to be a problem.

Martha: (She cups his face) Ryan, you are a gift. Like Clark.

Ryan: (He smiles) I know your secret. Why don't you tell Mr. Kent and Clark? They'd want to know.

Martha: I will when the time is right, but, um, in the meantime...

Ryan: I promise. My lips are sealed. (Lex walks up)

Lex: Ryan.

Martha: Hi, Lex.

Lex: Hey. How are you feeling?

Ryan: Much better. Thanks again for...

Lex: Harboring you? My pleasure.

Martha: I'd better get to work.

Lex: See ya.

Martha: Mmm-hmm. (She walks away)

Ryan: So, think I could check out that Warrior Angel collection?

Lex: That depends. Are your hands clean?

Ryan looks at him, startled. Lex laughs and Ryan smiles, catching on.

CUT TO Lex showing Ryan a framed copy of Warrior Angel on his desk.

Lex: Warrior Angel, number 1, mint condition. I have two copies of every issue, one for the collection...

Ryan: And one for reading. Why do you like Warrior Angel so much?

Lex: It helped me through some tough times when I was younger.

Ryan: After your mom died?

Lex: How did you know that?

Ryan: Clark told me.

Lex: (He goes to the pool table where more comics are laid out) The world between these glossy covers was reassuring. You knew who the heroes and villains were. When you grow up, you learn that not everything is black and white.

Ryan: So now all you see are shades of gray?

Lex: Ryan, real life is not a comic book. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty, make compromises.

Ryan: That's what your father told you. That doesn't mean it's right.

Lex: You are either remarkably intuitive or... (Ryan's head jerks and he touches his temple) Ryan? Ryan, what's wrong?

Ryan's nose starts to bleed and a drop of blood lands on the comic he's holding.

Ryan: It's so loud.

He hits the side of his head. Then he jerks around and falls on the floor, unconscious. Next to him on the floor is the comic with the blood on it. The cover is a drawing of Warrior Angel's face, which fades into Clark's face as he watches Ryan wake up in a hospital room.

Clark: Hey, buddy. How's your head?

Ryan: It still hurts a little. (Clark gives him a Warrior Angel comic) The newest issue.

Clark: Yeah, they had it at the gift shop. So what's up with the, uh, floating balloon?

Ryan: It's Warrior Angel's aerodrome. A floating fortress where he can get away from his troubles on earth.

Clark: Sounds like something everybody should have. I'm not sure about the floating part, though.

Ryan: Why not?

Clark: I have this little fear of flying.

Ryan: I didn't think you were scared of anything.

Clark: There's a lot of things I'm scared of. I guess I just put on a brave face.

Ryan: Yeah. Me too.

Clark: My parents said the doctor's gonna run some more tests.

Ryan: They don't need to. I know what's wrong with me. I read Dr. Garner's mind.

Clark: What is it?

Ryan: There's a tumor in my head, Clark. It's getting bigger.

Clark: I'll tell the doctors. (He starts to get up)

Ryan: They know. (Clark stops and looks at Ryan. Ryan's eyes fill up with tears, and one falls down his cheek) I'm dying Clark. And no one can save me.

Ryan continues to cry as Clark looks at him sadly.

Fade to black.

Act 3 Scene 1

Clark is standing by a fence looking at a Warrior Angel comic outside the farm. Day. Jonathan walks up.

Jonathan: Clark. Your mother and I are going back to the hospital. Do you want to come along?

Clark: Is there any news?

Jonathan: (Puts his hand on top of Clark's) Son, the tumor... it's growing at an accelerated rate. The doctors think that it's probably due to the experiments that were done on Ryan at Summerholt.

Clark: (Holding up the comic) This is Ryan's. He thinks I'm the hero.

Jonathan: Hey, come on. You've helped a whole lot of people.

Clark: I can't help Ryan. What kind of hero is that?

Jonathan: Listen. This thing is beyond even your abilities, son. The doctors are doing everything that they can. We have to pray for the best.

Clark: What am I supposed to do, just sit here and watch Ryan die?

Jonathan: No, nobody's asking you to do that, Clark.

Clark: Good. ‘Cause I'm not gonna give up. (He walks back to the house)

Act 3 Scene 2

Lana is using the computer in the Torch. Day. Chloe enters.

Chloe: (Reading over her shoulder) Facts on child emancipation. I have a feeling this isn't for a research paper.

Lana: I decided to tell Nell that I wasn't moving with her to Metropolis.

Chloe: Wow. That's very Erin Brokovich of you. How did Nell take it?

Lana: One, she's my legal guardian, two, I'm a teenager, and three... I don't have any say in the matter.

Chloe: That pretty much covers all your bases. So are you going to pursue this emancipation thing?

Lana: From everything I've read, it could take up to a year and a half to complete the process.

Chloe: Sounds like your already talking yourself out of it.

Lana: It was my last shot.

Chloe: You know, you might have one other option. (Chloe smiles)

Act 3 Scene 3

Lex and Clark are in Lex's study. Day. Lex hands a medical journal to Clark with a picture of a doctor on the front.

Lex: This is the man you want to talk to. He's developed a radical new serum that shrinks primary brain tumors. It's still in the experimental stages.

Clark: How do I get in touch with him?

Lex: That's the problem. His office in Hub City said he's flying to Helsinki this afternoon. He won't be back for six weeks.

Clark: By that time, it'll be too late.

Lex: Clark, when I was looking into Ryan's condition, I found that some scientists think the type of tumor he has can give a person ESP-like abilities.

Clark: What are you saying?

Lex: Ryan is unnervingly insightful. I think he may be able to read people's minds.

Clark: (Angry) Are you even interested in helping Ryan or just exploiting him too?

Lex: I just spent three hours on the phone tracking this doctor down. What do you think?

Clark: I'm sorry.

Lex: Clark, I understand what you're going through, but sometimes, no matter how much you want to save someone, there's nothing you can do.

Clark picks up the journal.

Clark: I'm not gonna let Ryan down.

Lex: When my mother got sick, I spent all my time researching the best doctors and treatments. The most important thing I could've done was spend time with her. By the time I realized that, it was too late. I wasn't at her side when she passed, Clark. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Clark: (As he leaves) I'm not gonna let him die, Lex.

Act 3 Scene 4

We see a quiet street corner in Smallville. Day. Clark super speeds to the stop sign and stops. There is a sign that says “Hub City 425” and an arrow to the right.

He super speeds in that direction. We see the land going by rapidly from his view, then we see him running from the side. Two cars cross an intersection toward each other, and Clark super speeds between them just before the gap closes. We see him running from the front with a look of fierce determination on his face, and then from behind as he continues to dodge cars left and right.

CUT TO Ryan reading his comic in the hospital room. Lex enters.

Lex: Hey. I brought you some comics.

Ryan: Clark beat you to it.

Lex: Yeah? Well, I bet he didn't bring you number 66.

Ryan: That's the rarest issue there is.

Lex: That's because it's the one where Devilicus turned against Warrior Angel.

Ryan: Weren't they best friends?

Lex: Once upon a time.

Ryan: Well, what happened to them?

Lex: (He takes a chair from the side of the room and puts it down next to the bed. He sits) Well, they, uh, ruled the Guardian Realm together until Devilicus told Warrior Angel that they should join forces and conquer humanity. Together, no one would be able to stop them.

Ryan: What did Warrior Angel say?

Lex: He refused. He believed it was a hero's sacred duty to protect those weaker than himself. Devilicus thought he was naive and vowed to destroy him and everything he stood for.

Ryan: (He looks at Lex for a moment) Why do you think Devilicus went bad?

Lex: I'm not sure. Probably wasn't aware of it. You see, Ryan, in life, the road to darkness is a journey, not a light switch.

Ryan: You should remember that, Lex.

CUT TO Clark super speeding down another road. The autumn leaves around him seem to fall in slow motion as he speeds by. He runs down a highway and we see a lower highway and then a river go by in the distance. He stops outside the fence of an airport runway.

He runs to a flight technician on the runway.

Clark: Excuse me! Have you seen Dr. Burton?

Man: Who?

Clark: (Holding up the journal) This guy right here.

Man: You just missed him, kid. He's right there.

The man points to a small private jet moving along the runway, about to take off. When he turns back, Clark isn't there.

Clark super speeds in front of the jet.

Clark: (Holding up his arms) Wait! Wait! (The jet stops and Dr. Burton comes out of the side) Dr. Burton!

Dr. Burton: What do you think you're doing? Who are you?

Clark: My name is Clark Kent. Look, my friend is really sick. Would you take a look at these scans? (He holds out Ryan's brain scans for Dr. Burton to take. Airport security drives up) Doctor, please. By the time you get back from Helsinki, it'll be too late!

Guard: (Getting out of the car and holding up his gun) Get your hands in the air now!

Clark: Doctor, please.

Guard: I said hands in the air now!

Dr. Burton: (To the guard) Wait a second! (He takes the scans from Clark and looks at them) Where's your friend now?

Clark smiles.

Fade to black.

Act 4 Scene 1

Clark walks up to his parents in the hall at the hospital. Day.

Clark: Mom, Dad, when's Ryan gonna be out of surgery?

Martha: In a couple of hours. Clark, I don't think I've ever been as proud of you as I am right now.

Jonathan: Your mother's right, son. It was an amazing thing that you did. But I hope you understand that even though you did get Dr. Burton here, that Ryan isn't necessarily out of the woods yet.

Clark: I know it's no guarantee. But I think it's gonna work. I have a great feeling about it. (He smiles)

Act 4 Scene 2

Mayor Tate and Lex are in Lex's study. Night. They are watching a political campaign commercial on the television. There is a picture of Mayor Tate on the screen and a caption that reads “Bribes in City Hall.” A man's voice is speaking.

Voice: Over the past 12 years, 32 city contracts have been awarded to firms with ties to Mayor Tate. His sweetheart deals have endangered our environment and harmed businesses trying to compete on an uneven playing field. Can Smallville really afford another four years of Mayor Tate?

Lex turns off the television.

Tate: Why are you doing this?

Lex: Smallville needs an honest mayor.

Tate: Are you planning on running?

Lex: No. But I'm putting my support and money behind your opponent. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by announcing your retirement now.

Tate: You can kiss that plant expansion goodbye. I will personally see that it never gets approval.

Lex: I'm prepared to sacrifice it if that's what it takes to defeat you.

Tate: You know, you've got money, but you're not from here. People don't like you. (Lex chuckles) Don't laugh at me! All it'll take is some fiery campaign speeches about outside interests controlling this community and you'll start to feel the heat.

Lex: When Winston Churchill heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor, he broke out a bottle of champagne and said, “We've won the war.” His generals looked at him like he'd lost his mind. (Lex goes to pour a drink) America's pacific fleet was wiped out, France was overrun, and the Luftwaffe was bombing London. (Lex puts his drink down to walk toward Tate) Churchill said America is like a giant boiler. Light a fire under it, and there's no limit to the amount of heat it can generate. If you start a fire, Mayor Tate, you better be prepared to deal with the flames.

They are face to face and Tate is obviously nervous.

Act 4 Scene 3

Clark walks past the elevator at the hospital drinking a cup of coffee. Day. Lana gets off the elevator.

Lana: Clark.

Clark: Hey, Lana.

Lana: Is there any news?

Clark: Ryan's still in recovery. But Dr. Burton's optimistic.

Lana: Everything's gonna work out.

Clark: Yeah, I think it is.

Lana: Oh, by the way, I took your advice. And to make a long story short, Chloe and her dad have offered to let me stay with them until I finish high school.

Clark: And Nell's cool with that?

Lana: Um, not really, but she's agreed to it.

Clark: Well, I knew you were a fighter.

Lana: It's scary, but then I think of Ryan and everything that he's gone through. It kind of puts things in perspective.

Clark: Wow, you and Chloe as roommates.

Lana: Did you ever see that coming?

Clark: Not in a million years. (He looks at her thoughtfully)

Lana: What is it?

Clark: Nothing. Um... It's just you won't be the girl next door anymore.

Lana: I'm not going anywhere, Clark. Maybe now you can give your telescope to Ryan. (Lana smiles and Clark laughs)

Clark: Um... (Martha and Jonathan walk up) Mom?

Martha: (With tears in her eyes) Clark... (She covers her mouth)

CUT TO Clark standing outside Ryan's room. Ryan has a bandage on the side of his head. Clark enters as Ryan is looking at a comic.

Clark: Whatcha reading, buddy? (Ryan shows him and Clark sits on the side of the bed) The infamous aerodrome, huh?

Ryan: Every year for my birthday, I'd wish for my own aerodrome so I could fly high above the earth. Up there, all my problems would seem so small and far away.

Clark: It's a good idea except for the flying part.

Ryan: This is one of Lex's favorites. Would you give it back to him?

Clark: No, you give it to him. When you get out of here.

Ryan: I know I said you should be careful of Lex. But I never told you how much he admires you. Promise me you'll keep an eye on him after I'm gone.

Clark: Ryan, don't talk like that, all right? You're not going anywhere.

Ryan: Clark--

Clark: Look, you just don't give up hope, Ryan. There's more doctors we can see.

Ryan: (His eyes start to water) Clark, you're not listening to me. The doctor said he bought me a few extra days. I want to spend that time with my friend.

Ryan moves his head restlessly.

Clark: Ryan, what's wrong? Ryan. Ryan, what's wrong?

Ryan: It's so loud in here.

Clark: All right, look. I'll take you somewhere quiet, all right?

Ryan nods.

Act 4 Scene 4

A shot of Smallville from high in the sky. Day. A hot air balloon floats in to the shot. In the balloon are Clark, Ryan, and the balloon pilot behind them.

Clark: What do you think?

Ryan: It's peaceful. I thought you were afraid of flying.

Clark: Not when I have you here to protect me.

Ryan: (Quietly) Thanks, Clark.

Clark: (Brightly, trying to sound happy) For what?

Ryan: This moment. It's perfect. I don't want you to be angry or sad. You changed my life. You're gonna change a lot of people's lives, Clark. Promise me you'll never give up?

Clark: (Nods and puts his arm around Ryan) I promise.

Ryan puts his arms around Clark, clinging to him and closing his eyes. Clark holds him and Ryan starts to cry as Clark rests his chin on top of Ryan's head. Clark looks out at the sky, obviously holding back tears. We see another shot of the hot air balloon.

CUT TO Clark picking up the comic books from Ryan's empty hospital bed. He walks out into the hall looks back in at the bed for a long time. Then he turns his head forward and continues to stand in the hall as nurses and doctors walk by him in slow motion. His head slowly lowers and he looks at the comics.

Fade to black.

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This Episode of Smallville featured music by:

"Angels And Devils" by Dishwalla

"Inside Out" by VonRay Featured on the Smallville Soundtrack

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Transcribed by: Kerrplop

Betaed by: