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| Confrontation | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:12 pm (1,847 Views) | |
| Tejesh | Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:12 pm Post #1 |
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Moved In
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Title: Confrontation Author: Tejesh (with COPIOUS amounts of help from Brittany (SV's FOTW on Ksite), and the ever lovely MLL (one of my goodest friends!) Heck, MLL has almost helped so much, she should get co-writer's status on this thing) Summary: Set 5 years after the 5th season of Smallville, this is the story of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, Part Deux. Clark tries to rebuild his friendship with Lex, but will he succeed? Or will Lex turn Clark to the Dark Side? Pairing: N/A Spoilers: Anything that's happened on the show, or anything that's yet to happen, is fair game, cause this is a futurefic. So there. ;) Chapter 1: Chance Setting: 5 years after the 5th season of Smallville. Lex is in Metropolis, and has fully embraced his dark destiny. Clark has become Superman, and is working at the Daily Planet. Clark walked into the newsroom one day, and eyed the paper in front of him. “LIONEL LUTHOR SUCCUMBS TO TERMINAL LIVER DISEASE. LEX LUTHOR INHERITS LUTHORCORP” Clark sighed. Now was his chance. The one that he’d been dreading, and dreaming of, for years. The one chance to make things right, the one chance he had to fix the only thing that ever really matterd to him. Well, one of only two things, but that second thing really couldn’t be fixed. That night, he donned his suit, and flew to where he knew Lex would be. Years of survelience had prepared him for this. Lex would be on his way home from Luthorcorp. Lex liked tempting fate by walking home. He knew no one, not even Superman, usually, would have the sheer bravado to try and confront Lex. However, tonight, Superman did have the bravado, but once he intercepted Lex, he didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t planned on Lex actually listening to him. “What do you want, alien?” Lex snarled. He didn’t have any kryptonite on him, or he would've shown Superman how much of a bad idea this was. Lex had had a good day, and this was the last thing he needed. A lecture on morality from the Blue Boy. “To talk, Luthor. Just talk.” Superman said, authoratatively. “I have nothing to say to you! Get out of my way.” Lex said, trying to walk past him. “L. . .Lex, please. Just give me 10 minutes.” Superman all but begged. “Lex? I don’t recall giving you permission to call me that.” “Can it hurt to listen to me for 10 minutes?” “Yes.” Clark thought for a while. ‘What would Lex want?’ “I’ll arrange for Felix Ramses to be released from prison, LEX, in exchange for 10 minutes.” Superman said. “He tried to kill you, alien. He knows how to. Can what you have to say be that important?” “Yes.” It was Lex’s turn to think. ‘Maybe I can use whatever he tells me against him.’ “OK, Superman. You have 10 minutes.” “Not here, Lex. In my apartment.” Superman said. “Really. I get to see the famous Superman’s decore? Let me guess, it's all red, yellow and blue in there.” “You'd be surprised.” “How do I know this isn't a trap?” Lex thought out loud. Superman produced a lead box from his cape. “You’re not stupid, Lex. I know you know how to kill me. This box contains 100% pure kryptonite. If this is a trap, you open it, and make your escape. If it’s not, you give that back to me. Call it collatoral.” Superman said, handing Lex, and possibly his life, over. ‘This HAS to work, it HAS to.’ Lex was stunned. ‘This must be something HUGE.’ Little did he know how huge, or what it would eventually mean for himself. |
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| miss_linda_lee | Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:58 am Post #2 |
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Full-time Supergirl
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Okay, I've already commented on the story (excellent, by the way), but I *WILL* comment on your poor use of grammar. :waggle: Shame on you, Tejesh - especially after you get onto me so much about it. :) |
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| wallflower | Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:32 am Post #3 |
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Expert
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Intersting story. Please continue. I'm not very good with grammar so I'm not saying anything about that. :D |
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| Renee | Mon Sep 26, 2005 10:51 am Post #4 |
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Don't mess with JS
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Intriguing! Please continue! :) |
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| versesBatman | Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:06 am Post #5 |
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Resident
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A good start. I had a hard time figuring out who was talking. |
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| Tejesh | Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:09 pm Post #6 |
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Moved In
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That's the first time I've received *that* complaint about the story. Hopefully, the rest of the chapters will be easier to read. Thanks for the kind words, y'all. I really think you're going to love where I end up going with this. MLL's helped me out tremendously, as I said, so she's also got a very good idea of where this ride is going to lead. Ever since Shattered, I was extremely bothered by how Clark could just leave his 'best friend' to the evil of Lionel. This originally started out as a Shattered fix it, but that storyline wasn't working for me, so I expanded it to a S3 fix it. That, too, didn't work for me. You'll actually see the 'first chapter' of my original fic in this one. I almost scrapped the whole thing, but then I read MLL's stuff, and a story called "Elsewhere", on Ksite, and got motivated to try and fix the mess I had. I kept thinking up new ways to make my fic more interesting, and then hit upon this idea. Sort of keeping to canon where Lex does become evil, but then changing it, based on some past events. So you'll see a ton of flashback scenes to a revised S3, you'll see why Lex is redeemable here, and why Clark took as big of a chance as he did. Of course, nothing about Lex comes easy, and he will slip up on his road of redemption, but everyone expects that. This is the story of Lex's redemption, and many other storylines come into play. So, with all of that said, here's some payoff for listening to my rambling. Chapter 2: Risk ---------------------- Lex and Superman walked in silence to Clark’s apartment. Lex pulled out the lead box and prepared to open it. Superman pulled out his key, and unlocked the door. “You first, alien.” Lex said. Clark shrugged, and entered. He had supersped back during his lunch break, and removed any evidence that would give away his identity. He had also removed two old letters and placed them onto his desk. “So talk, Superman.” Lex said. Clark sighed. This was it. Now or never. Either Lex would reform, at least begin to reform, or he would walk out of this room hating Superman even more. Or, hell, Lex could just kill him right here and now, ridding himself of a foe. “First, Lex, read those letters on that table. Then we’ll talk.” “It counts against the 10 minutes, Superman.” Lex said, walking over and picking up the first letter. He felt get disdain for Superman, and didn’t think anything could change his mind. “Dear Clark, I’m sorry for doing this, but my father leaves me no choice. I cannot allow you to be discovered by him, and if things remain the way they are, with me knowing your secret, and hanging around with you, he will find out. One way or another. He could bug my car, bug my clothes, bug the barn, torture me. Oh yes, Clark, I wouldn’t put it past him. I HAVE to turn myself in and let him erase my memory, then I won't remember, Clark. I won't know your secret, so there’ll be nothing to tell. Don’t try and save me, Clark. I. . .I want to thank you, Clark. For. . .showing me what a normal family feels like. Even though we both know you’re not exactly normal. Clark, please forgive me. It’s the only way to insure your safety. And please don’t tell me again, Clark. My father would stop at nothing to exploit you. Thank you, cla. . .Julian. Your friend, Lex Luthor “WHAT IS THIS? SOME SORT OF TRICK?” Lex yelled, enraged. He looked ready to kill Superman barehanded. Clark reappeared in the living room, dressed in normal clothes. “No, Lex. This isn't a trick. None of this is a trick.” Clark said. “You. . .all this time? It was YOU?” Lex snarled the last word. Clark looked scared. He was sure Lex was going to kill him barehanded. “Yes.” “Why didn’t you tell me, Clark?” Lex said, sitting, more accurately, falling, onto the couch, and burying his head in his hands. ‘After all these years, Clark still knows me.’ He was amazed to find that he wasn’t as repulsed by this as he would've thought. It felt good to have someone like Clark as a friend. If he could still call Clark that. He suspected he'd lost that right long ago. “I. . .I was scared, Lex. Of what you said in there. Of your father. My Dad wanted me to tell you, Lex. There’s so much you didn’t, and don’t remember. I saw the change in you after your father . . . he . . . wiped your memory. You were mentally unbalanced, Lex. You flew off the handle at the smallest things. You were bent on revenge, vindictive. Your father’s son. When you put him away, I was going to tell you, but then. . .more stuff happened, and I again couldn’t.” “I killed those people. To try and find a cure for my Dad’s illness.” Lex whispered, remembering. Almost horrified with himself. Almost. He would've done anything, really, for his Dad. “You killed 20 people, Lex. Brought them back to life, and saw if it worked long term. When they served their purpose, 20 more. And then 20 after that. And probably more then that, that I don’t know about. Can you blame me for not trusting you?” “Did you. . .did you stay away from Belle Reeve?” Lex asked. “No. I tried to save you from yourself. I was. . .attacked. By 3 freaks, beaten up, electrocuted twice, exposed to kryptonite, and I still couldn’t save you.” Clark said, face ashen as he recalled what he went through. “How do I know this isn’t a sick trick by you to try and change me?” Lex said, recovering and standing up. Lex, charged by this, rose angrily, and faced off with “Clark”. “In fact, that’s what I think this is, Superman. You can’t be Clark. Clark died 3 years ago, when his plane went down in the Pacific. Clark was adept at cheating death, but even he couldn’t have survived that. Your 10 minutes are up. I will have my revenge for your desecration of Clark’s memory, alien.” Lex continued, all emotions wiped from his face. This, then, was Lionel’s cold blooded son. The Lex that Clark had known in Smallville, had seen just know on his couch, disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. Clark wondered whether he could be saved, and if he had waited too long. “Smallville.” Clark said. Desperate for any chance of saving Lex, Clark was risking it all. “What?” “Come with me to Smallville. Talk to my parents. They’ll tell you. Talk to Lana or Pete, they’ll tell you. It’s all in your head, too, Lex. Undergo memory regression, you’ll find the answers you seek.” Clark said, frantic and desperate. “I’ll go with you to Smallville, alien. But this better not be an elaborate trap. The lead box comes with us. And I drive.” “OK, Lex. Anything you say.” |
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| Renee | Wed Sep 28, 2005 10:01 am Post #7 |
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Don't mess with JS
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Good stuff! B) Keep it up! |
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| Snarky | Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:03 pm Post #8 |
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Smallville Nut
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WOW!!!! :clap: Excellent writing. If season 5 turns out to be lame, this story will at least keep me interested. |
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| Tejesh | Wed Sep 28, 2005 11:26 pm Post #9 |
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Moved In
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Thanks, guys
:) Yes, Season 5 sounds not good so far, but one can hope. Anyway, I am on the last chapter of this story, so updates should be very frequent. Not too frequent, because I include a ton in each chapter. My longest chapter is 94 pages. I will be splitting that one up, of course (that chapter's VERY Lex centric. In fact, it's 99.99999999% Lex!) If anyone has any questions, I will be glad to answer them, if it doesn't give too much away. Here is: Chapter 3: Demons (the only title I still think sucks, hated it when I first wrote the chapter, hate it now) ************************************ “Why now, Clark?” Lex asked, as they crossed over Loeb’s Bridge. “Your father. As long as he was alive, he was a threat. And I couldn’t. . .I couldn’t let myself be discovered, not by him, and not by you, the you that you are now. I also didn’t want you to be hurt anymore, on my account.” Clark said. “Still the pessimistic type, huh, Clark. You can't save everyone, Superman.” Lex said, easily adopted his “older brother” role in this long dead friendship. “I thought you didn’t believe me, Lex.” Clark pointed out. “I don’t. I’m just giving you the benefit of the doubt, until Johnathon and Martha tell me you’re a faker. Then I’ll gladly kill you, and rid myself of your menacing, alien.” Lex snarled. “I thought businessmen prepared for every contingency, Lex. What if I’m telling the truth?” Clark asked. “I. . .I don’t know.” Lex said. A true look of concern and apprehension came to live on Lex’s face, temporarily. They passed the Talon a couple minutes later. “Lana still doesn’t own this place, does she?” Lex asked. “Now you care? You didn’t care much when it was going belly up after you pulled your support, did you. Signed over ownership and blindly followed your father into the abyss.” Clark said, angrily. “Is that what you think happened Clark?” Lex said, starting to believe Clark, despite himself. “Of course. Left Lana in the lurch, had Chloe killed once she served her purpose by helping put your father away. Isn't that how Luthor’s deal with liabilities?” Clark was bitter, and forgetting why he had stopped to see Lex today. Old memories had a way of clouded perceptions. Now that he was actually *driving* through Smallville, instead of flying over it, these memories surfaced, reminding him of what Lex had done. For a moment, Clark wondered if Lex was beyond saving. And for perhaps the first time in a long while, Lex swallowed what he was going to say, preferring to let Clark brood. Although he wouldn’t tell Clark that. He’d changed in these intervening 5 years. No longer was he the bumbling farm boy he’d finally left, this Clark was a man, a confident man. “We’re here.” He said, a while later. “Mom, Dad?” Clark announced his persense. “Son, you weren’t supposed. . .Lex? What’s going on?” Johnathon said, stopping in his tracks as he saw his sons former best friend walking up his driveway. “Mr. Kent. Clark told me. . .everything.” Lex said, looking up to see Johnathon’s reaction. “HE WHAT??? CLARK JEROME KENT! How could you do something this foolish?” Johnathon yelled, which brought Martha on the run. “What. . .Lex? Clark? What is HE doing here?” She bit the word he off. “Clark told Lex, everything, Martha.” Lost in all this was Lex’s reaction. “You. . .he’s not dead? How did? But. . .” Lex stammered. “DAD you WANTED me to tell Lex.” Clark yelled back. “That was before Lex became his father! How could you do this?” Johnathon yelled. “EVERYONE! STOP! I think we should all go inside and talk.” Lex was the voice of reason. More like the voice of disbelief. If what he was hearing was true, then Clark wasn’t dead, Clark was Superman, and he'd been trying to kill the only true friend he’d ever had. “Before or after you kill or cut up my son?” Johnathon said, moving in between Clark and Lex. Johnathan wasn’t about to let blind faith endanger his son. Not when Lex was involved. His son’s one weakness, aside from kryptonite, was his ability to see the good in even the most evil people. Johnathan was determined to make sure Lex didn’t perceive this sudden. . .revelation, as a chance to rid himself of Superman. “I haven’t yet. And we DROVE here from Metropolis. Still hate me, I see.” “With reason, as opposed to before, Luthor.” Johnathon said. He was still standing, walking now, in between Lex and Clark, obsuring their views of each other. He wasn’t going to let Lex destroy his son, not after everything that had happened. Everyone sat in the living room. “This. . .this begins with the summer between sophomore and junior years. I. . .” Clark closed his eyes against the pain of the memories. “Son. . .Clark, you didn’t. . .” Johnathon started. Martha stopped him. “Johnathon, I think you should let Clark talk. He. . .he’s never fully exorcised that, have you, honey? He’s never talked about it, never ridded himself of those horrible memories. Those 3, 4 months might've been the toughest in his life.” “My father, my biological father, Jor-El, he. . .he ordered me to leave, fulfill my destiny. I didn’t want to. Lex, your Dad had a kryptonite key he was going to put into the caves. Pete helped me steal it. I. . .I put it into the ship, my ship, where the voice was coming from. It, Lex, the ship blew up. The energy wave killed my Mom’s baby. I had to leave, Lex.” “Now, Clark. the whole truth, son. Lex, I said some pretty mean and nasty things to Clark later at the hospital, and that, combined with guilt and heartache over Lana, made Clark go into exile.” “I found a red-kryptonite ring, Lex, and ran to Metropolis. 3 months later, you found me there, put two and two together, and used green kryptonite on me to bring me home. You'd been working here, apparently, for 3 months, trying to save the farm. The next 7 weeks, Lex, were perfect. With your help, I told Lana and Chloe my secret, and got together with Chloe. You. . .you told me that Lana would never look at me the same, and she hasn’t. Did you know that, Lex? She refused my help with the Talon, she sold it a couple years after you gave it to her, and took off. Chloe. . .” Clark continued. “Clark, I didn’t kill Chloe.” Lex put in. “She didn’t kill herself!” Clark snapped. “In a way, Clark, she did!” Lex snapped back. Clark decided to continue his narrative, rather then go after Lex for Chloe. That could come later. If there was a later. “And then your father, Lex. He tried to have you committed before you could nail him for the murders of your grandparents. That’s what he wanted you to forget. He killed his parents, Lex. For the insurance money. He and Morgan Edge.” Clark concluded. Lex looked shell shocked. “I knew. . .I could’ve been different?” he whispered, looking lost. A profound change was working it’s way through Lex, and it was both amazing, and painful, to watch. A myriad of emotions worked their ways onto Lex’s face. “Clark, I. . .I need to be alone. Please.” Lex said, running out to his Porsche, and speeding away. “Lex. . .” Clark said, getting up. “Let him go, Clark. He needs to deal with his demons by himself. He’ll be back, one way or another. I just hope you haven’t sold yourself and us out, for this friendship which may be too late to salvage.” Martha said. “He’ll either be back with men in suits and kryptonite, or with apologies and hopes for a new beginning.” Johnathon put in. “I should. . .get back. In case he does anything.” Clark said, speeding out the door and then taking off for his apartment. “Do you think he made a mistake, Martha?” “I think he was too late for Chloe, and now, he’s too late for Lex. Johnathon, we should go to bed. It’s been a long day.” |
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| versesBatman | Thu Sep 29, 2005 5:57 pm Post #10 |
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Resident
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This is getting good. |
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| Tejesh | Sun Oct 2, 2005 4:15 pm Post #11 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 4: Foundation (the titles sometimes give hints about what's to come, btw) ************** Lex drove to Metropolis, to the Luthor family cemetery. Ironically, not far from “Clark’s apartment”. He crouched down to where his Dad was buried. “How could you do this to me, Dad? I’m every bit your son now, and still you’re haunting me. What did I do to deserve this?” Lex moaned. “Luthors don’t grovel. Get up, Lex.” His father’s voice assailed him from inside his own head. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” he screamed, throwing himself onto the ground. “Emotions are for the weak, Lex. You’ve risen past them, son, and embraced the Luthor upbringing. Everything I did, it was a test, Lex, and you passed. Don’t throw it away. Clark Kent has foolishly trusted you, now is the time! Strike while they’re unprepared! He’s an alien, imagine the profit that could bring in for Luthorcorp.” Lionel’s voice, or maybe Lex’s dark voice, continued. “NO! I will NOT turn on Clark. Not again. Not knowing what I know. You robbed me, Dad. I won't let you do it again.” The good part of Lex was warring back. “You will ALWAYS be a Luthor.” “No, now I’ll learn to be a Sullivan.” Lex said. He almost seemed to be begging permission from his dead father. “You cannot escape me, Lex.” And Lionel’s voice said no more. Lex slowly got to his feet, smoothed out his suit, and walked to his car. He closed his eyes, willing himself to get under control. By sheer will, he managed a temporary façade, enough for him, for now. He drove himself home, and got into bed, ending a long day for him. The next morning, old habits died hard for both Clark and Lex. Lex made it into the office by 8, and Clark was at the newsroom by 7. “So, Smallville, late night, huh?” Lois snarked. “Bite me.” Clark said, not in the mood. “Offer, threat or promise?” “Lois, lay off. You OK, Clark?” Jimmy asked. “Yeah, thanks, kid. Just a long day.” Clark answered. In truth, it had been a long night. Clark had been up half of it, wondering if he’d made the right decision in trusting Lex. During his lunch hour, he went over to Luthorcorp, and asked to see Lex. “Mr. Luthor is in a very important meeting. Leave your name and he’ll contact you.” His secetary informed him, haughtily, at that. “No thanks, I’ll catch up with him later.” Clark left, and ducking into an alleyway, changed into his costume, and took off, flying around the city, in case anyone needed his help. At the end of his break, he was about to land, when he spotted a four alarm fire burning the west side of Metropolis. “Lois will cover, she always covers for me. Without me having to give her any explanations. Weird. Now’s not the time, though.” Clark thought, zooming into the raging inferno, and pulling people out. A good hour passed, until Clark was finally done rescuing people. By then, the Metropolis Fire Dept had the situation well in hand. Clark flew into a back alley, and changed back into civilian clothes. “Clark! Are you OK?” Lex asked, racing over to him. Clark gave him a look. “What’re you doing here, Lex?” “I was on my lunch break, and saw some smoke. I decided to investigate, when I saw Superman in the building. I wanted to have a few words with him, but you’re here instead. Is everything OK, Clark?” Implied within, are you OK, Clark. Clark just looked at Lex weirdly. “UM. . .force of habit. I'm used to people dying when they jump into fires. What happened?” “I don’t have time to talk now, Lex, I’m already an hour late for work. Tonight?” “You still eat at 7, Clark?” “Don’t blame me, Lex. I grew up on a farm. Eat by 7, bed by 9, up by 5. That’s a farmer’s life.” Lex smirked. “7 it is. At the farm?” “Yeah. I don’t think my parents trust you yet. I don’t trust you yet. I only pray I haven’t made a mistake with this. Now I have to go, Lex. Bye.” Clark jogged off. “I hope you haven’t made a mistake either, Clark.” Lex whispered, supressing his Lionel voice by sheer will. *Later in the day* “Lex is coming over for dinner.” Clark announced as he touched down near the front door. “Clark, are you sure this is a good idea? 8 years is a long time.” Johnathan said. “I agree with your Dad, Clark. Luthor may have been trustworthy then, but he’s worse then his father now. What if he turns on you?” Pete said, walking out of the shadows. “You were in my Dad’s corner, if I remember, wanting me to retell Lex everything the day after his bastard Dad released him from Belle Reeve.” “He could’ve been trusted, then, Clark. He’s got BLOOD on his hands now. He didn’t then.” Pete said. It seemed his Dad had called Pete as backup. That just really got under Clark’s skin, and ticked him off. “Why are you here, anyway, Pete? Not that I mind seeing you around.” “Lana was anxious to come and visit, so I decided to join her. She’s at the Talon, revisiting old memories. She won't like this Lex business, either, Clark.” Clark bristled. “It doesn’t matter whether any of you like it, Pete. I chose to put my faith in Lex, it’s my neck hanging out, not any of yours.” “Son, Pete and Lana were going to stay for dinner.” Johnathan said. “So what's the difference if we have one more?” Clark asked. “You don’t get it, do you, Clark. We don’t LIKE Lex Luthor. We don’t like the fact you’re trusting him. We don’t like any of this. We won't like eating with him, that’s for sure.” Pete said, talking softly to emphasize each word. “You don’t have to. You’ll eat with him because it’s me. You’re all my friends. You won't cause a scene, Pete. None of you will.” Clark said. Playing people like this was Lex’s field, and Clark, it seemed, had mastered that art, for just such a rare occasion. “What scene are we supposed to be causing, Pete?” Lana asked, entering the house. “Guess who’s coming to dinner.” Pete said, using his best Chekov voice. “Not the Romulans, that’s for sure.” Clark put in, trying to diffuse the tension. Pete ignored him. “Lex Luthor. But it gets better. Farmboy told Lex everything. As in, everything.” Pete said, putting his hands in front of him, Superman style. Lana gasped. “Clark, how could you do that? After everything he did to me, to Chloe. Do you remember Chloe??? Your girlfriend for a year, before Lex decided she’d served her purpose, and had her brutally murdered!” Lana exclaimed. Clark sighed, and put his hands over his eyes. “Chloe. . .” He whispered. “Lex. . .didn’t know about the plot to kill Chloe. It was Lionel’s doing.” Clark said at last, but who he was trying to convince, wasn’t apparent. “Clark, man, please tell me you don’t believe that.” Pete said. Clark was about to respond, when a horn sounded outside. “Saved by the bell.” Clark muttered, going out to greet Lex. Unfortunately, Lana beat him to it. “YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO COME BACK HERE AFTER WHAT YOU DID?” Lana screamed, drawing back, and to Clark’s horror, punching Lex across the jaw. Clark supersped in between, making sure she couldn’t do anymore damage. “Lana Laura Lang! How could you do that to my guest!” Clark exclaimed, making sure Lex was all right. “I’m fine, Clark. Ms. Lang, I assure you, I am not guilty of everything you think.” Lex said evenly, getting up off the ground. “NO? THEN WHY DID YOU CUT THE TALON!” Lana yelled. “You went to Paris, Lana. No one was available to run it. I had to cut my losses. It was business, as I told you when you proposed it to me.” Lex said. “Besides, he basically GAVE it to you when he left for Metropolis.” Clark put in. “With, I may point out, $100,000 in working capital. More than enough to fund your first few months of independent operation. And what are you complaining about? The Talon is a syndicated franchisee now, and you make more then 5 million a year, Lana.” Lex said. “You said you cared about Smallville. What happened?” Lana said, calmer. They moved towards the door. “LUTHOR! I didn’t think you had the gaul to show up around here again.” Pete said. “Mr. Ross, as I explained to Ms. Lang. . .” Lex started. “Mrs. Ross.” Pete corrected. Lex looked shocked. “Mrs. . .Ross, then. As I explained to her, I am not guilty of that which this town convicts me of.” “Then explain to me, no, explain to Clark, where his girlfriend is. Where’s Chloe, Lex? Dead, as a result of you! Your insane attempt to rid yourself of your father’s shadow, and damn if anyone got in the way of that! Chloe is dead because of your vendetta!” Pete said, glaring at Lex. Clark looked inexoranably sad. Lex looked . . . introspective. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.” He went outside, to ensure no one listened. “Clark, what’s he saying?” Pete asked. “I won't listen in, Pete.” Clark answered. Martha set out dinner in the uncomfortable silence. Lex came back in about 10 minutes later. “Chloe is. . .” Lex began. ****************** Lemme know if you want me to post spoilers for upcoming chapters. I have sort of outlines I wrote that I can post, if you want. Just like Ksite and others do it. |
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| Renee | Tue Oct 4, 2005 1:28 pm Post #12 |
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Don't mess with JS
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Better and better! :) |
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| Tejesh | Sun Oct 9, 2005 12:21 am Post #13 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 5: Rebuilding ******************* “Don’t you dare, Luthor. Don’t you ******* dare do this to us, to Clark. I swear, I’ll kill you with my bare hands if you do this.” Pete said, advancing on Lex. “I’m telling the truth. Chloe didn’t die in the house explosion. I only made it look like she did. Dad could’ve still operated from inside. Clark, I knew, or thought I knew, was indestructable. I just didn’t think it was anything like this. Chloe, though, was very much in danger, so I had to fake her death.” Lex said. “Where?” Clark whispered. Lex turned to him. “What?” “WHERE IS SHE??????” Clark screamed, hauling Lex up and slamming him into a wall. “She’s on her way, Clark. I swear to you. I wouldn’t lie to you. Not now, not after you’ve offered this chance of rebuilding our friendship.” Lex said, almost pleading with Clark to believe him. “Why should I believe you, Lex? You had no qualms about killing those other people.” Clark snarled. He had his enemy at his mercy, and the voices in his head were in bitter turmoil. “Kill him! Rid the world of such a horrid person! No! He’s your friend! It's not his fault what Lionel did! You’ve both got a second chance at this! Killing him makes you like him!” “Because. . .Chloe meant a lot to me, too. She was my friend. And if you remember, I always protect my friends. Clark, that meant you, too. I don’t remember, but I obviously traded my memories for your secret. Don’t you owe me one?” “Don’t try that, Lex. Those days of you manipulating your way out of sticky situations are over.” Clark said, nonetheless putting Lex down. “Thank you. And I realize it will take time, but I will earn your trust back, Clark.” Lex vowed. “Where’s the Academy Award for this performance?” Lana snarked. “He’s not going to need one, Lana.” Chloe’s voice rang out from the door. “Ch. . .” Clark stood up, and promptly fainted. “Huh, I didn’t think Kryptonians could faint. Guess I’m wrong.” Chloe snarked, walking in. Lex rolled his eyes. “Chloe. . .how. . .what?” Pete stammered, taking a step towards her, and then turning to Lex. “You better have some damned good explanation for this, Lex.” Pete said, fixing Lex with a harsh look. “I do, don’t worry. But first, would you mind helping me get him onto the couch?” he asked Pete. “HOW could you do this to your supposed best friend? Do you have *any* clue what agony Clark went through? You know what he’s like. He blamed himself every day for her death. EVERY day, Luthor, up to today. You can’t imagine the heartbreak we felt when we saw Clark every day, crying in his room, in his loft. And you KNEW she was alive! How could you do this?” Johnathan was ready to break Lex in half, but Martha held him back. “How do you think I felt, Mr. Kent? I was Clark’s friend, too. I knew how much he agonized over Chloe’s death. But I couldn’t let him know, I couldn’t. Much as I knew that Clark could keep secrets, I couldn’t risk Chloe’s life. You have to understand, Mr. Kent, she came to me, asking for my protection. I. . .I couldn’t let anything get in the way of that. Not even Clark. For that, I am truly sorry.” “Mr. Kent, Lex was only protecting me, you’ve got to believe him. I was so scared Lionel would kill anyone to get to me. Clark, you, Mrs. Kent, Pete, Lana, my Dad, anyone close to me. I couldn’t let that happen. Huh, I guess, in a way, I can understand what Clark’s been through, having to keep his best friends at arms length. You, more then anyone else, can understand that, can't you?” Chloe spoke up. Johnathan’s eyes softened as he looked at the young woman. “Of course, Chloe, of course I understand. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. Clark was so. . .defeated when you died. In a way, it might've been a good thing, though. Your death brought out the hero in Clark, in a big way. In a way, Chloe, you are responsible for Superman.” “Lex, I. . .I owe you an apology. I guess. . .I guess I misjudged you on this one. Forgive me?” Pete stammered out. “Of course, Mr. . .Pete. Of course I forgive you, Pete.” Lex said, shaking the man’s hand. “Yeah, Lex, I want to apologize to you, as well. For the punch, for misjudging you, for everything.” Lana put in. Lex favored her with a smile. “It’s in the past, Lana. All is forgiven.” Lex said. Clark stirred on the couch, putting a hand on his head. “Wha. . .what happened? I dreamt I saw Chloe.” Clark said, groaning from the couch. “You kind of did see Chloe, Clark. She is standing a couple of feet inside your house.” Lana said. “What’s a matter, Smallville? Excitement too much for ya?” Chloe said, using her Lois voice. Clark shook his head, wanting desperately to believe this, and yet, at the same time, to not believe this. His whole life was shaped, it seemed, on the premise that Lex had killed Chloe. To find out now, that not only was that not the case, but that Lex had *HELPED* Chloe, instead, it was too much to handle. Clark needed to get out of the room. “No. . .you can't be here. This isn't possible.” Clark whispered. He shook his head once, and then bolted from the house, superspeeding into the night. “Dammit!” Lex swore, racing after him, car keys in hand. Johnathan laid a hand on his arm. “You’ll never catch him, Lex. He could be in another state by now.” “I laid too much on him! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!” Lex berated himself. “How. . .Lex, how is she here?” Lana asked, staring at Chloe. “The house Lex set me up in, it was wired with enough dynamite to blow a hole in the moon. I set the timer on the bomb, and then ran into the basement, and through a series of tunnels, ending up back at the castle. Then, with Lex’s help, we completely eradicated any records of Chloe Sullivan, she died in the inferno. Lex set up a job for me at the Daily Planet, something about Perry owing him a favor or something, but I couldn’t use my real name, so I went with Lois Lane as a pen name. Then, later, I decided that that would be my new identity. Lex and I chose her appearance, I had some plastic surgery done, and the rest is history. Lex called today and told me the façade was hurting, rather then helping, my friends, so I decided to take a risk and come here.” Chloe answered. Unbeknownst to anyone, Clark was not in another state, he was in his loft, listening to every word and simotaniously loving and hating Lex for it. In the end, he decided on hearing Lex out, rather then damning him for this. He slowly trudged back into the house. “Clark, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you'd react this way. If I’d known. . .” Lex started. Clark didn’t know whether to punch Lex for keeping this from him, or hug Lex for making sure this was possible. He settled for a half smile. “I’m willing to hear you out, Lex. I heard Chloe’s explanation, how about yours?” “I was worried about my father, Clark. Nothing else. Apparently the same reason I had for giving up your secret. Funny how much, even dead, my father haunts me. I knew he was powerful, Clark. I knew he could have Chloe killed just as easily from the inside, as from the outside. And I wasn’t willing to take that chance. So I had to “kill” her first. Plastic surgery and voice alteration took care of the rest. She ceased to be Chloe Sullivan, and became Lois Lane. I’ve kept up with her career, and yours, Clark. I didn’t think you’d fall for Lois, though.” “I guess on some level, I knew. She reminded me a lot of Chloe. Even covering for me when I was detained as Superman on rescues. Without asking questions. Some investigative reporter I am, I should’ve figured it out sooner.” Clark said. “How about dinner, everyone? It’s gotten cold.” Martha said, as a lull settled over the four. . .once friends, once enemies. “OK, Mom.” Clark said, leading everyone to the dinner table. During dinner, none of the heavy conversation continued. Instead, everyone picked safe conversation, Clark’s Planet career, what Lex had been up to in Metropolis (minus the crimes), how Pete and Lana had become interested in each other, that sort of thing. After dinner and dessert, Lex had to go back home, Pete and Lana were staying, and Lois has to get back to her apartment. “Bright and early tomorrow, Clark. we've got to investigate what Sal’s up to, buying up all the high rises on the west side.” Lois reminded Clark. “I’ll be there, Chloe.” Clark winked at her. “Make sure you are, Smallville.” She grinned back, and then left. “Are you OK, Clark? This can't be easy.” Pete asked. “I’m just. . .I thought Lex had turned his back on all of us. I guess I was wrong. I don’t know what to think anymore.” “Son, you can't ignore the fact Lex commited murder, multiple murders, in fact. At least 80 you’re aware of, probably hundreds you aren’t. He’s a dangerous man now, much more so then when he was living in Smallville. You have to be careful around him, Clark. He knows everything now. He could kill you in a second, if you so much as interfere in one of his business ventures.” Johnathan said. Clark sighed. “I trust Lex, Dad. Maybe not as much as I used to, but I still trust him. You’re right, though. The ball’s in his court now. I think I’m going to go home now. Pete, Lana, I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Can you stay the night, Clark? Fly to work tomorrow?” Lana asked. “Sure.” “Pete, Lana, you can get the guest room. Clark can sleep in his old room. Is that OK?” Martha asked. “Of course, Mrs. Kent.” Pete and Lana said together. *Metropolis* “It’s time to remember, everything.” Lex said, walking into Summerholt Neurological Institute. “Mr. Luthor, Dr. Garner will see you.” The receptionist said, pointing Lex in the direction of Garner’s office. Lex walked the length of the corridor, and entered the office without knocking. “Ah, Lex. Welcome back.” Dr. Garner said. He hadn’t died 7 years ago, as most people had assumed. The explosion in the old Summerholt memory well had left Garner unconscious, with severe trauma, but not dead. Years of therapy and rehab had restored Garner’s health, but he didn’t remember any of it. His last memories were of just before the explosion, when Lex first approached him about getting his memories back. Lex, of course, knew all this. “Dr. Garner. I’m anxious to begin the treatment, as soon as possible.” Lex said. “Of course, Lex. Your first session will be tomorrow at 3. And Lex, be careful what you wish for, you may just get it.” Garner said, ominously. “Is that a threat, doctor?” Lex asked. “No, Lex. Just some friendly advice.” With that, Garner dismissed Lex. “Be careful, doctor. Giving the wrong people the wrong type of advice could lead to. . .unfortunate consequences.” Lex said, walking out. He left the building, got into his Porsche, and zoomed towards his penthouse. *Smallville* “Johnathan, I don’t like the idea of Lex knowing our baby’s secret.” Martha said, as they got ready for bed. “As Clark said, Martha, the ball’s squarely in Lex’s court now. He could become Clark’s greatest ally, or a bigger foe then he is now. It’s not up to any of us.” Johnathan said. He kissed Martha, and they fell asleep. *Secret underground facility, somewhere in Metropolis* “It’s time, nurse. The syringe, please.” As he prepared to plunge the needle into the man’s vein, he prayed he hadn’t miscalculated. Wrong timing could prove fatal. He counted to five, and then administered the shot. Another five minutes passed, before the man on the table opened his eyes. “It is time.” The doctor said. “We have much work to do, doctor, and time is short. Prepare the chamber for our guest.” The man said. He slowly walked towards the door. “In time, you will learn not to fight me. In time.” ************* Oh, hey, guys, if I'm posting these chapters too fast, lemme know, and I'll slow down. I understand it's alot to read (and my chapters get VERY LONG later on down the road) |
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| Tejesh | Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:07 pm Post #14 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 6: Mystery ****************** *Luthorcorp* “Mr. Luthor, what are you doing?” his secetary sounded worried and confused. “Nothing, Emily, nothing. Just respecting a promise to an old friend.” He cleaned out his vault of kryptonite, and put it in a lead carrying case. “I’m taking off, Emily. Forward any important calls to my cell.” He left the office, breezing by her. “First day back, and he’s acting like he never left.” Emily muttered, returning to her office. *Daily Planet* “Well, CK? Anything on Sal, or another dead end?” Lois asked, coming over to see over Clark’s shoulder. She leaned her head onto his shoulder “As near as I can tell, Sal is a purchasing agent, but on who’s behalf, I don’t know. He’s not local, so it might be Bruce and Wayne Industries, or hell, it could be Lex and Luthorcorp.” Clark grinned up at her, reveling in the fact Lois was his Chloe. He kissed her slightly. “Clark!” Chloe grinned, kissing him back. A few seconds more of kissing brought catcalls and whistles from their coworkers. “Right, well, keep digging, Clark. Might turn over a rock, and uncover a scoop.” Lois headed back for her desk. But not without a smack on the lips for Clark. A few hours later, Clark uncovered who the man behind Sal was, and he was horrified. “No! This can't be happening, no. . .NOT AGAIN!” he yelled, drawing everyone’s attention. He rapidly hit the print button. “Smallville, excitement too much for you?” Lois asked, smiling at him. “Cover for me, Lois. I have to run.” He said, grabbing the paper and racing out of the office. “What the . . . just like high school, all over again.” Lois whispered to herself, going to check his computer. When she saw what he had seen, she felt everything inside her fall apart. *Luthorcorp* “You don’t understand. I *need* to see Lex. It’s a matter of life or death.” Clark tried in vain to get in and see his friend. The papers were tucked in his jacket, those very papers could mean death to both Lex and Clark. They needed to formulate a plan, and quickly. “Mr. Luthor is not in. Leave your name, and he’ll contact you.” Emily was again being a bitch. “Where is he, then? I have to see him.” “Mr. Luthor is at Metron Labs. I’ll call him, if you’ll leave your name. . .sir? Sir?” Emily looked up, but Clark was long gone. Clark zipped down streets, and around corners, finally getting to Metron. What felt like hours was in fact mere seconds. He supersped in without any hesistation, and promptly fell to his knees. He looked around, and saw Lex standing amongst a group of scientists, and there was a very noticable green glow in the room. Clark could feel himself becoming weaker by the second. There must've been a good amount of kryptonite in the room. “Lex. . .” he gasped out. He hit the floor, arms out to his . . . friend. “Clark! What are you doing here?” Lex raced to him, and grabbing under Clark’s arms. Lex grunted once, and then propelled them back through the front door. Once out in the sun, Clark began feeling much better. Lex looked at Clark, a mixture of worry and guilt on his face. “Clark, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were coming, or I would've ordered this done some other time.” Lex said. ‘Boy, I just keep hurting Clark, one way, or another. Last night with Chloe, today with kryptonite’ “What are you doing here, Lex? With kryptonite?” Clark asked, half suspicious, half just curious. Lex could’ve let him wither on the floor in agony if he’d wanted to, and instead, Lex had saved Clark. “Melting it. Which, by the way, isn't easy. Apparently, kryptonite has a very high melting point. Approximately 5500 degrees fairenheit. Which is hard to reach, naturally.” Lex said. “What will you do with the liquid kryptonite?” “Remember the meteor freaks? How some of their. . .disabilities and disfigurements were eradicated, to the extreme? We’ll try and balance those out, and see if we can’t alter kryptonite’s properties, and make useful products out of it.” Lex said. “I’d rather you just got rid of it. Send it to the moon and begone with it.” Clark said. “I can understand that, Clark. But Luthorcorp is all about profit. You can't blame me for trying. Anyway, what did you want?” “Oh, right. Lex, we have some mega-huge trouble on our hands.” Clark said, reaching into his jacket and giving Lex the computer printouts. Lex’s eyes grew impossibly wide. “Clark, this. . .this. . .are you sure???” Lex asked, turning hardened eyes on Clark. Clark nodded. Lex ran back inside. Clark heard shouting, and then Lex ran out. “Clark, we can't be seen together, not here. If this is true, we’re both in peril. I’ll swing by the farm tonight, with Miss Lane, and we’ll all brainstorm. I suggest both of you take the rest of the day off. Go on vacation, preferably somewhere in Europe. Be back by 7, though.” With that, Lex dashed to his car, and sped towards Luthorcorp. Clark hurried back to the Daily Planet. “Clark, I saw. What’re we going to do?” Lois hurried to him. “Go on vacation.” Clark said. “PERRY! We’re taking the rest of the day off!” Clark yelled, hustling himself and Lois downstairs. Clark ducked into a back ally, changed into Superman, grabbed Lois, and took off, flying towards his Fortress. Once there, he sat on his ice mattress. “Clark, what are we going to do?” Lois asked, shaking, visibly scared. “I’m not sure. No one can track us when we’re in here, though, that’s for sure.” Clark said. *Metropolis, Luthorcorp, 3 pm* “Emily, I’m leaving for the day, please tend to that. . .matter we discussed. Thank you.” Lex said, climbing into his car, and going to Summerholt. “Ah, Lex. Right on time.” Dr. Garner said, leading Lex to the memory tank. Lex proceeded to strip down, and climb in. “Close your eyes, Lex. Open your mind. Let yourself wander back, to your last memory before the gap. And then think forward.” Garner’s voice slowly faded. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lex Luthor set foot into the Ryland, Metropolis’s newest night club. He had just come from a hard week of work on the Kent Farm, what with Clark gone missing, and Lana on an emotional rollercoaster, he was the Kent’s only hope. Despite Johnthan’s hatred of him, he still felt compelled to help. The Ryland was just a way to unwind, on the weekend. He was just about to order a drink, when he noticed someone who looked familiar. “Clark?” he said in wonder, walking up to the boy. “The name’s Kal, and who the hell are you?” Clark said, turning around. A brief glimpse of recognition flashed through Clark’s eyes, and he smiled. “Lex Luthor. Well, Smallville’s good boy decided to turn bad, huh?” he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Clark, what the hell are you doing here?” “I told you, my name is Kal, and I'm trying to forget.” “Forget what? You have to come home.” “Smallville’s not my home, anymore. It may be yours, but theres no room for me. I had to go.” “Your parents. . .” “My parents don’t want me. They never have, and they never will.” “They're about to lose the farm, Kal.” “And who said Luthor’s were slow learners. The farm, I don’t care about the farm. I can do things that no one else on Earth can do.” Despite Lex’s good intentions, his Luthorian upbringing shone through. “Well, why don’t you show me some of those things, Kal.” Kal only smiled, and then turned, shot heat from his eyes, and set the bar on fire. He turned back and smirked at Lex. “Smallville means limits, and I’m tired of limits.” His eyes blazed dangerously. He leaned closer to Lex. “If you ever tell anyone where I am, I’ll kill you, and then run so far away, no one will ever find me. Now get out of my way, Lex.” He said, pushing Lex away, and then walking out the side door. But Lex was not to be deterred. He ran after his friend, or, at least, the person who looked like his friend. Metropolis Clark was nothing like Smallville Clark, and Lex wanted that Clark back. As he followed his friend, he saw another amazing sight. Clark, assuming no one was watching, super sped away from the club. “How the hell. . .” Lex began, but then pushed that thought to the back of his mind, as a new one formed. “Clark’s only been sick around meteor rocks.” *Lex’s Metropolis Penthouse* “How can I get Clark back home? I did hit him with the Porsche, which means he is indestructable. Why didn’t he tell me? Was it the Luthor name? How can I get him back home?” thoughts like these zipped across Lex’s sharp mind, occasionally colliding and giving him a splitting headache. “Meteor rock. That’s the only way. But how.” He remembered seeing a Smallville High class ring on Clark’s finger, and he also remembered that the ring was made of red meteor rock. “Could that be why he’s acting so strangely?” Lex glanced down at the chunk of meteor he had salvaged, and tried to figure out why Clark was affected by it. “He can't be a meteor freak, they only usually have one power. No one else on Earth can do what I do. . .on Earth. Well, if he isn't from Earth, then he’s from. . .another planet! My best friend is an alien. If I were my father, I would go screaming it down the street, until someone believed me, but I'm not. I have to get him home, before he messes up big time. Metropolis isn't for him, it isn't for me, anymore.” More of Lex’s thoughts, as he decided how to get his friend home. During the next day, Lex was torn between telling the Kent’s where Clark was, and letting them handle it, or doing it himself. He walked around Metropolis, and during the afternoon, came across something which really cemented his decision. From an alley, Lex looked on, as Clark ripped into several ATMs, and then walked over to a car dealership, and bought a car, and also bought a date. Lex sighed, this wasn’t his friend, this was dangerous. “This has got to stop. Open your eyes, Clark. You’re throwing it all away.” He whispered to himself, and that, more then anything else, decided him. He would get Clark home, at any cost. That night, he went to the Westin club, and sure enough, he saw Clark. “Say, look whose back. Hey Luthor, get lost on the way to Littleville?.” Said a bartender. Clark snarled briefly at the town name, and then turned, and saw Lex looking at him. Lex turned, and walked away, down a side ally, hoping Clark would follow. He did, and as Lex led Clark to his car, he also slipped the green rock out from his coat. “What do you want, Lex. I told you, I’m not going home.” Lex took a big sigh, and then turned around and lunged at Clark. “Yes you are. Don’t underestimate us Luthors!” Lex yelled, shoving the rock onto Clark. Clark looked at Lex, shocked. “Lex. . .please, I’m your friend.” Clark said, trying to back away from Lex. Lex, however, pressed his advantage. “I hope you remember that, Clark.” Lex said, letting a brief second of sympathy show, before steeling his eyes. He dragged a weakened Clark to his car, hopped into the driver’s seat, and took off for Smallville. He arrived at the Kent Farm a little while later, and hopped out. As soon as Clark saw where he was, he came unglued. “LEX, I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS, NEVER. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? NEVER!” Clark yelled from the back seat, overcoming, momentarily, the effects of the krpytonite. Johnathan came out of the house. “Lex, back so soon?” “I have Clark, Mr. Kent.” Lex said, opening the back door. Johnathan saw Clark huddled in the back seat, a green glow coming from him. “What did you do, Lex?” Johnthan asked, coming closer. He may have been mad at Lex, but the sentimentality didn’t escape him. He leaned into the car, making sure to take the ring off first, and then grabbed the kryptonite, and chucked it towards the barn, making a note to grab it later. “I did what I had to. I’m not nearly as good a farmer as he is. And don’t worry, I won't tell anyone. I swear.” “Lex. . .tha. . .” Johnthan started, wondering how to thank the man he had despised for two years. “It's OK, Mr. Kent. I just hope you consider me part of the family.” Johnathan considered that for a lengthy amount of time. While he still didn’t implicitly trust the young Luthor, Lex showed promise. “Lex, you’re nothing like your father. I would've never seen that, if you hadn’t done what you did tonight.” Johnathan gave a mirthless laugh, and went on. “As for being part of the family, well, since you know about Clark, that would make you part of the family. But, I’m not opposed to it, if that’s what you meant.” Clark got up out of the backseat, and without the ring, he didn’t know what to do. *In the Kent House* Clark and Johnathan walked into the house, together. Lex hung back, but listened in. “OH! Clark. Welcome home baby” Martha said. “Hi Mom, oh I’m so sorry about everything, the baby, running away, the farm.” “Don’t worry I’m just glad your back home safe and sound.” Martha said in her concerned and homely way. “Martha aren’t you going to thank Lex, he is the one who brought him home.” At mention of his name, Lex came into the house. “Lex?” “Yes Mrs. Kent, I remembered that Kal gets sick around meteor rocks, and I put 2 and 2 together and I used one, to get him back.” “What do you mean by Kal, and the meteor rocks.” Martha said, playing stupid. “Don’t tell me that after all these years you don’t even know what your son can do. Because, after 2 years, I sure do.” “But. . .but. . .but..?” “Martha, Lex. . .he knows. He put it together, somehow.” Johnathan put in. “Don’t worry Mom, I know that Lex can keep my secret, just like Pete has.” “Pete knows, Clark?” Lex asked. “Well, yeah. He. . .um, kinda found my ship in the field. I had to tell him, cause he wanted to tell Chloe about the ship, and she would've printed an article about it.” “Your. . .sh. . .ship? So you’re rea. . .really from outer space? Can I see it?” Lex asked. Johnathan glared at Lex, while Martha put a hand on Clark’s shoulder, almost as if to make sure he didn’t take off again. “I destroyed it.” Clark whispered. Johnathan shook his head at Lex, making Lex bite back the questions he wanted to ask. “Lex, thank you for bringing Clark home, we need some Kent family time. Can you come back tomorrow?” Johnathan asked. “Of course, Mr. Kent. Clark, you may be stronger then me, but if you ever do that again, I’ll kick your ass from here to Granville.” Lex said, giving Clark a ‘big brother’ look. Clark, still not sure if he was staying, just smiled. “Goodbye, Lex. Thank you.” Martha said. Lex nodded, and then made his exit. *Lex’s mansion* We see Lex deleting all his files on Clark, as well as destroying his ‘secret’ room. “I know, now, who you are, Clark Kent, I’ll protect you as long as you need it. My father would destroy you, and I’ll never let that happen.” Lex vowed, taking a drink of Scotch. The next day, Lex made sure to get to the Kent farm early, and have some breakfast, as had become customary the past few months. He saw Clark sitting out on the steps, looking as lost as a puppy. He parked the car, and got out. “What's the matter, Clark?” he asked, sitting next to his friend. “I don’t know, Lex. I. . .I'm not sure I wanna be here. In Metropolis, I could be who I was, with no worrying about keeping secrets. Here. . .I can't. Well, unless. . .I were to tell Lana and Chloe.” “Your father won't like it. However, I can see where having them in on this would help. Ultimately, it is your decision to make, but listen to your father. Now, has Mrs. Kent made some of that wonderful breakfast?” “Lex, how did you end up working here?” Clark asked. “Well, about a month after you left, the farm was about to fall apart. I made your Dad an offer he couldn’t refuse, and here I am. Now that you’re back, I don’t think I can compete.” Lex answered, giving Clark a small smile. “Hey Lex, I didn’t think you’d be up with the birds today. Clark breakfast is ready. Why don’t you boys come in.” Mr. Kent said. ‘Like being part of a family’ Lex thought, getting up and tugging Clark with him. Clark, for his part, laughed. He wondered what changes his Mom and Dad had affected on Lex, because whatever it was, it was welcome. Lex seemed happy. After breakfast, Johnathan asked Clark and Lex to put up a fence out on the south side of the farm. Lex drove the truck he’d tried to give Clark for saving his life, out to that area. Clark rode shotgun, and the wood rode in the back. “I could’ve run here in half the time.” Clark grumbled. “My big dumb alien friend, what if someone saw you?” Lex countered, sneaking a glance at his friend. Now that he knew about Clark, he could see where the hero complex came from, and how he accomplished everything he did. “Clark, can. . .can I ask you some stuff?” “Sure Lex.” Clark got out of the truck, and grabbed a bunch of wood, and started driving them into the ground. “Well, what can you do? Besides heat beams and speed?” “X-ray vision. I’m also pretty much impervious to pain, unless, well. . .the green meteor rock is around.” “Where are you from?” Clark had finished the first batch, and started back to the truck for more. “A little place called Kokomo. . .” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “That was very good, Lex. We should stop for the day.” Garner’s voice brought him out of the trance-like state. “Thank you, doctor.” Lex said. He gathered his things, dried off, and put them on. He looked at his watch as he exited Summerholt, and saw it was 10 of 7. He called the Kents, and told them to make sure everyone was home, he was on his way. He climbed into his car, and roared off. *FOS* “Clark, I love you. I’ve always loved you. And I knew if I waited long enough, you would love me back.” Chloe said, leaning into Clark’s hug. They’d spent hours just laying there, on the ice bed, in complete harmony, talking about anything and everything. “Chloe, I know things didn’t go like we wanted them to. I know I was a big part of that, and I’m sorry.” Clark said, giving Chloe a big kiss on the nose. “Clark!” Chloe grinned, slapping his face. “Now I’m all wet!” “I’m not seeing that as a problem, Chloe.” “Clark. . .” Chloe began, starting to cry softly. “Hey, hey Chloe, what’s wrong?” Clark asked, concerned. “No. . .nothing, Clark. I just, I’ve imagined a day like this for longer then you could know. But I knew, as long as you stayed in Smallville, as long as Lana was in your sight, I would only be second best. This is my everything, Clark. I just don’t want it to ever end.” “It won't. It won't, ever, Chloe. You are my everything, trust me. My one and only. My heart. The one who didn’t run away from the true me. I. . .love. . .you. . .Chloe. . .Sullivan. . .” Clark said, kissing Chloe deeply with every word. They lay like that for a few more minutes, before Clark brought them back to the real world. “It’s time to go, Chloe.” Clark said. Chloe kissed him once. “I wish the real world would just stop hassling me, and you, and you, and me.” Chloe sang. Clark grinned. “Matchbox 20. Nice choice. Do I have to push you around? Or will you not argue with me and let us get back to the farm?” Chloe happily kissed him again. “I love you, Clark. I always have.” “I love you too, Chloe. I’ve always loved you. I’m so sorry I was an ass in high school.” Clark said. “Lets go, Superman. Destiny awaits.” They flew out, and towards the Kent farm, thoughts on what they’d find, what they’d decide, and what it meant for them. |
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| Snarky | Thu Oct 13, 2005 9:41 am Post #15 |
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Smallville Nut
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Excellent! A real page turner... ;) |
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| Tejesh | Sat Oct 15, 2005 11:57 pm Post #16 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 7: Forboding (the mystery man is revealed!) *********** “Mr. Luthor, I assure you, the men you’ve assigned for this task are well versed in what they do. They will not fail.” The scared man said, hoping he was right. “I hope so, for your sake, since you hand picked them. I would hate to see what would happen to you, should they fail.” Lionel Luthor said, turning to face his second in command. Ever since faking his own death and laying in stasis, Lionel had trusted this man, above everyone else, to run Lionel’s affairs. Sal Ramone had been his VP when Lionel ran Luthorcorp, but now that Lex ran that firm, he didn’t know who he could trust, and who he couldn’t. Sal had been monitoring Lex, and had reported back to Lionel’s head doctor when it appeared Lex had been once again let in on Clark’s secret. “Clark Kent’s one weakness is that he lives in the past. We will use that to entrap him, and save my life, and then make enormous profits for Luthorcorp.” Lionel had said moments before he had been put in stasis. Now it appeared he held all the cards. But, as they say, looks can be deceiving. *Kent Farm* Lex’s car roared to a stop just in front of the farmhouse, and he bolted out, running up the porch stairs, and knocking frantically. “Lex? What's wrong? Is it Clark? Is he OK?” Martha answered the door and fired questions off at Lex. “Everything’s wrong, it’s not Clark, he’s fine, he should be here very soon. Are Pete and Lana here? I don’t want anyone to leave this farmhouse until further notice, with obvious exceptions.” Lex said, walking in and shutting the door. “Lex, what's the commotion?” Johnathan asked, walking into the kitchen. Lex laid Clark’s research down onto the kitchen table. Once everyone read it, they all bombarded Lex with questions. “I don’t know. I really don’t. I had no idea my father was doing this. Clark has some answers, but he’s not here yet. Half hour past the time I told him to meet us.” Lex said, turning to look out the window. He saw a speck in the distance, which became progressively bigger, until Superman was visible, coming around behind the barn. “I think he just arrived.” Lex said, still in awe over all his friend could do. “You think so?” Johnathan said dryly. Lex smiled tightly, and then turned to the door as it opened, revealing Clark and Chloe. “You’re late.” Lex said, and Clark, and probably only Clark, picked up on a faint bit of worry, and tension, in Lex’s voice. “We. . .lost track of time?” Chloe said, grinning. “I don’t think I want to know.” Lex said. Clark grinned at him. “OK, well, we need to figure out what we’re going to do about this.” Lex said, holding up the research Clark had supplied. “You can say it, you know. I won't break. We need to figure out a way to deal with your father’s forboding return. Clark, you, and me, especially. He’ll be gunning for the three of us, you have to know that.” Chloe said, very calm. “I do know that, Chloe, and I promise you, he won't get close. To any of you.” Lex vowed. “Lex, this isn't like before. You don’t know what aces your father has up his sleeve. He could know my weakness, know my secret, use me to get you, use me to get all of you. This is what I’ve always been afraid of.” Clark said. “And this, I assume, is why I told you to not tell me your secret, Clark. My father is a dangerous man, when motivated. And he is motivated by one thing, the urge to live. I know this, he hasn’t done anything too radical, so we can assume his body is very near death. Give or take a month or two.” Lex said. “Lex, how does this affect your ownership of Luthorcorp?” Chloe asked. “Upon his offical death, I inherited all of Dad’s stock in Luthorcorp. Combined with mine, I own 82% of all outstanding shares. Even if Dad could somehow buy up everything on the open market, I could still out vote him 4 to 1.” Lex said. “I doubt Lionel would announce that he’s alive, Lex. He’s a fugitive, an outlaw. He’s wanted for murder, and attempted murder, and coersion, and various other crimes. I think he’s going to work behind the scenes, which makes him even more dangerous.” Clark said, thinking. “I could relocate all of you to the Fortress until Lionel dies.” He went on. “I refuse to hide, Clark. And Metropolis needs you, I need you. I might stray off the path again. In truth, Clark, you’ve kept me from becoming a totally evil person. Without you, I’m not sure what would stop me.” Lex said, a haunting look coming on his face. Clark looked at Lex, and was surprised to see a ghost, a shadow, of his former best friend. He’d thought he’d lost Lex that day so long ago. “So what do we do about Lionel, Lex?” Martha asked. Lex turned to her. “There is no we, Mrs. Kent, this is my battle, Chloe’s battle, and perhaps Clark’s, depending on what my father knows. Clark is right in one sense, none of us are safe while Lionel is out, operating, and so desperate. I suggest that until he makes a move, we go on with life as normal. Clark, Lois, go to the Planet the same as you always do, I’ll go into Luthorcorp, and we’ll go from there. If anything happens, or you need to reach me, call this number. It’s my personal cell phone, and only Clark’s had the number until now.” Lex said, a little pain slipping into his voice, which everyone could pick up on. Lex gave the number to Johnathan, Martha, and Chloe. “What about us, Luthor?” Pete asked. Lex bristled a bit at the name, and the tone, but this time, as before, only Clark picked up on it. “My father won't be gunning for you, but if it makes you feel better, here.” Lex said, handing them a copy of his number. “So we just sit and wait? What kind of a plan is that?” Chloe said. “Not much of one, I agree, but still, Ms. Sullivan, it’s the only plan available to us without tipping my father off that we know he’s alive.” Lex said. Clark hugged Chloe close to him, wiping her now brown hair away from her forehead. “He won't succeed in whatever he’s planning, I swear it.” Lex said, drawing the meeting to a close. He walked out the door, and got into his Porsche. Making the 2 hour drive into Metropolis, he parked in front of Summerholt, and got out. “Lex, come on in. I got your call, sorry you had business to deal with. Shall we?” Garner ushered Lex into the memory well. Lex stripped, and got onto the platform, which was lowered into the kryptonite solution. “Open your mind, Lex, let it wander. Don’t try to force anything. What comes, comes.” Garner’s voice, once again, was the gateway into his mind. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “But I don’t want to go with Dad, Mom. He’s always trying to control me. I’m scared of heights. I don’t want to go in the helicopter.” Lex said. “Lillian, don’t let him off the hook. Lex, you’re coming with me whether you want to or not. This is a perfect opportunity for you to see how I conduct business. And you will be flying, Luthor’s are afraid of nothing. We’re leaders, we are innovators. We do not get scared.” Lionel said. “Mom!” Lex whined. “That’s enough, Lex. Go with your father. At least you’ll be out of the house for a bit.” Lillian tried appealing to Lex’s adventorous side. “Yeah, in a town called Littleville. Sounds wonderful.” Lex said. “Give it a chance, Lex. And give me a hug before you go.” Lillian said. “You’re making him weak, Lillian. Lex, let’s go.” Lionel said. He walked out of the room. Lex ran and gave his Mom a big hug. “I love you, Lex.” She said, rubbing his hair. She loved his red, thick, full hair. “I love you, too, Mom.” He kissed her on the cheek and then ran to follow his father. They got into the helicopter, and then took off for Smallville. Lex kept his eyes shut the whole time. “This has got to stop. Open your eyes, Lex.” Lionel said. “I can’t!” Lex answered. “Luthors are not afraid. We don't have that luxury. We're leaders.” Lionel leaned in and put his arm around Lex’s shoulders. “You have a destiny, Lex. You're never going to get anywhere with your eyes closed.” “I’m scared.” “This helicopter is not landing until you look out the window, Lex.” Lex hesistatingly opening his eyes, looking out the window, and gasping, pulled his inhaler out and took a few shaking breaths. Lionel looked away, disgusted at the weakness of his son, and his asthma. The helicopter lands, and Lionel gets out, followed by Lex. “Don’t stray too far, Lex.” Lionel warned, walking towards the men waiting for him. “Mr. Ross!” Lionel calls. Lex, disinterested, wanders into the cornfield. “Help me.” A voice floats out of the corn. Lex, startled, turns towards where he thinks it is. “Huh?” “Help me, please.” Lex starts to run through the field, panicking and pulling out his inhaler. He trips, and falls, his inhaler rolling away from him. As he crawls, looking for it, the voice speaks again. “Hey, kid.” Lex looks up at him, stunned. He is tied up to the stake, a giant S painted on his chest. Lex takes several steps back. “Help me, help me, please.” Lex turns, seeing the meteors coming down, and begins to run as one crash lands a few feet away. The debris quickly overtake Lex, and he falls, screaming. The next thing he remembers is awakening in a hospital, with his father’s voice, as usual, booming in his head. “Lex, you shouldn’t have run away from me. What did I tell you?” Lionel’s voice is the first thing Lex hears. “Dad? Oh, Dad, I was so scared.” Lex says, very childlike. “Get a grip, Lex. As soon as you’re ready, we’re going back to Metropolis.” Lionel doesn’t notice a door opening, or the young child who walks in, looking around in wonderment. He crawls to Lex’s bed, and strokes his arm. Lex looks over at him. “What’s your name?” Lex asks. No answer. “Do you have a name?” Lex tried again. Still nothing. “What’s wrong with him, Dad?” Lex asked. “I don’t know, Lex. Maybe the meteors. Don’t worry about him, worry about you. You disobeyed me, Lex. I told you not to leave, and you did. And look what happened.” Lionel said. Johnathan came into the room. “I’m sorry, he seemed to crawl away before we knew he was gone.” He said, smiling embarrassingly, grabbing Clark and walking to the door. “He doesn’t talk much.” Lex said. “He’s kind of shy, and scared. I hope you feel better, Lex. Thanks for the offer, Lionel. I’ll be calling in a couple of days.” Johnathan said, walking out. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “That’s enough for today, Lex. We’re progressing very well. At this rate, it should be a couple of months until we break completely through the barrier of the electroshock therapy.” Garner said. “I don’t have a couple of months, doctor. We need to accelerate the process.” Lex said. “Lex, if we do more then 3 sessions per week, more then 2 back to back, this procedure could turn you into a vegetable.” Garner warned. “Increase the sessions, doctor. I am willing to take these risks. I want 5 sessions per week.” Lex said, walking out of the facility. He got into his car and sped off into the night. *Warehouse on west side of Metropolis* “Where are they, Sal? Where are Clark Kent and Lex Luthor?” Lionel snarled. “Clark is. . .here, sir. In Metropolis. So is Lex. We can't pin them any closer with this crude equipment. If we had better facilities, we could.” Sal said, shivering with fear. “This is the best I could do, and still remain anonymous. For now. Soon, Sal, soon we’ll regain Luthorcorp, and show Lex was true power is like, when properly harnessed. Soon!” Lionel sounded almost drunk with passion. “If you don’t mind my saying so, sir, you’re living on the edge. We don’t even know if this Kent boy has the answers you’re seeking.” Sal said, knowing every word could be his last. “No, Sal, Clark Kent is the answer. Possibly to many burning questions. And soon, we will know all the answers. SOON!” Lionel said. An outsider would call Lionel almost delusional. *Kent Farm* “Lot of good Luthor was, no plan, nothing.” Pete said. “He could’ve let his father come gunning for us with no hope of backup. Instead, he gave us a way to call him.” Johnathan said, defending Lex. “That’s right, instead of making sure we were OK, Lex could’ve had us hand delivered into his father’s hands. But he didn’t. I say we give Lex a chance, before passing judgement.” Martha said. “OK, who are you, and what’ve you done with my parents?” Clark asked. “We feel that Lex has changed, Clark, even in the two or so days since you recontacted him. He still murdered, killed over 100 people, but that’s the past. Lets see what he does now. He was a good boy, Lionel stipped him of that. Lets see how far his revenge takes him, countered by our morality.” Johnathan said. “We need to get back to Metropolis. Bye Pete, Lana, Mr and Mrs. Kent. Come on, Smallville.” Lois said. “Must you call me that, Chloe?” Clark grumbled. “Yes, I was from Metropolis, if you remember.” Was the last thing the people in the farmhouse hear. “Clark’s in for it.” Pete grinning. “And then some more.” Lana agreed. They, too, went up to bed. A little later, after re-reading Clark’s prinouts, so did his parents, worried about him, his friends, his reforming former best friend. And worried, most of all, by the forboding return of one Lionel Luthor. *********** And yes, as someone pointed on on ff.net, it's alot of people faking their own deaths, but I really needed to do that. Otherwise, you'd get one half-assed boring story. Both to read, and to write. |
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| Tejesh | Wed Oct 19, 2005 11:47 pm Post #17 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 8: Encounter The next day, Clark and Lois are hard at work in the newsroom, when Perry White calls them into his office. “Someone is on the phone for both of you. Take it in here.” Perry said. Clark picked up the receiver. “I know where you are, Clark. You will never be safe, again.” The voice said, hanging up. Clark looked downright petrified. After telling Lois what the caller said, Lois was also scared, but she kept a level head, somewhat. She tried to calm Clark down. “Clark, we don’t know who that was. Probably just a crank caller, or someone we’ve landed in jail. Clark, this doesn’t mean anything.” “I’m going to Luthorcorp, Lois. Stay low, please? For the day? Don’t do anything, stay in this building.” With that, Clark took off downstairs. “Fat chance, Smallville.” Lois said to Clark’s back, getting on her computer. She hacked into the phone records of the Daily Planet, and found out where the phone call came from. “53rd and Steiner. On the West Side, near Suicide Slums.” She copied the location down, and then popped into Perry’s office. “That phone call really freaked out Clark. I’m going to go trace it.” She said. “Where did Kent go?” Perry asked. “He went to talk to his friend. His powerful friend.” Lois said. “Lex???? I didn’t know they were friends. How close? Can you get an interview?” “They used to be friends back in Smallville. There was a big blow out, though, and they lost contact for 5 years. Clark recently called Lex, and they’re rebuilding their friendship, slowly.” Lois explained as much as she dared. “I can see this phone call is bothering you, Lois. You’re practically in a sprinter’s stance. Go. But don’t do anything stupid. You don’t know who this character is. Take Olsen with you.” “But. . .” “No buts, Lois. Take Olsen, or don’t go. Your choice.” Perry left no room for arguing. Lois stormed out of the office. “Let’s go, Olsen. And try not to slow us down.” She said, grabbing Jimmy and dragging him along. “Sure, but where are we going?” “Trace a phone call back to it’s origin.” Lois said. “Just what I’ve always wanted to do.” Jimmy grinned. *Luthorcorp* “I don’t really give a **** what Lex is doing, I need to see him right now.” Clark said, barging past Emily and into Lex’s office. “I’m sorry, Mr. Luthor, I tried to stop him. . .” Emily began. “It’s OK. I probably should’ve told you, Mr. Kent can see me at anytime.” Lex said. “Thank you, Mr. Luthor.” Clark said, eyeing Lex’s guest. “Clark, can you wait outside, though? I’ll be a couple more minutes.” Lex said. “Of course, thank you.” Clark said, walking back out. He trusted Lex, but not fully, so he x-rayed the office. Or tried to, but the walls were made of lead. Clark put his glasses back on, and tried puzzling it out. *Phone booth, corner of 53rd and Steiner* “So now what? We've been standing here for 15 minutes.” Jimmy said. “Now, we walk around, looking for anything suspicious.” Lois said, proceeding down 53rd street, towards Malback Avenue. “Whoa, Lois, that’s a really bad part of town. I wouldn’t go there.” Jimmy said, grabbing Lois from behind. “Kid, you gotta take chances to get results.” Lois said, silently adding “just look at the chance Clark took to get Lex back” “I’m going with you.” Jimmy said, hurrying along. “Suit yourself, Olsen.” Lois said. They walked down that street, and another, before coming upon Lionel’s warehouse. “Looks like someone major is financing this, but they don’t want it to look that way.” Jimmy said. “Yeah, but who?” Lois wondered. “Well, one way to find out.” Jimmy said, going inside. “Jimmy! No!” Lois said, about to go in. “Who are you, kid?” a sinster voice came from the darkness. Lois turned and ran to hide around the nearest building. “Jimmy, you better be able to talk your way out of this one.” She whispered. *Luthorcorp* “Clark, come on in. I’m just finishing up.” Lex said, coming out to personally usher Clark into his office. Lex then walked back inside. “Thank you, Mr. Smitter, we’ll be in contact.” Lex said, shaking the mans hand. Lex then grimaced in pain as he fell to the floor. |
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| Tejesh | Sat Oct 22, 2005 11:53 pm Post #18 |
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Moved In
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Chapter 9: Relief ********** Clark thought quickly, and ran to Lex’s bookcase. Choosing a book of medium weight, he took aim, and putting a little oomph on it, fired at Smitters head. Bullseye! The man fell to the floor, unconscious. Clark walked over to Lex, and felt for a pulse. It was there, but weak. “NO, Lex. You can't. Not now. Not after everything we’ve been through.” Clark said, desperately. He picked up Lex and ran out of the building. He got Lex to Metropolis General, and then went back to the Daily Planet. “Kent, good, you’re back. Now if only Lane and Olsen would get back.” Perry said. “Lane and Olsen, oh god.” Clark said, turning around and running back downstairs. “Wa. . .oh never mind.” Perry turned and went back into his office. Clark had changed into his Superman uniform, and was flying patrols around the city, looking for Lois and Jimmy. *Warehouse* “Who are you, kid?” a sinster voice came from the darkness. Lois turned and ran to hide around the nearest building. “Jimmy, you better be able to talk your way out of this one.” She whispered. Jimmy was very good at that, luckily for him. “Well, kid, I’m waiting.” The man said, still in the shadows. “I’m looking for Harry. I was told I could meet Harry here.” Jimmy said, trying to sound adult. “What did you want with Harry?” “I heard I could buy a fat pound of grass from Harry.” Jimmy said. Clark nearly fell out of the sky as he was listening in. “Harry’s not here. You must be in the wrong warehouse. Before you go, I’m going to have to search you.” The man came out of the darkness and Jimmy noted all his features, as he was patted down. The man came across a wad of bills. “Guess you were telling the truth. Now, beat it. Consider this payment for me keeping my mouth shut about your weed, kid.” The guy said, walking deeper into the warehouse. Jimmy smiled and walked out. Superman descended. “We need to talk, Olsen.” *Metropolis General* “Mr. Luthor, we don’t know what it was that was injected into you. As such, we recommend you cease any medications you may be taking, and stop seeing any outside physcians. Until your bloodwork comes back, at least.” His doctor told him. “How long will that take, doctor?” Lex asked, already more then a little peeved. “A week to 10 days.” The doctor said. “TEN DAYS??? No, Doctor Williams. The blood work will take 12 to 24 hours. And not a second longer. Is that clear?” “Mr. Luthor, please. Blood work of this type takes a long time. What you’re asking is just impossible.” “Listen to me, doctor. If the blood work is not here by this time tomorrow, well, let’s just say you and your family better hope and pray it is. Have a nice day.” Lex said, walking out of the office. The doctor sighed and went to the parking lot, having a long drive ahead of him to get to a lab. *street outside the Planet* “I’ll be in touch, Lois, Jimmy. Just consider yourself lucky you’re Clark Kent’s friends, or I would run you in for trespassing, illegal drug traficking, and whatever else I could make stick. Ah, there’s Mr. Luthor. I think I’ll go have a few words with him.” Superman said, flying across the street. “Superman, I’m busy.” Lex said, trying to keep up appearances. “Luthor, you can never be too busy to hear from justice.” Superman said. “I’m fine, 7 o’clock tonight.” Lex whispered while Superman was talking. “Very well, Luthor. Since you have been co-operating with me, I’ll let you off with a warning. But beware, crossing me repeatedly is not a good idea. Good day.” Superman took off for an ally, to change back into Clark. Lex went to his parking garage, and taking his Porsche, sped off for the farm. Clark walked back inside the Daily Planet. “LOIS LANE! JIMMY OLSEN! What the HELL do you think you were doing?” Clark yelled, rounding on his two friends. “Clark. . .we were tr. . .that is, we wante. . .” Jimmy tried. “Lois? Do you have a better explanation then that?” Clark turned to her. “Yes. Just like my cousin, we were trying to help you out. But, being a big, thickheaded macho-man, you refused it.” Lois said, barely keeping her temper in check. “YOU MEAN, just as usual, I had to come make sure nothing had happened to you.” Clark said, emphasizing the *I*. “You know what, you’re right. You told me not to go, and I did. Excuse me for caring for a friend.” Lois said, walking out of their office. “I know you’re mad, CK, but Perry told me to go with her.” Jimmy tried to smooth out his part of the action. “None of you should’ve gone. She shouldn’t have gone because she knows that whoever that person is, he is very dangerous. You shouldn’t have gone because you’re too young to be involved with him. Bad things happen when he’s around. Trust me, I’ve seen it, firsthand.” Clark said. “You know who he is? Why didn’t you say anything? Perry needs to know, it’ll be the story of the year, I know it.” Jimmy said. “NO! And Jimmy, you won't tell him I know. Please, as a friend, let it go. I can't say much, but my friends, we need the tactical advantage of this guy not knowing we know he’s alive. Trust me when I say this scoop could cost at least 3 of your friends.” Clark said, trying to reason with the teen. “OK, Clark. I guess I have no choice but to trust you. You will let me in on this, though, right?” “Not if I can help it, no. Trust me when I saw you want no part of this.” Jimmy’s face fell, but he knew that if Clark could, he would tell him. So Jimmy left. Lois walked back in, and shut the door. “You KNOW what kind of trouble Lionel Luthor can cause, what the HELL were you doing, *Chloe*?” Clark said, softly, but his voice was firm. “Yes, I know. I also know how close he was to figuring you out. Maybe he has. Maybe he’s gotten to Lex, already. Maybe Lex is working with his father.” Chloe said. “Ah, OK. So instead of staying outside of this, just in case I do get captured, and figuring out a way to rescue me, you decided to risk captivity yourself. Very well done.” Clark said, clapping slowly. “I am an adult now, Clark Jerome Kent. I do not need your protection. I didn’t have it when I did need it, and now that I don’t, you’re offering it.” Chloe said, not thinking about what she was saying. “FINE! GET OUT, LOIS! IF YOU DON’T NEED ME, THEN GO AWAY!” Clark shouted. Chloe looked absoultely stunned as she replayed her own words in her head. “No. . .Clark. I didn’t mean. . .” she began. “Get out, Lois. Just get out.” Clark said, head down on his desk. “Clark, I’m sorry. I really am.” Chloe said, softly shutting the door on her way out. *Kent Farm* “Lex, this is a surprise. Clark’s at work. Can I help you?” Johnathan said, greeting Lex at the door. “I recovered an interesting memory yesterday, Johnathan. Seems you needed to call my father about something. What could that be?” Lex said, flooring Johnathan. “Lex. . .that was. . .that was the one thing I wish I could take back. It was the day of the meteor shower. Your father, he flagged us down when we were bringing Clark and his ship over here. He was distraught, you were in the corn field, shivering, and you were. . .you didn’t have. . .” Johnathan said. “Hair. That was the day I lost my hair.” Lex finished for him. “Yeah. He wouldn’t touch you, Lex, he just kept going on about your hair. I lifted you up, and ran you back to my truck. We brought you to Smallville Medical. I was thinking about Clark, about how we needed to circumvent the system. Lionel offered us a favor, in gratitude, I thought at the time, for saving your life. I was mistaken. When I cashed that favor in, he blackmailed me into . . . convincing the Ross family to sell their land to him. I was directly responsible for what happened to Pete’s family, and I helped the your family get the foothold they needed in Smallville.” Johnathan recounted, sitting, falling, down in a chair. “Is that why you hated me?” Lex asked, finally getting the answer to that burning question was important. “Yes.” A simple word, but one that spoke volumes. “You thought I’d become my father and take advantage of you, like he did.” Lex supposed. Johnathan shook his head. “I thought it was inevitable. I thought you'd take advantage of Clark and his friendships. I wasn’t going to let that happen, Lex.” Johnathan said. “Mr. Kent, I would've never done that. Clark was the one person, who despite everything, stood by me. I would never repay loyality like that with deceit. Not then, not now.” “No, but now, those who aren’t loyal to you, end up dead.” Johnathan said. Lex sighed. That was very true. Lex didn’t like it, but he had ended up going down his father’s preordained path, step by step. And now, he was trying to fight back, uphill. It wasn’t easy for him. “I have to go back to the office now. I’ll be back for dinner.” Lex said, heading out the door. “Lex.” Johnathan called. Lex turned around. “I’m glad I was wrong about you. If not for your father’s actions, you would've been a great ally for my son. I hope you get your second chance.” “Thank you, Mr. Kent.” Lex said, nodding once. He gave a smile, a rare smile, and then got into his car. *Daily Planet* “Clark, I need those files on Sal, please.” Lois approached slowly. Clark just reached onto his desk, grabbed a folder, and held it out for her. “Clark, please say something.” Chloe pleaded. “You wouldn’t like what I said.” Clark retorted. Chloe took the folder, and, shoulders slumped, went back to her desk. “You can't stay mad at her forever, Clark.” Jimmy said. “You'd be surprised.” Clark answered. “I've never seen you and Lois like this, Clark. Bickering, yes. But never full blown fighting. What did she say to you?” Jimmy asked. “Don’t concern yourself, Jimmy. Just make sure she doesn’t do anything that stupid again. And don’t you, either.” Clark said. 10 minutes later, Clark could feel the unyielding tension, and he snapped a pencil in frustration, grinding it into dust. “Perry! I’m clocking out early.” Clark called, already on his way to the door. “Clark, before you go, could I see you real quick?” Perry asked. Clark changed direction and went into Perry’s office. “Is everything OK, Clark? I know you and Lois had a major fight today. Is there anything you want to talk about?” Perry asked. “No, not really. Thanks, though, Perry.” Clark said. “Anytime, Clark. You two are the backbone of this newspaper. Beyond that, you’re my friends. And you’re friends with each other. I wouldn’t want to see that friendship end.” Perry said. “It won't. Believe me, it won't.” Clark said, walking out of the office. He made sure no one was looking, and then supersped off, heading for the farm. Once he got there, he went directly into the loft, and sat on the beat up old couch. “Dammit!” he cursed, grabbing the nearest thing, a football, and hurling it out the window, full strength. “I’ll call Canada, and tell them to expect a long distance touchdown.” Lana said, climbing the loft stairs. “Lana. I’m sorry, I got into a fight with Chloe and Jimmy.” Clark said, sitting down. “No, it’s OK. I understand. What happened?” Lana asked. “Just them putting themselves in a stupid situation.” Clark said, sighing. “If you’re sure it's OK, maybe you could come out to the north side? Pete’s been trying to help your Dad get the tractor onto a block for hours.” Lana smiled. Clark supersped downstairs, right past Lana. “Still not used to that.” Lana said. “Or comfortable.” Clark supplied. “You don’t mix words anymore, do you?” “No, no I don’t.” Clark answered. “Clark, I didn’t mean to freak out on you.” “No, but you did mean to leave the midwest a couple of years after I told you.” Clark said. Lana didn’t have much to say to that. Clark just nodded. He supersped over to Pete, and smiling, lifted the tractor over his head, and put it down on the ledge. “Thanks, Clark. We've been here forever.” Pete said. “Lana told me.” Clark said. “Look, Clark, I know Lana freaked on you, but don’t you think she deserves a chance?” Pete asked. “Frankly, no, Pete, I don’t. She blamed me for her parents death. Do you know how much that hurt? And then, even when she did come around, she still acts different around me. She wanted the truth forever, and I kept telling her she couldn’t handle it, but she kept insisting. And then, when I did tell her, what does she do? The one thing I was afraid of. So no, she doesn’t deserve a chance.” Clark said. Pete didn’t know what to say to that. Clark was right, but, on the other hand, Lana was his wife. Choosing sides was never Pete’s thing, but especially now. So he decided to be quiet. Johnathan also chose to not lecture his son (again) on the perils of telling people his secret. *Luthorcorp* “So, you see, Mr. Luthor, we cannot survey the entire west side of Metropolis. It would cost too much, and we don’t have the manpower.” His chief of security was saying. “Well then, FIND a way to do it. I want the entire west side of Metropolis blanketed. I want to know if a mosquito sneezes at 3am tomorrow night! You WILL find a way, Mr. Jones, or else the consequences will be severe for your daughter. I understand she’s turning 18 tomorrow. We wouldn’t want that very happy occasion to be ruined, would we? I believe we have an understanding.” Lex said. Lex needed to know what his father was up to, and this was the only way he could. Lex went back around his desk, and sat down. “When, Dad? When are you going to make your move? And where? And how can I prevent it?” He wondered. He didn’t know it was already happening, and literally blocks from where he currently sat. He turned to his computer, and, logging into the Luthorcorp website, drilled down to a detailed map of the west side, and Suicide Slums. “Where are you? How could you do this without me knowing?” *Kent Farm* “Clark, why don’t you go rest for a couple of hours, sweetie? You’ve had a busy few days.” Martha said, noticing Clark brooding in the living room. “You know, that may be just what I need. I’m gonna go take a nice hot bubble bath.” Clark said, heading upstairs. Lana came downstairs just as he was going up, but Clark didn’t even acknowledge her. “Is Clark really mad at me?” Lana wondered. “No, sweetie. He’s just upset that you didn’t take the news about his origins as well as the others did. He’s very sensitive when it comes to Krypton and his heritage.” Martha said, opening the oven and taking out an apple pie. “But he killed my parents.” Lana said. “MY SON DID NOT KILL YOUR PARENTS! Why don’t you grow up beyond this childish need to blame someone for all of your tragedies and open your eyes? Clark is one of the most thoughtful, kindhearted people you could ever meet. Look at what he’s done for Pete, doing for Lex.” Johnathan yelled, walking into the house. Lana huffed, and walked outside, breaking down in tears. Pete, who heard the whole thing, went inside. “Her parents death resonates with her, Mr. Kent. You could’ve been a little more gentle.” “I am TIRED of Lana blaming Clark for that. Do you think Clark murdered Lewis and Laura?” “No, I don’t. But she needs someone to blame.” “So, you’re going to let her blame your best friend?” “No. . .I. . .I’ll talk to her later.” Pete went into the living room. Johnathan went back outside. “Johnathan, come inside and rest, honey. Have some pie.” Martha called. “I can't, Martha. Someone’s got to feed the cows, they won't feed themselves.” Johnathan said. *Metropolis* “I want my son under constant surveilance, Frank. Every move he makes, report it back to me. The time is close at hand to reveal ourselves.” Lionel said. “Mr. Luthor, the job you ordered is almost ready to be attempted.” Frank said, having just gotten a call to that effect. “Thank you, Frank. Phase one will soon be complete. How soon until phase two is completed?” “It should be a week, maybe 10 days.” Frank said, cowering slightly. Lionel clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, Frank. Greatness was not built in a day. The ancient Babylonians did not build their empires overnight. Time, it seems, is on our side. Lex still has not figured me out. A grave oversight, and that will be his downfall.” Lionel said. *Kent Farm* Lex’s Porsche roared to a stop in the dirt driveway, and out stepped the man himself, walking towards the house. He heard sniffling from the barn, so he changed directions, and headed that way. He walked up to Clark’s loft, and found Lana on the couch, crying. “Lana, what’s wrong?” Lex asked. “Nothing, and yet, everything.” She said. “Let me guess. You finally had the “why did you go nuts on my son” talk with Johnathan and Martha?” “Something like that. Clark got into the act, as well.” “You know, I don’t blame them. You were a close friend, and one, as I may point out, who repeatedly kept on pursuing the truth. Without being prepared for the consequences. When you want the truth, Lana, make sure you’re prepared, as Clark put it, for every contingency. Clark is not the same bumbling farm boy we left, he’s a man, much smarter then we give him credit for. He IS Superman, the most celebrated hero of our time. Much as I still struggle with that, it is a fact. And a relief. As I've told him, I’m not sure exactly how far down I would've gone were it not for him. Both his identities.” Lex tried to council her. “I suppose. I do know he didn’t kill my parents, but. . .” “It’s easier to go on when you have something tangible to blame? My advice, reconsider that. After losing Mom, Dad never relented with me, blaming me for us never being a normal family. For killing Julian.” Lex said, a haunted look coming into his eyes. “But you didn’t know what you were doing.” Lana said. “And how old was I?” “12?” “Yes. I was 12. And how old was Clark when he arrived on Earth? How could he have been to blame?” “Clark was. . .Clark was 3! Oh my god! I’m such an idiot!” Lana exclaimed. Lex nodded. “I’ll leave you to work it out for yourself.” He walked down the loft stairs. “Lex.” She called out. He turned. “Thank you.” He smiled, and then continued out. He walked into the farmhouse, and saw Pete sitting in the living room, Martha in the kitchen, and Johnathan and Clark were missing. “Did I miss something?” Lex asked. “Lex! Hi. Just a little family squabble. Nothing too extravegant.” Martha said, handing him a cookie. “Yes, that’s why Lana was crying in the loft. That’s why 5 different people, 5 close people, are in 5 different locations. Nice try, though.” Lex said, biting into the cookie. “Excellent. Did you make this yourself?” “Yes, Lex. Old home recipe.” Martha smiled. Lex walked to the fridge and took out the milk bottle. He went to take a gulp. Martha smacked his hand. She took the bottle out of his hand, and poured him a glass. “What is it with men and manners?” She wondered aloud. “We don’t have any, Mom. Let me guess, Lex, she caught you drinking out of the milk bottle?” Clark asked, smiling as he walked into the room. “Anyway, I think we need to gather the different factions into one room, so we can talk about our. . .situation.” Lex said, deciding to ignore Clark. “I’ll get Lana.” Pete said. “No need, I’m here.” Lana said, through the screen door. Clark got a pained look on his face. Lana came into the room. “Clark, I’m sorry. I. . .I know you didn’t mean for the meteor shower to happen. I. . .I don’t know why I blamed you. I guess I’ve always been defensive when it comes to my parents. Forgive me?” “There’s so much water under the bridge, Lana. Forgiveness won't be instant, but yes, in time, it’ll happen.” Clark said, thinking his answer through very carefully. “I guess that’s the best I can expect.” Lana said. “Now that that’s done, we get down to the nightly Lionel/scheme briefings.” Lex said, taking out a map of Metropolis. “My information has Lionel somewhere on the west side of the city, possibly in or near Suicide Slums. Definitely operating under the radar of normal people, probably with limited funds.” “How dangerous can he be under those circumstances, Lex?” Johnathan asked, coming in and grabbing a cookie. “Very. Don’t ever underestimate a Luthor. Especially a caged Luthor. We are dangerous people.” Lex said. “You almost sound proud of that.” Pete noted. “I am. When not taken to extremes, the survival instinct can be a very useful, very profitable tool.” Lex said. “And you would know about taking it to extremes.” Pete said. “I’m sorry, I seem to not be getting my point across. I am *helping* you right now.” Lex said, tiring of Pete’s attitude. “Is it because you genuinely care, of because you love going up against your father?” Pete asked. “The truth? A little bit of both. More the former, but yes, the latter plays a small part in it. I don’t want anymore casualities to occur, in this chess match between myself and my Dad. The fact you’re all Clark’s friends, that makes it hurt even more. And makes me more determined to make sure nothing happens to you.” Lex said. Suddenly, their attention was drawn to a car door slamming outside. “Clark, she's gone! I tried to stop them, but I couldn't! CLARK!!!” Jimmy yelled. Clark came out “Jimmy, take it easy, who's gone?” “. . .” |
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| Tejesh | Wed Oct 26, 2005 8:54 pm Post #19 |
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Moved In
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Anyone out there? |
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| Tejesh | Tue Nov 1, 2005 7:41 pm Post #20 |
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Moved In
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*shrugs* Chapter 10: Determination ***************** “Lois! I tried to stop them, Clark, I really did. You gotta believe me. They had guns, they told me to get on the ground. I tried, Clark.” Jimmy was near hysteria, and he started to cry. Clark pulled him in for a hug. “Not your fault, Jimmy. She knew the risks of getting involved.” Clark said, his own eyes moist with guilt resonating through his whole body. The last things they’d said to each other. . .he wouldn’t let that be his last memory of Chloe. He would do everything he could to find her. “I couldn't help but overhear. Clark, Jimmy, I'll do everything in my power to bring Lois home safely.” Lex said, walking onto the patio. He looked at his friend, and saw a variety of emotions on his face. Grief, sorrow, regret, anguish, and anger. Anger at himself, possibly even Lex. Definitely a feeling of pain and regret, because as Lex knew, Clark blamed himself for everything bad that happened, whether the blame was deserved or not. Certainly not, in this case, if who they suspected had anything to do with Lois’s disappearance. “. . .Mr. Luthor! I didn’t know you would be here!” Jimmy exclaimed. “Relax, Jimmy. Clark and I go way back. Right, Clark?” Lex said. Clark smiled and nodded. “He’s one of your friends you’re working with on that secret project.” Jimmy stated, putting two and two together. “Yes, I am. How much do you know about that?” Lex asked, narrowing his eyes. Clark elbowed him. “Lay off, Lex. No need to scar the kid.” “I don’t know much. Just what Clark told me. I don’t want to get involved with this guy, he is major bad news, and Clark refuses to bring me in on this.” “Clark is very smart to do that. You don’t want to get involved with this guy.” Lex assured Jimmy. “Speaking of which, Lex, what about that poison? Are you sure you’re 100% all right?” Clark asked, looking steadily at his friend. “I don't think whoever it was wanted to harm me, Clark, or they would've used a poison. Just have me knocked out for some time.” Lex says. “Lex, I don’t think so. I think this man wanted to use you for something, and still may have some hold on you. I think it would be very prudent for you to come live at the castle for a few days.” “Much as I'd like to, Clark, that time in my life is over.” Lex responded. “Are you kidding me? What the HELL are you doing here, then? Huh? Answer that, LEX.” Clark said, getting mad. “I am here, Clark, helping you and your friends stay outside of this mans reach. However, I cannot run Luthorcorp and live here in Smallville.” Lex said. “Even if living in Metropolis may end up costing you your LIFE?” Clark said, yelling the last word. “YES! Dammit, Clark, you don’t understand. I can't be seen as running from a potential threat.” “Why? Is that because Luthor’s don’t run? They butt heads and end up in hospitals, don’t they?” Clark asked. Lex sighed. “Don’t do this, Clark. Please don’t.” Lex said. “Don’t do what? From what I can see, Clark is just concerned about a friend, and said friend is being too stubborn to listen.” Jimmy put in. Clark raised an eyebrow. “Um. . .” Clark started, when Lex cut in. “Yes, Clark is concerned about me. And I appreciate that. However, I cannot run from any threats, that would make me appear weak. And this isn't out to the general press yet, none of this. All that is known is that I am a close personal friend of the Kents. When the news about the poisoning does break, my PR people will spin it so that it won't appear dangerous.” Lex said. Clark shook his head, and walked into the farmhouse. “Mr. Olsen, I think it would be wise for you to depart. We will do everything in our power to get Lois out and safe.” Lex said. “NO WAY! Lois is my friend! I’m going to help with this. Try and stop me!” Jimmy was standing up to Lex. Lex nodded. “Such proud determination. In this case, Jimmy, I have to agree with Clark. This is not something you want to get involved in. Trust me, it's not a good idea.” Lex said. Jimmy dejectedly nodded, and headed for his car. However, Lex knew that Jimmy wouldn’t give up so easily. After all, he reminded Lex a bit of himself at that age. Lex watched Jimmy slowly drive down the driveway. Once the car cleared viewing range, Lex turned, and alone, walked into the farmhouse. “Don’t worry, Lex, he’s going. Not stopping.” Clark said, staring out the window, into the night. “OK, well, once you’re satisfied to that effect, we should get down to business.” Lex said, taking a seat at the table. “We can't start without Lois, Lex.” Pete said. “Lois is not available. I suspect my father has kidnapped her. Not knowing, of course, that Lois Lane is, in fact, Chloe Sullivan. If he knew that, many things would change. As it stands, we need to get Lois back before she slips, or my father learns the truth.” Lex said, as if he were simply discussing the weather, and not a life. “How can you just stand there, knowing, by your own admission, one of your closest friends is in the hands of a physco? And how can you do that without sounding the least bit broken up about it?” Lana asked. “Emotions will not help us in locating Lois. They can only serve to hinder us.” Lex said. Clark and Johnathan were nodding, agreeing with Lex. “You agree?” Pete asked. “In this case, yes. Lionel feeds on perceived weakness, and he perceives emotions to be the sure sign of weakness.” Clark said. “So what are we going to be doing?” Pete asked. He was almost as eager as Clark and Lex to rescue Chloe from Lionel’s clutches. “I think, until we get some sort of idea of what Lionel wants, we can't do anything. We still, believe it or not, have the edge here. Lionel doesn’t know we know he’s alive.” Johnathan put in. “So what do you propose we do about Chloe, then?” Lex asked. “As much as I hate to say this, nothing.” Johnathan said. “You can do nothing all you want. I’m going to go rescue Chloe. Pete, you with me?” Clark said, getting up. Lex got up and interjected himself between the door and Clark. “Clark, you’re not thinking with your head. You can't just go barging into Metropolis blindly and rip doors off every building until you find my father and Chloe. And I hate to even bring this up, but she’s betrayed you once, to him. What if she’s working for him again?” “First of all, I know where Lionel’s base of operations is. Secondly, Chloe would never do that again, because she double-crossed Lionel Luthor. She knows that Lionel would kill her immediately after getting whatever she could offer.” Clark said. “I’m not letting you go, Clark.” “Get out of my way, Lex.” “YOU CAN'T DO THIS! WE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EDGE!” Lex yelled. “Look at what your edge got us so far, Luthor!” Clark yelled back. Lex’s face showed a brief pained look at Clark’s use of just his last name, but he covered it quickly. “The edge, Clark, is our advantage. You can't blow it recklessly. You don’t know how much my father knows. If he knows your weakness, and you go barging down there, whereever he is, he’ll capture you, too. Then what good will you do?” Lex thought he’d finally gotten through to Clark, until Clark picked Lex up, and moved him out of his way. Lex scrambled to get back in front of Clark. “Short of throwing me across the house and breaking my legs, you’ll not leave this house over my body!” Lex exclaimed. Clark saw all the determination that Lex used to have, the determination of beating his father, of making his own legacy, that was back. Clark, however, was seeing red. He had his own determination, to be there when Chloe really needed him to be. He shrugged, and picked Lex up. “HAVE IT YOUR WAY!” Clark yelled. |
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2:59 AM Jul 11