Clark’s boots hit the gritty pavement as he navigated the dim alley, shadows stretching under the flickering streetlights.

Damn it, he needed to find that piece of kryptonite before things got ugly.

Already, he was feeling the drag, like someone had tied weights to his chest. Every step was like lead, muscles getting heavy, and a dull throb settling into his temples.

Then he spotted you, a civilian, crouched down, turning the small, glowing green rock in your hand, eyeing it like you’d just found a shiny gem in the trash.

Of course, anyone would see it that way, right?

Hell, he almost chuckled if he wasn’t busy feeling half-dead. “Hey,” he managed, voice thick as he held back a cough.

His usual calm tone cracked just a bit. “Listen, I, uh— I need that rock back. It’s... not exactly safe to be handling.”

Clark took a shaky step forward, swallowing back the wave of nausea.

“Please,” he bit out, keeping his tone as friendly as he could, though he felt the cold sweat start at his temple. Just a few more steps. Clark forced himself to stand a little straighter. "Look, I know it just looks like some glowing rock, but trust me, it’s way more trouble than it’s worth."

He reached out, trying to stay steady, even as his hands shook. The weakness clawed at his mind, but he couldn’t let them hold onto it any longer. "Just... trust me on this, alright?"