Chapter Text
The tires on the black Ford Explorer spun in fast circles as they crunched over the gravel road. The hot Kansas heat beat down against the roof of the SUV.
Dust kicked up behind them in thick clouds, trailing the vehicle as it cut through miles of open countryside. The black paint gleamed beneath the afternoon sun while the tinted windows reflected endless stretches of farmland rolling past on either side of the road.
Inside, cool air flowed from the vents, battling the heat outside. Soft tan leather seats stretched throughout the vehicle, the material creasing beneath years of use. Raven Baxter lounged in the front passenger seat with one leg tucked beneath her, phone pressed against her ear as she stared out the window.
"No, she didn't!"
Victor glanced over from the driver's seat at Tanya, who sat beside him flipping through paperwork from her new job.
"No, he didn't!"
Raven sat up straighter in her seat, nearly dropping her phone in the process. Her eyebrows pulled together as she pressed the phone tighter against her ear.
"No way. He did not do that."
She pressed a hand against her chest and gasped dramatically.
"You lying."
Cory looked up from his Game Boy in the back seat, pausing his game long enough to join the conversation.
"Raven, I think he did it."
Raven immediately turned toward him and shot him a look over the top of her phone.
"Mind your business, ya nasty."
Cory simply shrugged and looked back down at his Game Boy, already pressing buttons again.
Tanya finally looked up from her folder, adjusting the papers in her lap.
"Raven, don't you think you've been on the phone long enough?"
Raven opened her mouth to argue, but whatever Chelsea said next immediately stole her attention. She pressed the phone tighter against her ear.
"Oh girl, I guess he did."
Tanya shot Raven a look through the rearview mirror.
Raven rolled her eyes and shifted deeper into her seat.
"Yeah, Chels. I'll call y'all back later."
She listened for another second, absentmindedly tapping her fingers against her leg.
"Uh-huh."
"Yeah, girl."
"Okay. Bye."
She snapped the phone shut, dropped it into her lap, and turned her attention back to the window.
Cornfield after cornfield rolled past the window, interrupted only by dirt roads and the occasional lonely house sitting in the distance.
Cory finally broke the silence from the back seat.
"Are we there yet?"
"Cory, you've asked that three times in the last hour," Victor replied.
"We'll get there when we get there."
"Will it be today or tomorrow?"
Victor glanced at him through the rearview mirror, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Tanya laughed softly before closing the folder in her lap.
"Look, I know everybody isn't too excited about this move, but this is a great opportunity for our family."
"Mama, I understand it," Raven said. "I may not like it, but I understand it. We're gonna do our best to adjust."
She turned toward her little brother and pointed at him.
"Isn't that right, Cory?"
Cory stared out the window like he hadn't heard a word she'd said.
Raven narrowed her eyes.
Before he could answer, she leaned across the seat and pinched his shoulder.
"Ow!"
Cory jerked away and immediately reached up to rub his arm.
"Yeah, Mama," he muttered as he rubbed the sore spot on his shoulder. "We're gonna do our best to adjust."
Victor nodded once, never taking his eyes off the road.
"That's right."
His hands remained steady on the steering wheel as the SUV rolled forward.
"Look, it wasn't easy for us to pack up and leave California either. That was home. We built a life there. We made memories there."
The SUV rolled past another stretch of farmland.
"But this is your mother's opportunity. She worked hard for this. We owe it to her as a family to support her and help her through this next chapter."
Tanya's shoulders relaxed as she looked over at her husband.
Victor glanced toward his children in the rearview mirror.
"So we're gonna give this place a chance."
"Even if it got a million cornfields?" Cory asked.
Victor laughed and shook his head.
"Even if it got a million cornfields."
"Good."
Tanya smiled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Now, with us being in this new town and me working at this new job in Metropolis, things are gonna be different."
She tapped the folder resting in her lap.
"I've been doing research. They say this corporation is huge, and this is a really good opportunity. They wanted me fresh out of law school. I couldn't turn that down."
Raven nodded, looking back toward the window.
"I know."
Tanya pointed a finger at her daughter.
"And Raven, I need you to stay out of trouble."
"Mama—"
"No. Listen."
Tanya folded her arms across her chest.
"This is not California. We don't know anybody down here. I need you to do your best to keep your nose clean."
"Yeah, Mama. I understand."
"Good."
Victor flipped on his turn signal and guided the SUV down the long winding road.
Ahead of them sat a large two-story brick home tucked away behind a wide stretch of green lawn. Tall white columns framed the front porch while neatly trimmed hedges lined the walkway leading to the front door. The afternoon sun reflected off the large windows, making the glass shimmer against the deep red brick exterior.
As the vehicle rolled to a stop, Raven looked up at the house and let out a low whistle.
"Ooh."
She pushed open the door and stepped out into the Kansas heat.
"I mean, it's too bad we had to move and all, but at least the Luthors put us somewhere nice."
She adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder and stepped away from the SUV.
A fitted denim jacket hugged her frame over a colorful layered top, the bright colors standing out against the muted Kansas landscape around her. A matching denim skirt fell just above her knees, paired with tall boots that clicked softly against the driveway when she landed. Silver accessories caught the sunlight, and her dark hair was swept into a neat updo with two long face-framing pieces curling along either side of her face. The two pieces swayed lightly in the Kansas breeze while the rest of the style remained perfectly in place.
Raven hurried toward the back of the SUV and popped open the trunk. The moment the liftgate rose, a stack of suitcases and travel bags stared back at her.
Grabbing the handle of her largest suitcase, she tugged it free and slowly pulled it behind her as she made her way up the driveway.
The gravel crunched beneath her boots with every step. The afternoon sun beat down across the front lawn while cicadas buzzed somewhere in the distance.
By the time she reached the porch, Victor slipped the key into the lock and pushed the door open.
Warm light spilled across polished hardwood floors. A sweeping staircase curved toward the second floor, its dark wooden railing winding upward beneath a ceiling that stretched two stories high. Framed artwork lined the walls between wide archways that opened into different parts of the house. Beyond one arch sat a formal dining room anchored by a long wooden table. Through another, dark wood cabinets wrapped around a massive kitchen while granite countertops reflected the afternoon sunlight pouring through oversized windows.
For a moment, nobody said anything as Cory stepped inside first.
"Yo."
Raven followed close behind. Her suitcase rolled to a stop as her eyes traveled from the staircase to the second-floor balcony overlooking the foyer. Sunlight streamed across the floors in long golden strips while recessed lighting glowed softly overhead.
Her fingers loosened around the handle, and the suitcase slipped from her grasp, landing against the floor with a soft thud.
As if they were picking teams, Victor threw an arm around Cory's shoulders.
"C'mon. Let's go see your room."
Tanya's lips curled into a knowing smile as she hooked her arm through Raven's.
"Then I guess Raven is with me."
Before long, the family split off in different directions.
Raven dragged her suitcase behind her as she followed Tanya up the staircase. The wheels bumped softly against each step.
"You know," Tanya said as they reached the second floor, "for somebody who hated this move so much, you sure were looking around downstairs pretty hard."
Raven rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck.
"Don't start."
"I'm just saying."
"I'm not saying the house ain't cute."
"Cute?"
A laugh escaped Tanya as she glanced over her shoulder.
"This house is bigger than our old house."
"Okay, fine. It's more than cute."
Tanya lifted her chin like she'd just won an argument.
"That's what I thought."
They continued down the hallway before stopping in front of a closed door.
Tanya's hand settled on the brass handle as she glanced back at her daughter.
"You ready?"
Raven shifted her weight and gave a small shrug.
"I guess."
The door swung inward.
Soft pink walls stretched across the room beneath tall ceilings. Sunlight poured through a set of oversized windows dressed in flowing curtains, illuminating a sitting area tucked into one corner and a large bed positioned against the far wall. Double doors stood open across the room, revealing a walk-in closet large enough to hold more clothes than Raven currently owned.
Beyond that sat a private bathroom. Amber lighting reflected off polished stone countertops. Dark wood cabinets lined the walls beneath a massive mirror while a soaking tub rested beneath a large window overlooking the backyard.
Raven stepped into the room, then farther inside, her suitcase rolling silently behind her as she drifted toward the closet entrance.
Hanging racks stretched across every wall. Empty shelves climbed almost to the ceiling.
Raven slowly turned in a circle. The corner of her mouth lifted before she quickly pressed her lips together. Tanya caught it anyway.
Raven ignored her and moved toward her suitcase.
Dropping to her knees, she unzipped it and immediately began digging through her belongings.
A few seconds later, she pulled out a framed photograph of Chelsea, Eddie, and herself.
Without a word, she carried it over to the nightstand and carefully set it down.
Her fingers lingered against the frame before Tanya quietly stepped farther into the room.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and patted the empty space beside her.
"Come here."
Raven let out a dramatic sigh.
"Mama."
"Come here."
Raven finally crossed the room and sat beside her. Neither of them spoke for a moment.
"I know this isn't easy for you," Tanya said softly as she smoothed a wrinkle from the comforter.
Raven stared down at her hands, tracing her thumb across her palm.
"I know."
"I know San Francisco was home."
"It still is."
Tanya gave a small nod and looked toward the photograph sitting on the nightstand.
"I know."
The room grew quiet except for the faint hum of the air conditioner.
"But you have to trust me, baby. This is gonna be good for us."
Raven slowly exhaled through her nose.
"It's gonna take some getting used to."
She turned her head and looked at her mother.
"Don't worry about me."
A soft smile crossed Tanya's face.
"Baby, it's not you I'm worried about."
Tanya folded her hands together and rested them in her lap.
"You've had visions your whole life. That's nothing new."
"I know."
"But now we're somewhere different."
Tanya's gaze drifted toward the window overlooking the yard.
"You don't know anybody here."
"I'll make friends."
"That's not what I'm talking about."
Raven looked away and stared at the floor.
"I know."
Tanya reached over and squeezed her hand.
"I just know keeping that part of your life secret is gonna be harder here."
"It'll be okay."
"I hope so."
"It will."
Tanya studied her for a moment before reaching into her purse. A set of keys jingled softly before she dropped them into Raven's palm.
Raven turned the keys over in her hand before looking back at her mother.
"The car?"
Tanya pushed herself up from the mattress and brushed invisible lint from her pants.
"I want you to go do some sightseeing."
"Mama."
"I'm serious."
She pointed toward the door.
"Go downtown."
"Look around."
"Get acquainted with the town."
"You start school Monday."
Raven looked back down at the keys in her hand.
"Really?"
A grin immediately spread across her face, earning a laugh from Tanya.
"There she is."
Raven practically launched herself off the bed.
"You sure?"
"Before I change my mind."
Raven snatched up the keys and headed straight for the door.
"Love you, Mama."
"Love you too."
Tanya watched as her daughter disappeared down the hallway.
A few moments later, Raven bounded down the staircase, pushed through the front door, and headed toward the Ford Explorer.
The afternoon sun beat down against the driveway as she climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine.
The Ford Explorer rumbled to life beneath Raven's hands, the steering wheel vibrating lightly.
For a moment, she sat there staring through the windshield while the house shrank in the rearview mirror. Somewhere between leaving California behind and moving to a town she'd only heard about through her mother's stories, her entire life had flipped upside down. The thought settled heavily in her chest before she shook it off, shifted the Ford Explorer into reverse, and backed down the driveway.
A few minutes later, an infectious hip-hop beat full of heavy 808s and sharp snares blasted through the speakers.
A grin immediately spread across Raven's face.
"Oh, this my jam."
She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel and started singing along.
"I'm fresher than a biscuit, outfit, you can't miss it. Uh-huh. I'm in the spot with these fresh fashions. They want it, but they can't get this."
Raven bounced slightly in her seat as she continued her one-woman concert.
"Uh-huh. Yeah. Uh-huh. Yeah."
The stop sign ahead did absolutely nothing to slow her performance.
"It's the rap attack. I tell 'em get back. Don't walk up on me, you get smacked."
She pointed dramatically toward absolutely nobody.
"Holla!"
A laugh escaped her lips before she pulled away from the stop sign and continued down the road.
Fields and farmland rolled past her windows, and the farther she drove, the smaller everything seemed compared to San Francisco. There were no towering buildings. No endless streams of traffic. No packed sidewalks filled with strangers rushing somewhere important. Just open roads, blue skies, and miles of Kansas stretching in every direction.
The closer she got to downtown Smallville, the more the town began to reveal itself.
Storefronts lined the streets beneath old-fashioned brick buildings. American flags swayed gently from decorative lamp posts. A hardware store sat beside a family-owned pharmacy while locals wandered between businesses as if everybody knew everybody. It felt different from anything Raven was used to, though not necessarily in a bad way, and before long the Talon came into view.
The restored theater stood proudly near the center of town, its deep red exterior accented with black and gold trim while the massive vertical TALON sign stretched toward the sky above the entrance. String lights hung overhead, and people drifted in and out through the front doors beneath the old marquee.
Raven pulled into a nearby parking space.
"Well," she muttered as she shut off the engine. "Guess we're doing this."
Raven pulled open the door and stepped inside, the heels of her boots clicking softly against the polished floor as the smell of fresh coffee, warm pastries, vanilla syrup, and something sweet she couldn't quite identify immediately wrapped around her.
Conversations bounced around the spacious café. The old theater charm remained everywhere she looked. Exposed brick walls framed comfortable booths while polished wood floors stretched beneath hanging lights that cast everything in a warm amber glow.
Her eyes drifted around the café, taking everything in before a small smile tugged at her lips.
Maybe Smallville had a little flavor after all.
"Welcome to the Talon."
Raven's attention shifted toward the counter.
The girl standing behind it couldn't have been much older than her. Long dark hair spilled over her shoulders, and a warm smile rested on her face as her eyes wandered curiously over Raven's outfit. Whatever she saw must've confirmed her suspicions because the smile only grew wider.
"You're not from around here."
Raven glanced down at herself, smoothing a hand across her jacket before looking back up.
"Is it really that obvious?"
The girl nodded almost immediately.
"A little."
Raven crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head.
"A little?"
"A lot."
A laugh escaped Raven as she looked away and shook her head to herself.
"I'm Lana."
"Raven."
"Nice to meet you, Raven."
Lana rested her forearms against the counter and leaned forward slightly.
"So what are we drinking today?"
"I honestly have no clue."
The smile on Lana's face brightened at the answer.
"Then I'll decide for you."
Lana reached for a menu and tapped it lightly against the countertop.
"Trust me."
Those two words alone were enough to put Raven at ease.
As Lana disappeared behind the counter to make her drink, Raven wandered away from the register and claimed a small table near the front window. She set her purse down and settled in as the sounds of the café carried on around her.
A few minutes later, Raven found herself staring through the large front window overlooking Main Street.
Her eyes drifted from one storefront to the next before settling on a blonde girl moving down the sidewalk with the kind of energy that made standing still look physically impossible. A cellphone rested against one ear while a small notepad occupied the other hand. Every few seconds she scribbled something down, glanced up toward the street, then immediately scribbled something else as though she was terrified she might miss something important.
Raven found herself watching as the girl nearly walked past a newspaper stand before doubling back to read a headline, jotting down another note before continuing her conversation.
Then Lana returned carrying Raven's drink.
The warm coffee settled into Raven's hands as she accepted the cup, but before she could even thank her, a familiar pressure began building behind her eyes and spread through her head like a slow-moving wave. The sounds of the café, the conversations, the clinking dishes, Lana speaking beside her, all of it seemed to drift farther and farther away as gold, amber, and orange colors bled together at the edges of her vision before folding inward and swallowing everything whole.
VISION:
Outside, the blonde girl laughed into her cellphone, completely unaware of the massive Talon sign trembling above her. One bolt snapped loose, then another, and within seconds the entire structure groaned beneath its own weight before lurching forward and hurtling straight toward her.
END VISION:
Reality crashed back into place so fast it nearly made Raven dizzy. The smell of coffee, the noise of the café, the warmth of the cup in her hands, and the sound of Lana's voice all hit her at once.
"Raven? Hello? Raven, can you hear me?"
Raven blinked hard and immediately looked toward the window. The blonde girl was still there, standing in the exact same spot she'd occupied in the vision.
"OH SNAP!"
The coffee hit the nearest table with a loud clatter as Raven took off.
The bell above the door rattled violently as she burst outside and sprinted across the sidewalk.
The blonde girl barely had enough time to look up before Raven collided with her like a linebacker charging across a football field, scooping her up and driving both of them onto the pavement.
A deafening metallic explosion erupted behind them.
For one stunned heartbeat, the entire street seemed to freeze as dust burst into the air, conversations died mid-sentence, and drivers slammed on their brakes. Store owners rushed toward their doors while pedestrians stopped dead in their tracks.
The Talon sign lay twisted across the sidewalk, buried in shattered concrete and debris exactly where the blonde girl had been standing moments earlier.
"Oh my God!"
Lana burst through the doors and hurried across the sidewalk.
The blonde girl stared at the wreckage before slowly turning back toward Raven.
"How did you know that was gonna happen?"
The question stopped Raven cold, her mouth opening to answer before she realized she didn't have one.
Back in San Francisco, she would've already been halfway through an explanation. Chelsea would've nodded. Eddie would've asked a hundred questions. Instead, she stood there staring while the silence stretched a little too long between them.
And Smallville wasn't home yet.
"Fast reflexes?"
The answer sounded ridiculous the second it left her mouth.
One look from the blonde girl told Raven everything she needed to know.
She wasn't buying it.
Raven climbed to her feet and offered a hand. The blonde girl accepted it before brushing dust from her clothes.
"Chloe Sullivan."
"Raven Baxter."
Something shifted behind Chloe's expression as she repeated the name.
"Raven Baxter."
Her head tilted, her eyes narrowed just enough to study her more closely before the look disappeared behind a polite smile, but Raven caught it anyway.
Still, the way Chloe looked at her made it feel less like she'd just met her and more like she'd stumbled across the first clue in a mystery she intended to solve.
"Oh," Lana said as she finally caught her breath. "She's Smallville's newest resident."
Chloe's eyebrows lifted as her attention shifted back toward Raven.
"Really?"
Raven nodded once.
"Yeah. My family just moved here."
"Guess that means you'll be going to Smallville High."
"I start Monday."
Chloe slipped her phone into her pocket, a small smile pulling briefly at the corner of her mouth.
"I'll see you around, Raven Baxter."
Something about the way she said it made Raven suspicious.
"Yeah," Raven replied slowly. "See you around."
"Unfortunately for you," Lana teased, "you definitely will."
"Lana."
"What? It's true."
Chloe rolled her eyes.
"I've gotta go."
She adjusted the strap of her bag higher onto her shoulder.
"School newspaper stuff."
"Of course it is," Lana muttered.
"Bye, Lana."
"Bye, Chloe."
Before turning away, Chloe glanced back at Raven one last time. The look lingered for a second longer than necessary before she finally continued down the sidewalk and disappeared into the afternoon crowd.
Lana let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she watched Chloe disappear around the corner.
"Don't pay Chloe any attention."
Raven shifted her attention toward Lana.
"Why do I feel like there's a but coming?"
"Because there is."
Lana tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before folding her arms loosely across her chest.
"Let's just say if there's a mystery in Smallville, Chloe wants to solve it."
Raven thought back to the sign, the vision, and the questions that had followed, all crashing together in her head.
"Mhm."
Another amused laugh escaped Lana.
"See? You already get it."
Raven glanced down the street where Chloe had disappeared, a knowing smile slowly finding its way across her face.
"Yeah."
"I think I do."
Together, they turned and headed back toward the Talon as the café doors swung open and the familiar smell of coffee drifted back out onto Main Street.