The young man slowly opened his eyes, feeling the warm comfort of the sheets around him. The ceiling of the room was familiar, but something felt different. He blinked a few times, adjusting his vision to the dim light. The walls were decorated with sports posters and family photos, elements he recognized but, at the same time, felt distant. A soft breeze passed through the open window, bringing the smell of hay and wet earth.
Clark got out of bed, feeling the softness of the mattress under his bare feet. He looked around, absorbing the details of the room that, somehow, felt like his, but at the same time, it wasn't. 'I'm really here,' he thought, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. 'I never imagined reincarnation was real, but now I'm in the body of my favorite character... Can I be a better Clark than the original? Probably not, but I'm going to have a lot of fun here.'
As he walked around the room, his eyes were drawn to a piece of paper on the desk. It was the authorization form to join the school's football team. He picked it up, recalling conversations with Jonathan Kent, his "father," about the risk his powers posed.
Clark held the paper firmly, and in a quick, involuntary movement, the paper was crumpled in his hand.
*Crack!*
'There's no point... Clark's dad won't sign it anyway,' he thought, dropping the crumpled piece of paper into the nearby trash can.
Clark approached the bed again, this time lying down carefully. The feeling of the strong, defined muscles he now possessed was almost disconcerting. 'Clark's muscle memory is really useful... Otherwise, I could have broken the bed,' he thought, internally laughing as he settled in.
He closed his eyes, trying to process everything that was happening. The sensation of being in a body that wasn't originally his was both exciting and intimidating. But before he could get lost in these thoughts, a flash of memory hit him like lightning.
**Flashback**
"Michael, are you sure this is what you want?" God's voice echoed in the void, calm and filled with wisdom.
"Yes, Lord. I want to reincarnate in the Smallville series, in the body of Clark Kent," Michael replied, with a determined glint in his eyes.
God smiled gently. "If that is your wish, so it shall be. But as a sign of my blessing, I grant you three wishes."
Michael thought for a moment before responding. "I want immunity to kryptonite, the powers of the Martian Manhunter, and the Speed Force."
God nodded, his expression serene. "So be it, Michael. Go and live this new life with wisdom."
**End of Flashback**
"Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day," Clark murmured to himself, feeling a latent excitement as he adjusted in bed.
The weight of the new knowledge and the recently acquired powers pulsed in his mind, but exhaustion eventually took over.
Clark quickly fell asleep, his breathing slowing down as his muscles completely relaxed.
The next morning, the sun rose lazily on the horizon, casting its first rays through the curtains of the room. Clark opened his eyes slowly, feeling revitalized. He stretched before getting out of bed, already sensing the difference in his body due to the new powers.
Clark went straight to the bathroom, rubbing his eyes and turning on the faucet. As he brushed his teeth and took care of his morning hygiene, he looked at the mirror and paused for a moment, observing the reflection in front of him.
"Fifteen years old... yeah, right," he muttered, incredulous at the image he saw. His physique was impressive for someone his age; defined muscles, imposing height. He ran a hand through his hair, still trying to absorb all of it.
Clark finished getting ready quickly, putting on his school clothes with a dexterity that seemed natural, although he knew that skill was something he had acquired along with the body. Returning to the room, he grabbed his backpack and gave one last look around before heading downstairs.
Martha Kent was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, when she heard Clark's footsteps coming down the stairs. She turned and her eyes widened as she saw him already dressed for school.
"Who are you, and what have you done with my son?" she said, with a mix of surprise and humor.
Clark laughed, running a hand through his hair.
"I just woke up early... stop acting like it's a miracle," he replied, giving a relaxed smile as he grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl.
Martha shook her head, still surprised but pleased. "Well, just don't forget to have breakfast before you leave," she said, turning her attention back to the stove, but still glancing curiously at her son.
"Clark, good morning," Jonathan Kent greeted his son as he entered the kitchen, grabbing the milk from the fridge with a smile on his face. He seemed excited to see Clark already up and ready for school so early.
"Good morning, dad," Clark replied, nodding while biting the apple. Jonathan placed the milk on the table and observed his son for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Clark," Jonathan began, approaching and placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember to be discreet today. I know it's difficult with... your abilities, but it's important that no one suspects anything."
"Don't worry, dad. I'll control myself," Clark said.
"Good to hear," Jonathan responded, satisfied, before stepping away.
Clark said goodbye to his parents with a brief wave, grabbing his backpack and heading out the front door. 'Time to start making some changes in Clark's life,' he thought as he crossed the yard toward the bus stop.
The school bus was already in sight, and Clark quickened his pace, but without exaggerating his speed to avoid drawing attention. As he boarded the bus, he saw Pete and Chloe chatting animatedly in the front seats.
"I told you, Pete! He was going to catch the bus," Chloe said with a victorious smile, extending her hand to Pete. Pete, with a sullen face, rolled his eyes and handed Chloe a ten-dollar bill. "I knew I was going to win," she commented, satisfied.
Clark watched the scene with a mischievous grin before quickly snatching the money from Chloe's hand. "I'll take this," he said, ignoring their surprised expressions.
"Hey! That was mine!" Chloe exclaimed, annoyed.
"Taxes," Clark replied, with a carefree smile. "Five for me, five for you," he added, tossing half of the money back to Chloe before sitting in the front seat.
Chloe crossed her arms, still pouting, but unable to suppress a small smile. Pete just shook his head, laughing at Clark's audacity.
"Bold move for a farm boy," Chloe said, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Clark with a playful gaze.
"I'm just collecting what's fair," Clark replied, shrugging as he kept the half of the money he had taken. His tone was casual, but the smile on the corner of his mouth showed he was enjoying the situation.
"Competing for my money," Pete commented, pretending to be indignant as he crossed his arms and glared at Clark.
"You lost the bet, the money's not yours anymore. Besides, it makes me sad to see my friend betting against me," Clark said, adopting a playful tone, but trying to keep a serious expression. It was clear he was just teasing.
Pete just rolled his eyes and shook his head, ignoring Clark's provocation. Then, he changed the subject, his eyes fixed on his friend's face. "And the football team permission form? Did you convince your dad?"
Chloe widened her eyes in surprise, quickly turning to Clark and Pete. "Are you two trying out for the team?" she asked, clearly surprised.
"I changed my mind," Clark replied, his voice firm but not losing the lightness in his expression.
"We don't have a choice, Clark," Pete said, his expression serious as he looked at his friend.
"Why don't you have a choice?" Chloe asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
Pete sighed.
"Every year, one freshman is chosen to be the 'Scarecrow.' The seniors take the unlucky one, tie him to a post in the middle of the cornfield, and leave him there overnight. It's a kind of stupid 'initiation' ritual," he explained, his voice filled with disapproval. He paused, watching Chloe's reaction, who now wore a disgusted expression.
As Pete spoke, Clark glanced out the bus window, watching the streets of Smallville pass by quickly.
'In the original, Clark was supposed to be the Scarecrow... But with me here, that's impossible,' he thought, reflecting on the situation. 'Should I mess with the athletes or be superior and forget about this?'
"The freshman who goes through that will need therapy," Chloe commented, her voice revealing the seriousness with which she viewed the situation. "It's terrible to think something like this still happens."
When the bus finally arrived at the school, the three friends were lost in their thoughts. The vehicle slowed down and stopped smoothly in the school parking lot.
Hiss...
The sound of the bus brakes echoed as the students began to rise from their seats. Clark, Pete, and Chloe got off together, ready to face whatever the day had in store.
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