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Confrontation
Topic Started: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:12 pm (1,848 Views)
Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 11: Solved (in which Jimmy pulls a Chloe circa Junior Year)
***********

“CLARK!!! Son, you can't do this! Clark!” Johnathan yelled, grabbing one of Clark’s arms, in a futile effort to stop his enraged son.

“Clark, please. I know you’re upset, I am too! We’ll get Lois back, Clark. But not like this. Not if all of us are fighting amongst each other. Clark, this isn’t helping.” Lex said, suspended in mid-air. He was honestly scared for his life, he'd never seen Clark this out of control, not even when they were facing off as Lex Luthor and Superman.

“N. . .No! We have to save her now! You don’t get it, if Lionel finds out Lois is Chloe, he’ll kill her! I can't let it end like this!” Clark wailed, putting Lex down and slumping over.

“Like this? What happened, Clark?” Lex asked, rubbing his arms to alleviate some of the pain.

“Chloe and I. . .we had. . .a major blowout. I can't let her die with that being my last memory of her, Lex. I can't!” Clark said, desperation creeping into his voice.

“It won't, Clark. I promise. We’ll get her away from Lionel.” Lex said. A knock sounded on the door.

"OK, Clark, open it up. Lionel's demands are on the other side." Lex positioned himself to jump on whoever was at the door. Chloe was a friend of his, and one he'd saved before, he wasn't going to stand by and let his previous hard work go to waste.

“CLARK!!” Chloe yelled, jumping on him. Clark’s arms went around her, and he kissed her passionately.

“Oh, Chloe! I was so worried.” Clark said, spinning them around. Everyone smiled, and Lex even let a ghost of a smile out. He and Clark would definitely be talking about Clark’s ability to fly off the handle, and his penchant for tossing Lex around, but for now, Chloe was all that was important.

“Clark is very. . .one track minded when he wants to be, Ms. Sullivan. I am very glad to see you unharmed, and apparently in good shape. I am puzzled, however, as to how you got away from my father.” Lex said.

“I never saw Lionel. Not once. Good thing, too, or I might've given up the whole game. I doubt he would've let me go to come back and “warn” you that he’s alive. But it’s funny, I assume that Lionel ordered this, but all this kidnapper wanted was for me to sign a card.” Chloe said, still locked tightly in Clark’s arms. Clark gave her another fierce kiss once she was finished talking.

“A card? What kind of card?” Lex asked. Chloe had to wait until Clark decided it was time to answer the question. Not that she minded much. She was enjoying the look on Lana’s face. Even married to Pete, Lana still got jealous when she got Clark. Chloe roared a bit, knowing it would not be heard.

“I’m not sure. From Lois with Love. That’s what this guy ordered me to write. Said that if I did that, I could walk, scot free, and I did. The strangest thing ever.” Lois did sound weirded out, and bewildered.

“So my father has a plan, and from all we know, it’s a very complex plan, and it somehow needed Lois to sign a gift card, or a greeting card. Be wary of any gifts you may receive, everyone. At least for the next few days.” Lex said.

“So what do we do about Lionel?” Pete asked.

“Once again, nothing. He’s prepping for some big operation, that much I know. He has to be, it's what I would be doing if I was in his place. Something to do with the three of us.” Lex said, pointing to Clark and Chloe.

“Once more, I think it would be very prudent for you to come back to the mansion, Lex. at least for a week.” Clark said.

“OK, Clark. All right. I’ll come back to the mansion. For all the good it’ll do. There is no where on Earth where any of us would be safe from my father, you know that.” Lex said.

“Actually, there is. The Fortress of Solitude, and there’s a secret room in the caves, where I’ve stocked some emergency supplies.”

“You mean the room where Kal-El put the crystals? Isn't that dangerous, Clark?” Johnathan asked.

“Not anymore, Dad. Jor-El seems to be gone.”

“Well, I don’t think we need quite that much safety, Clark. Disappearing would only alert my father, that his game of hiding is up. No, I still think it would be best for us to go on as normal.” Lex said.

“I don’t like that plan, anymore, Lex. Your father just proved he can get to any one of us anytime he wants to. And despite your best intentions, you can't be everywhere at once.” Chloe said. She had finally convinced Clark to let her go, and was sitting at the table, eating one of Martha’s famous apple pies.

“Do you see now why I didn’t want you to get involved with that phone call, Chloe?” Clark asked.

“Yes, Clark. I do. That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t do it again, I would.”

“Well, at least we found Lionel’s base of operations through your escapades. But still, Chloe, the risk wasn’t anywhere near worth the reward.” Clark said.

“What phone call? And I still don’t know where my father’s hiding, Clark, Chloe.”

“Someone called Clark at the Planet, and said “I know where you are, Clark. You will never be safe, again.” Clark went to see you, and I went to trace the call.”

“So how did Jimmy get involved in this?” Lex asked.

“He knows about Jimmy?” Chloe turned to Clark. She wasn’t happy about Clark blabbing everything to Lex, and her facial expression matched that.

“I didn’t tell him a word of any of this.”

“Jimmy was here, he was behind you or something when you were taken. He came straight here, and told Clark. I overheard, and promised I’d do everything I could to find you. He knows something about us working together, but nothing specific. I’d like to keep it like that. We don’t need him getting involved in any of this.” Lex said, an implied warning to both Clark and Chloe, not to give anything else to Jimmy.

*Jimmy’s room*

Jimmy, however, was no slouch when it came to investigative reporting, and especially when it came to snooping in other people’s affairs. Much like Chloe at his age, Jimmy had an insatiable desire to know everyone’s secrets, especially when the people he was investigating were his friends. And so, he was not butting out, but charging in, head first, eyes closed.

“All the weirdness with CK and Lois began with the buildings. So that’s where I have to start, to figure it out. Sal something or other buying up buildings, that’s when this all started. And when did CK and Lex meet, before Metropolis? And what was the blowup about? And why is CK all of a sudden overly concerned about Lois? They’ve been friendly, but not like this. And who is this mysterious man they keep mentioning? And why is he so dangerous?” Jimmy wrote it all down, determined to puzzle this out. He turned to his computer, starting where Clark and Lois had started, a few days ago. Researching the buildings on the west side of Metropolis.

“Lets see here. The Ford building, The Manford building, The Sanders building, and the warehouse on 53rd and Kopland. What’s the link? Sal Ramone did all the buying, but ever since Luthorcorp was turned over to Lex, Sal’s been a freelance buyer. Working for Queen Industries, Wayne Enterprises, and the new Luthorcorp. So where is the link? Deeper, the Ford building went for $20 mil under market, Manford sold for $10 under, Sanders sold for essentially nothing, and the warehouse where Lois and I were. . .market value was 500 G, and Sal got it for 50. So someone had to have dirt of all of these people, to coerce them into selling for pennies on the dollar.” Jimmy thought out loud. On a hunch, Jimmy Googled the names Ford, Manford and Sanders.

“The one link binding these three men together is. . .Lionel Luthor. But he died a month ago. So there’s got to be something going on. Either Lex is the mystery man, and therefore he is who everyone, himself included, is warning me about, which makes no sense. The other possibility, Lionel Luthor is somehow alive. Which makes a lot more sense.” Jimmy nodded, accepting this as fact.

“One mystery solved, two big ones to go. Now for this rift between Clark and Lex. First I have to find out when they first met. CK’s lived in Smallville all his life, so Lex HAS to have been there at one point.” Jimmy smiled, and with his press credintals, he would have no problem getting into the Smallville Ledger’s website.

“Local Boy Saves Boy Billionaire” was the headline that screamed out at him. A picture of a much younger Clark and Lex was on the front page. He clicked for the story.

“Local teen, Clark Kent, saved the life of Lex Luthor, boy billionaire, and heir to the Luthor Empire. According to police reports, Luthor was driving at least 20 mph over the speed limit, when a truck passed by, and a barbed wire post rolled loose. Luthor ran over the piece of wood, swerved out of control, and narrowly missed Kent. Kent then dove in, got Luthor out of the car, and performed CPR until authorities could arrive on the scene.

“He’s a hero, he saved my life.” Luthor was quoted as saying.

“I just did what anyone in my position would've done. I’m not a hero, I’m just someone who happened to be in the right place, at the right time.” Kent said. No charges will be pressed, and no arrests have been made as of this time.”

Jimmy pondered the article. Surely that was the beginning of their friendship. So what ended it? He doubted that would be in any papers. Jimmy then did a search for Clark Kent and Lois Lane, to see what, if anything, would account for the sudden drastic change in Clark’s treatment of his partner. He didn’t come across anything, Lois had moved to Metropolis after she graduated the Prescott School of Journalism, in Spokane, Washington. Her father was a 3 star general, and her Mom died when she was 6. Nothing to explain the sudden change, nothing at all. Jimmy was disappointed, but not down. He would find out, everything, one way or another. First, he had to get alone with Clark, and strike up a conversation about their respective pasts. Find out about Clark’s friends in Smallville, and what happened to them. Then see what new information that would yield. Jimmy turned in at that point, having spent a good 3 hours getting the answers, partially, to his burning questions.

*Kent Farm*

“So, Clark, Chloe, where is my father’s base?” Lex asked.

“Corner of 53rd and Kopland, in the heart of Suicide Slums.” Chloe answered.

“And I assume you went there, which is what the blowout with Clark was about.” Lex said, nodding as he put two and two together.

“Yes, I went there. What did people expect me to do? Stay away when someone is threatening my best friend and boyfriend?” Chloe said.

“When said boyfriend is practically indestructable, yes, Chloe, I expect you to stay away. Expecially when, number one, I told you to. But beyond that, number two, that someone who was threatening me was LIONEL LUTHOR! The same person who has it in for you, who would love nothing more then to see you in a grave somewhere.” Clark said, barely keeping his voice below yelling. This penchant Chloe had, for getting involved and trying to save him was getting annoying, especially when she put him in more danger then previously existed. Truthfully, all of his friends did that. And then depended on Mr. Reliable to come swooping down, literally, and resucing them. It got old, pretty fast.

“Technically, Clark, I am in a grave somewhere! If you remember, Chloe Sullivan died the day of the house explosion. I am Lois Lane.” Chloe said, tearfully. Giving up her own identity had been traumatic enough, but then, running *back* into Clark at the Planet, that had nearly totally worn her down, almost to the point of running back into his arms, and confessing her own horrible secret. Almost. Were it not for Lionel still being alive, she might've done it.

“You wouldn’t have been in a grave were in not for Lex, and Lionel, in the first place. Lionel for coming up with that insane plan to wipe Lex’s memory, and Lex for actually giving himself up so that Lionel could go ahead with his plan.” Clark said. Lex sighed behind him.

“I only did that, most likely, to protect you, and your friends.”

“And look what it accomplished. Chloe ended up blown up, practically. Pete had to move away, because Lionel thought, correctly, that he knew what was different about me. Lana, well. . .she just left. And you! You were my friend, too, and look what happened to you. I submit to you that it couldn’t have gone much worse, even if you hadn’t gone back to your father.” Clark said. Being unable to solve everyone’s problems, given his powers, was really hard to swallow, and Clark was being forced to admit that, in front of his friends.

“I always said, Clark, you had a savior’s complex. And this just proves it. What was it I said to you, that first day you made me come here again? You can't save everyone, Superman.” Lex said, folding his arms.

“I should be able to.”

“No, Clark, you shouldn’t. Lex made a conscious decision to leave you, leave a normal life, and go to his father. And you can't say he wasn’t in his right mind, because he’d helped you just the week before, and he was totally lucid. Chloe made a conscious decision to help Lex take down his father. She knew the risks involved, she knew what might happen. I left, because I didn’t think it would be possible for me to stay here, knowing what I did. Yes, I asked for it, but I wasn’t ready for what you had to say. I ran, rather then say something stupid to you. Or rather, say more stupid things to you. Clark, I know I hurt you, but I am very truly sorry.” Lana said.

“Lex left because he didn’t want to hurt you, son. Does that sound familiar? Does “I always cause those I love the most, pain” sound familiar?” Johnathan put in. This was far from what they’d planned to do tonight, but it was just as important.

“But there’s a difference. I DID cause those I loved pain, remember the baby? Remember your heart condition? Remember Lana’s parents? Lex’s baldness? All of that, all of it, is my fault. Name one thing Lex did to hurt us.” Clark was determined to drown himself in his sorrow.

“First of all, you didn’t cause my baldness, nor did you kill Lana’s parents. The meteor shower did. If you must extend that, whatever, or whoever, destroyed your planet, that party was directly responsible for both myself and Lana. Not you. You were just one, quite possibly, the only, good thing to happen that day.” Lex said. Lana nodded beside him. Clark nodded, letting the issue go.

“So what do we do about Lionel? Any plans for keeping him under surveilance? Or do we let him roam free until god knows what happens to us?” Chloe said, bringing the discussion back to the main topic.

“I am currently installing surveilance equipment all over the west side. Now that I have a location, I’ll try and get equipment down in that area. Though that may be harder with the. . .intrusions over the past couple days. As it stands, I can survey the entire city, and see what is going on. Clark, I think some flights over the area might not be such a bad idea.” Lex said.

“Did you see any kryptonite when you were down there, Chloe?” Clark asked. Chloe shook her head.

“But I wasn’t the one who went inside, Jimmy was. He’d know better, Clark.”

“I’ll ask him tomorrow. I’m sure he’s pretty weirded out by that, and needs to get it off his chest.”

“I’ll keep you updated on my efforts at keeping an eye on my father. For now, I think I have to go reacquaint myself with the mansion. Come by later, Clark?” Lex said. Clark nodded.

“Yeah, for old times sake. Hope your pool table is still there.” Clark grinned.

“You don’t care about me, do you? You just want to play pool.” Lex smiled, a genuine smile, and then he left. Clark nodded.

“I’ll stay here, tonight, if you don’t mind, Mom, Dad.” Clark said.

“Of course, Clark. We don’t mind. Chloe?” Martha said.

“No, thanks, Mrs. Kent. I need to go back to my apartment. I’ll see you, tomorrow, Smallville.” Chloe gave her signature grin, and then she, too, left.

“We’re leaving the day after tomorrow, so I think we need to get some sleep, ourselves. Goodnight, guys.” Pete said, pulling Lana in for a kiss.

“G’night, guys. It was nice seeing you. Come by soon.” Clark smiled.

“And I think the farm won't run itself, so I should be getting to bed, myself. Coming, dear?” Johnathan said, talking to Martha.

“Right behind you, Johnathan.” Martha smiled.

“You’re sure you’re all right, Clark? I know it’s been really a troubling month.” Martha wanted some alone time with her only son.

“Yeah, I guess so. I knew I was going to go talk to Lex, but the Chloe thing really threw me for a loop. But I guess I always knew, Mom, that Chloe was still alive. I just didn’t think she would be. . .”

“Your “new” love interest?”

“Something like that. I really was mad at Lex for a long time, until I decided to give him another chance. I realized that were it not for Lionel, Lex would’ve turned out radically different. And I think he deserves that chance again, don’t you?”

“Of course, dear. Just realize that Lex is much different now, then he was then. Much more evil, more diabolical. Just keep your guard up, Clark. But I am very proud of you for doing this for Lex.” Martha said, heading upstairs. Clark was left in the kitchen, alone with his thoughts. A few minutes later, he stepped out of the house, and sped to the mansion, arriving just as Lex did.

“Clark, I didn’t expect you this early. Come on in.” Lex said, walking into the mansion with Clark. They walked into Lex’s office, and to Clark’s surprise, everything was arranged just as it had been when he’d first met Lex.

“I didn’t change much, Clark. This was. . .my reminder, of the way things could’ve turned out. Rack up, Clark. I can still kick your ass at pool.”

“Lex, I know about your sessions at Summerholt. Are you sure you can trust Garner? He and your father worked together to trap me there, you know.”

“That’s why you won't be going anywhere near Summerholt, Clark. No matter what.”

“OK, Lex. That solution Garner uses is kryptonite based. How do you think it’ll react to the poison that you were hit with?”

“That wasn’t poison, it was a knockout shot. Nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about given normal circumstances. Kryptonite isn't normal, Lex. I think you should find out what it was, and then test it with the green kryptonite, just to see what happens.”

“Fine, Clark. I have something to talk to you about, too. This . . . penchant you have for hauling me around, it’s gotta stop, Clark. Threatening to throw me around the house isn’t the best way to get what you want.”

“Lex. . .I. . .I don’t mean to do that, not totally. You, you just infuriate me! I can rescue people without anyone knowing it! Why you wouldn’t let me rescue Lois is beyond me!”

“Clark, you can rescue people without anyone knowing it, sure. Unless kryptonite is around, then you become a weak, unpowered asset. And one, I may point out, my father would love to have. Hell, anyone would love to have you, discover what makes you you. That would enpower that person to basically rule the world. You need to think, Clark. What situations can you go into, eyes blazing, and what situations you have to wait. Affairs of the heart can only end with ruin, Clark.”

“I. . .I feel like I owe Chloe, Lex. I owe her a lot.”

“She’s responsible for her own actions, Clark. She got herself into the mess, she went ahead with the case against my father, she knew what could happen. None of this is your fault. You don’t owe Chloe anymore then you owe me, or Lana, or anyone else. I’ve told you before, Clark, this savior complex you have will sooner or later kill you. If not physically, but mentally.”

“It's hard to not get personally involved, especially with friends, Lex.”

“I think, Clark, you need to go take a page out of the Vulcan manual. Emotional control served them well, you should strive for the same.”

“Lets see how well you manage emotional control when I beat you in pool, Lex.” Clark said, walking around the table and lining up his shot. He ran off a streak of six in row before missing, and Lex only managed two of his, before Clark came back and sank his final ball. He turned to pocket the eight and win.

“Lex. . .8 ball, corner pocket.” Clark smirked as he sunk the shot.

“OH YES, LEX, I KICKED YOUR ASS!” Clark shouted, as he jumped around the room.

“Whaaa. . .I demand a recount?” Lex sounded puzzled.

“I demand it's time for me to go. Please do something about that poison, Lex. Have a good night.” Clark smiled, and supersped out of the room.

“Clark finally beat me at pool. . .I think the world is going to end soon.” Lex smirked as he reracked the balls, put the cues away, and trudged upstairs, to head to bed.
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Tejesh
Moved In
Episode 12: Uncovered
Part I
********************

Lex walked into Summerholt, and made his way directly into the memory well.

“Ah, Lex. Right on time. I’ve taken what you said under consideration, and have decided to. . .increase your sessions. As long as you sign off on it, on a contract, of course. Stipulating, among other things, that I strongly disagree with this course of action, and you are indemnifying me, making me not liable for any injuries that occur to you. Furthermore, no action, civil or criminal, can be taken against Summerholt, by any parties associated, or representing you, your estate, or any organization, such in.” Dr. Garner said, holding out the contract for Lex to sign.

“Very well, doctor. In the interests of recovering my memory, as soon as possible, I will sign your contract.” Lex said, grabbing it and reading through it quickly. He crossed out a few sections, giving it back to Garner. Garner didn’t see any problems with the crossed out section, and accepted it. Lex then signed it, and gave it to Garner.

“I’ll make a copy, and be right back, Lex.” While Garner was gone, Lex poked around the lab, and inspected the equipment. If he was putting his life on the line, he sure as hell wanted a reasonable assurance that this stuff would work.

“Here’s your copy, Lex.” Garner said, announcing his return. Lex took it, and pocketed it. Then he proceeded to strip, and get onto the slab of metal.

“Think about the time immediately after the first memory of those 12 weeks, Lex. Think through the hole, the gap.” Garner’s voice faded, as the memory took shape.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Are you always this nonchalant, Clark?” Lex asked from next to his Porsche. Clark had just apparently run home from school, and right now, if looks could kill, Lex would be a goner.

“No one usually is in back of the barn, Lex.” Clark pointed out.

“Usually, Clark? What if it's an unusual day?”

“Usually is.” Clark grinned. Lex shook his head.

“I could’ve been my father, very easily. You need to think, Clark.” Lex said.

“Don’t bother, Lex. He’s got a stubborn streak almost as big as mine. Sometimes I’d swear he is my biological son.” Johnathon said, walking outside.

“Clark, there’s a fence that needs building, over on the east side.”

“Sure thing, Dad. Gimme a second.” Clark said. He supersped into the house, and came back barely 10 seconds later, dressed in work clothes.

“Impressive. Indeed your skills are complete as the Emperor has foreseen.” Lex intoned.

“Lets go, Vader, you can use the Force to choke the logs into place.” Clark deadpanned, leading the way to the east side of the farm. On the way, they detoured through the barn, to pick up the wood for the fence.

“Shall I get the truck, Clark?” Lex asked.

“Yeah, please.”

“Was that Lex I saw in jeans?” Chloe asked, making Clark turn around.

“Yeah, it was. He’s helping me out, we’re going to build a fence.”

“Lex Luthor is going to work on a farm?”

“Nothing wrong with manual labor, Chloe.” Lex said, coming back with the keys. Clark gave him a look, and pointed to the logs.

“Lex, I kinda need help carrying this wood. Why don’t you pull the truck into the barn?”

“OK, Clark.”

“I can see you boys are busy, I’ll go.”

“I’m sorry, Chloe. Is there anything you needed?”

“Chloe, you might want to get out of my way.” Called Lex from the truck.

“Nah, rich boy, I’ll let my family sue you for something or other when you hit me.” Nonetheless, Chloe did scoot up the steps to Clark’s loft, and Clark followed. Lex got out, and Clark came back down.

“Shotgun!” Clark yelled. Lex instinctively ducked, knowing Clark’s way of saving people. Clark looked at him like he was the alien.

“Lex? What the hell are you doing?”

“You yelled shotgun, Clark. What else should I be doing?”

“I was. . .oh never mind. Lets go, Lex. You drive.” Lex got into the drivers seat, and he drove out to the east side. Clark grabbed 7 of the logs, and carried them over to the spot his Dad had marked, while Lex, no slouch in the strength department, struggled with two.

“That’s. . .some strength you have there, Clark. What else, exactly, can you do, besides setting bars on fire and ripping open ATMs?” Lex asked, leaning on his log and breathing hard. Clark gave him a guarded look, and looked around. He smiled, and picked up one of the logs, and slammed it into the ground. Lex stared in amazement as Clark seemingly exerted no effort whatsoever. Clark picked up anotherof the wooden posts, and slammed it into the ground.

“I’d hate to see you pissed off, Clark.” Lex said, staring in wonder at his best friend.

“It’s lucky I’m not, usually.” Clark said, grunting as he slammed a third log into place.

“All the strength in the world won't help you nail boards to the stakes you’re so effortlessly putting in the earth, farmboy.” Lex said, a smile tugging at his lips. It felt good to forget about the mansion, Luthorcorp, or anything like that for a while.

“That’s why you’re here, Richie Rich.” Clark deadpanned. Clark picked up another log, and slammed it into the ground, before doubling over in pain. Lex stared in wonder, before grabbing Clark.

“Clark! Clark!” Lex yelled, pulling Clark back from the log.

“Lex, there’s kryptonite here. . .” Clark panted, already breaking out in sweat. Chloe, meanwhile, had seen Clark collaspe, and she came running.

“Clark! Lex, what’s wrong?”

“Go get Mr. Kent, Chloe, go now!” Lex said, dragging Clark along the ground. What the hell was kryptonite? He didn’t have a clue.

“Lex! It’s all in this field. You’re not helping. My leg!!!!” Clark gasped out. Lex flipped Clark over, and saw with terror that his dragging had only opened up a wound, and the meteor rock was inside it.

“Stupid Lex!” he berated himself. Johnathon came running, and surveryed the scene.

“Lex, grab his legs.” He said, grabbing Clark’s front, and carrying him off towards the barn.

“Whatever it is or was, some of it entered his bloodstream, Mr. Kent.” Lex said.

“HOW???” Johnathon fumed.

“That would be. . .my fault. I’m sorry. He complained about something called kryptonite, so I dragged him on the ground. I didn’t know it was all over the field. Some of it must've scrapped him when I was trying to get him out of there. I don’t think any entered his bloodstream, since they're big pieces, and not small fragments. So I can assume the meteor rocks are called kryptonite around here?” Lex was getting more and more of the puzzle by the second, and he was very happy about that. He didn’t like the fact he caused Clark any additional pain, though. He didn’t want that.

“How could you be so stupid, Lex?” Johnathon yelled.

“Dad, it’s not Lex’s fault. He didn’t know.” Clark said, already feeling a bit better. Johnathon and Lex let him down, and he leaned against the barn.

“If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s YOURS! You know I can't be around kryptonite, why didn’t you clean every acre of this farm?” Clark said, a little mad.

“Clark, son, I did. I don’t know where that came from. Lex and I will go over that area right now.”

“I think you owe Lex an apology, first, Dad.”

“Clark, no. He was worried about you, he wasn’t thinking straight.”

“What was all that about, guys?” Chloe asked from behind them.

“Well. . .um. . .” Clark said, not knowing how to explain this.

“Mr. Kent, don’t you think Clark needs a couple of band-aids for his leg? And shouldn’t Mrs. Kent take a look at those cuts? Make sure they don’t get infected?” Lex said, swooping in and saving the day.

“Yes, Lex. Why don’t you take Clark inside, I’ll deal with Chloe.” Johnathon said. Lex did that, helping Clark inside.

“Martha, I think you need to take. . .” Lex started, watching in amazement as the cuts on Clark’s legs started healing.

“Lex? OH Clark! How’d you get cut, sweetie? Johnathan!” Martha was immediately concerned.

“Dad knows. He’s out there fielding 20 questions from Chloe, I’m sure.” Clark was more concerned about Chloe then the kryptonite.

“What we talked about this morning, maybe, Clark?” Lex put in.

“I’m not sure, Lex. Pete and you. . .both of you found out by accident. I’ve never actually completely volunteered this information.” Clark was very scared of how his two best girl friends would react to the news.

“Look, Clark. Whenever you think the time is right, let me know. You know I’ll be here to help out, in any way that I can.” Clark sat down in a chair, and his Mom got out her leftover pie.

“Want some, Lex?”

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Kent.” To tell the truth, Lex was famished, and he was looking forward to Martha Kent’s homemade apple pie.

“So tell me the truth, Clark, can you read the cave wall?” Lex asked. Clark nodded, taking a swig of milk.

“It’s in Kryptonian, though, not Kawatche.”

“Your. . .home. . .world?” Lex stammered. He still couldn’t believe his best friend wasn’t even human. Not from this world! How exciting must that be?

“Krypton.” Clark said, flatly.

“You don’t sound endeared by that prospect, Clark.” Lex smiled. Clark sounded like he’d love to go and blow the planet to hell.

“What prospect, Lex?” Chloe asked from the door.

“I wanted to allow Clark to do a full expose on me for the Torch, Chloe. Maybe boost your circulation and give you some more credibility.” Lex said, smoothly.

“But I didn’t think I could be fair and balanced, since I am his friend. Maybe you could do it, Chloe?” Clark played off Lex’s lie very easily.

“Of course! When do you want to do it, Lex? Right now? On the kitchen table, or would you rather be on the couch? Or maybe the comfort of your office?” Chloe sounded positively bubbly.

“Right now’s not a good time. We still have to put up that fence, and do other stuff around the farm. I’ll make sure to let you know when I have enough free time.” Lex said. Clark caught Lex’s eye, and nodded once.

“Chloe, maybe you and Lana would like to come over to dinner the day after tomorrow? I think we need to talk, about. . .everything.” Clark said.

“Everything. . .as in. . .what, exactly? We’ve heard this before, Clark.”

“EVERYTHING, Chloe. All the answers to all the questions you’ve asked. The reason why I can save all the people I do, and walk out without a scratch. And more, much more, Chloe. Everything will be revealed to you. And Lana.”

“This is your last chance, Clark. You'd better not blow us off this time. I’ll tell Lana, and we’ll be here day after tomorrow, around 7ish.” Clark nodded. Chloe just gave him a look, and left.

“I think it’s time for us to take a field trip, Clark. To the caves, where you can reveal it’s secrets to me.” Lex said.

“Now hold on, there, Lex. I don’t think that’s such a wise idea. Too much information too soon, and all.” Johnathan said. He wanted to keep Lex in the dark as much as possible, as long as possible. Not for Clark’s sake, for Lex was proving himself time and again. But because he didn’t want to overload Lex on information. But Clark wasn’t having any of that.

“I think it would be easier to show Lex alone, then when I tell Chloe and Lana, he can totally help me, along with Pete.

“Chloe and Lana? I thought we agreed that we shouldn’t be telling anyone else.”

“My agreement with that plan must've ended around the time I left for Metropolis.” Clark said, turning on his Dad. He wanted his friends, all of them, in on this, and he wasn’t going to be taking no for an answer any more.

“Johnathan, maybe it would help Clark. . .feel more normal.” Martha said, as always, trying to play peacekeeper.

“As long as you MAKE SURE they will NEVER reveal this to anyone, Clark. Lex, you’re a businessman, please make sure they don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.” Johnathan finally relented.

“I’ll do my best, Mr. Kent.” Lex promised.

“How about that field trip, Lex?” Clark asked. Lex pulled out his keys and smirked.

“Think you can beat my Porsche in a race?” Lex asked. Clark nodded.

“Of course I can, Lex.”

“You’re on.”

“Tell you what, Lex, I’ll even give you a 2 minute head start.” Clark grinned and sat down. Johnathan smiled.

“Just this once, boys! I’ll time it, Lex.” Lex ran out of the house, and soon the roar of the engine could be heard.

“Minute 57, minute 58, minute 59, GO CLARK!” Johnathan yelled. Clark smirked and took off out of the house, zooming through the corn fields, and arriving at the caves. He looked around, and saw no sight of the Porsche. He walked into the caves and sat down. 5 minutes later, Lex arrived.

“Clark? Just what I thought. Never get overly cocky, Clark! I am the man!” Lex walked into the caves to wait for his young friend. Clark jumped down from the roof.

“ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Clark yelled. Lex jumped high enough to almost hit his head on the cave roof.

“It’s called confidence, Lex, not cockiness.” Clark said.

“Clark Kent, that’s not funny. What did you do, run through a wormhole?”

“Not exactly, Lex.” Clark smiled at him. Clark motioned with his hands, and led Lex into a relatively unknown portion of the caves. Lex could feel the ground sloping gently downward as they walked along. Clark stopped at a wall, and pointed.

“What’re we doing down here, Clark?” Lex asked, flashing his flashing on the walls of the caves.

“You said you wanted answers, remember?” Clark retorted. Lex nodded.

“This, right here, says that I am going to be a hero, a superhero, it seems, and my greatest enemy will be one who used to be my friend.” Clark said.

“Me?” Lex asked, a suddenly shocked expression coming over his face. Clark nodded.

“Clark. . .I know we aren’t exactly the model friendship, but to suggest that one day I’ll become your greatest enemy is a stretch, don’t you think?” Lex said. Clark walked over to another wall.

“This, here. This says in the city of lights, a man will reign over an empire, and another man will struggle to keep the balance. What is your greatest desire, Lex?” Clark said.

“To reign. . .over my father’s. . .emp. . .” Lex said, grasping the meaning.

“Exactly. Everywhere you turn, our destinies are preordained.” Clark said.

“But with you telling me all this. . .”

“We fight, Lex. You fight your father, and I fight mine.” Clark said, motioning to the octagonal keyhole.

“It won't turn out like this, Clark. Like what it says on these walls. I’ll make sure of it.” Lex said.

“There’s more, Lex. Much more. Unfortunately, the reasons I ran to Metropolis are very complicated, very. . .hard to explain.” Clark said.

“You mentioned a space ship, Clark. That’s not complicated, that’s literally other-worldly.”

“I told you, Lex, I destroyed it. There was a voice. . .it was coming from the ship. It was my biological father, Lex. He was ordering me to begin my quest to rule the third planet. I either could do that, or everyone I ever loved would be hurt. And it happened, Lex. I hurt you by not being at your wedding, I hurt Chloe by lying about Lana and I, I hurt my Mom by blowing up the ship. I. . .” Clark said, sinking to the ground.

“Listen to me, Clark. None of that is your fault. You pursued the best course of action you saw, and something happened. You can't prepare for every contingency, Clark. None of us can.” Lex said, sinking down to maintain eye level with Clark.

“But you don’t get it, Lex. If you make a mistake, you lose money, if Pete makes a mistake, he gets grounded. If *I* make a mistake, it hurts everyone.” Clark said.

“Tell me exactly what this father of yours had to say, Clark.” Lex again shone the light on the keyhole.

“He told me the day was coming when I was to begin my quest to rule the third planet from this star Sol. If I did not fulfill my destiny, then I would hurt everyone I ever cared about. And I tried fighting it, and it happened, Lex. Everyone I cared about got hurt. You almost crash landed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, lucky you, by the way, for knowing how to fly an airplane. Mom nearly died, her baby did, my father was devasted, Chloe was hurt because I couldn’t bring myself to tell her about Lana and I.” Clark said. Lex put a hand on Clark’s shoulder.

“It changes, Clark. From now on, we write out our own destinies. These walls, they’ll have to be redrawn, because once we’re through with this, none of this will come to pass. I swear it, Clark.” Lex sounded about as determined as Clark had ever heard him.

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“That was good, Lex. Come back tomorrow.” Garner said, as the tablet lifted Lex out of the solution, and back onto the prep table. Lex got dressed, having a lot of new information to think about. He slowly walked out of Summerholt, and this time, sped off to the caves.

*Kent Farm, next morning*

“Time to get up, sleepyhead.” Johnathan said, shaking Clark.

“This isn’t working. Lets try this one. CLARK! SCHOOL!” Johnathan yelled. Clark shot up out of bed.

“BE DOWN IN A. . .wait a second. I don’t go to school anymore.” Clark said. Johnathan smiled.

“Never fails. You have work in a half hour, Clark.” Johnathan said, still snickering as he went downstairs. Clark zoomed through the morning, and then sped off for Metropolis. An odd feeling of something not being right went through him, however, and he diverted course, and ended up at the Kawatche Caves. He walked inside, on guard.

“Lex?” He said in wonder, eyeing his friend laying on the ground, fast asleep. He hoped Lex was just asleep. He knelt down and felt for a pulse. Strong as ever. He looked up at the images that Lex had fell asleep under.

“I guess it happened, after all. Despite our best efforts.” Clark whispered. He nodded, and went to wake Lex up.

“Clark? Where am I?” Lex was disorientated, and more then a little curious as to why he was where he was.

“The caves. Don’t ask me what you were doing here.”

“What time is it?”

“A little before 7. I was speeding to work when I felt something. . .almost calling me here. So here I am.”

“I drove the Porsche, Clark. Want a ride?”

“Yeah, why not?” So they walked out of the caves, and to Lex’s car.

“I uncovered a fascinating memory yesterday, Clark.” Lex said, over the engine noise.

“What was it?”

“We were down in the caves, it must've been right after I brought you back home from Metropolis. You showed me a wall, with some drawings. . .” Lex said.

“That showed our destinies. And you told me you’d fight your father, and I’d fight mine. And we both lost, Lex.” Clark finished, nodded slightly.

“But things changed, Clark, that night you came and confronted me on the street. You again altered our destinies. And this time, nothing will stand in our way. I can change, Clark. I can be who I was in Smallville, only better. Together we could be a force for the advancement of humanity.”

“Perhaps, Lex. It depends on how this power struggle ultimately plays out between you and your father. One way or another, it has to end soon, right, Lex?”

“Yes, Clark, it does. And it will end with me as the ultimate victor!” Clark’s superhearing picked up the sound of someone screaming up ahead.

“Lex, I need to go. . .take care of something. Please pull over, I’ll be right back.” Clark unbuckled his seat belt, and as Lex’s car came to a stop, he ran into an ally.

“This looks like a job for Superman. Whoopdee doo.” Lex groaned, twirling a finger in the air, though he would deny such actions later. He saw Superman fly out a minute later, from a different direction, and fly into an ally.

“Can I be of some assistance?” Superman said. The woman who was screaming turned and looked around.

“She was trying to kill me! She’s got a gun!”

“Where is she?”

“Right here, you idiot!” he heard from behind him, as a round of bullets was fired at him. He turned as they bounced off his back, and flashed a Kal-like grin. He supersped after the woman as she ran, and caught her easily.

“Wrong move, lady.” He flew her to the police station, after going back and picking up the victim. Then he flew in back of a building, and changed back to Clark. He walked the rest of the way to work. Lex, meanwhile, had made it into work, and was in his office, when a sudden headache hit him, and he laid his head down on his desk.

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“Lillian, why don’t you take Julian up to his room? I’ll send Lex along in a minute with both your dinners.” Lionel said, smiling at his wife.

“Lionel, I don’t. . .I can't. . .” Lillian started. Lionel shushed her, and put his arms around her shoulders.

“You can, Lillian. And I will, I’ll change, dear. I’ll be the father you want me to be. That my father never was.” Lionel was trying to convince her, or maybe himself, that things could change. He didn’t need to be a Luthor, not all the way. Lionel could combine the best of the Sullivans, with the best of the Luthors. “I don’t want to be that which caused me to blow up my own parents.”

“You’ll never change, Lionel. You’ll be your father’s son, just like Lex is your son. Well, Julian is my son, and you can't take him from me! I won't let you!”

“We’ll *discuss* this later, Lillian. Away from. . .Lex.” he picked up Julian and placed him in Lillian’s arms.

“Now, go, Lillian. And make sure Julian is sleeping comfortably.” Lionel kissed Lillian on the cheek, and smiled as she walked upstairs with Julian.

“Now, how was your day, son?” Lex looked up at his father.

“I chased Julian around all day, Dad. He’s fast!” Lionel smiled at that.

“Julian’s not fast, son. Julian is . . . quick. He knows how to not get caught, Lex. As all Luthors do. He knows how to slip through people’s fingers, and always, always, get what he wants. And so do you, and so do I. We are Luthors, son.” Lionel said, rubbing Lex’s shoulders. Lex groaned and his head slumped down on the desk. Lionel shook his head smiling, and went to sit down and eat his dinner.

“Eat up, Lex.” He said, lightly admonishing his son. Lex looked up and started to eat the meal Mom had made for him. Once he finished, his head went back down on the table. Lionel finished eating a good 20 or so minutes after Lex, and took both their plates into the kitchen.

“The best of the Sullivans, combined with the best of the Luthors.” Lionel said, opening the tap water a little, and awkwardly cleaning the dishes. Once he finished, he put them in the dishwasher, and left it for Lillian to deal with.

“Lex, why don’t you go bring this tray up to Mom, OK? She must be really hungry. And here’s some formula for Julian.” Lionel said, putting his hand on Lex’s shoulder. Lex was still slumped over on the dinner table.

“OK, Dad.” Lex smiled, carefully picking up the tray and walking out of the dining room. Lionel smiled behind him, finally, now, they were a family. He may not like some of the things he was doing, and they might feel foreign to him, but feelings be damned, he would change. He wouldn’t turn his sons against each other, he would be a father to them. Both of them, Lex, and Julian. He could do that easily. All that was needed was some self-sacrifice, some swallowing of self-pride. Surely, he, Lionel Luthor, could handle that just as easily as he handled business mergers. No problem. Lionel walked into his den office, to check on his latest takeover target. A family was all Lionel Luthor wanted, and now, a family was what Lionel Luthor had.

Lex slowly climbed the stairs, as the faint sounds of Julian crying hit his ears. He smiled a little, Julian was a bit fussy whenever he was with Mom, but Dad was really good with him. As he hit the second floor, all of a sudden, Julian gave one more strangled cry, and fell silent. Lex dropped his tray on a table, and raced up the stairs. Once he hit the top, he turned right, ran down the hall, and into Julian’s room.

“Mom?” Lex said, looking at his mother leaning over Julian’s crib. She was facing Julian, so her back was turned to him. She didn’t answer him, so he tried again.

“MOM!” Lex said, urgently. She turned around, her face lined with tear tracks. She was holding a pillow in her hands, which just moments earlier she had been holding in the crib. She dropped the pillow onto the ground, and Lex looked at his mother, understanding. He walked closer to her.

“What did you do?” Lex asked, trying to contain his mounting rage. With a dazed smile, she walked closer to Lex.

“Ssh. You’ll wake the baby. He's sleeping.” Lillian’s eyes glazed over, and she started to rock back and forth on her hands. Lex looked past his Mom, at the crib, and then ran to it.

“No, no!” Lex was startled and horrified that his Mom could betray him like this. Just when Lionel, when his Dad, was starting to love him.

“What about Dad?” Lex asked. This couldn’t be happening. No, he was imagining this. He’d wake up and Dad would be over him, shaking him from a nightmare.

“Ssh. Dad has nothing to worry about, sweetheart. Julian's happy now.” She kissed Lex on the head, and then staggered out of the room. Lex looked back down at the crib and the motionless baby inside.

“No. . . . . . . . .” Lex whispered. He kept looking back and forth, between the door, and Julian’s crib, whispering the word no, over and over. Somewhere along the way, between the looks, he came to a decision. He had to make sure Lionel didn’t know his Mom had done this. He would murder her. Maybe not physically, but pump her full of drugs, and send her off somewhere, never to return. No, Lex couldn’t let that happen. He NEEDED his mother. Needed her desperately. Without Julian, Lionel would be unbearable, and Lex needed his Mom to keep that part of himself alive, the part she created. The love, the smiles, the secret hugs. All that would die with Mom, and he wasn’t about to let that happen. Suddenly, Lex heard the faint sound of his Lionel’s footsteps on the stairs. He stood back up, and positioned himself over the crib. He was extremely scared, of course. Lionel had a very nasty temper, and this would really piss him off. He wouldn’t dare kill Lex, of course, since Lex was, after all, his sole remaining heir, but still, Lex wasn’t in an enviable position.

“Hello, son. What are you two boys up, to, huh?” Lionel’s voice rang out from the door. Now it was Lex who didn’t, who couldn’t, turn around. Lex closed his eyes, fearful, resigned. Almost. . .catonic.

“Lex?” Lex turned around to face Lionel.

“He wouldn't stop crying. I tried to rock him, and then. . .I. . .You have to believe me!” Lex said, whispered, quietly, in a defensive voice. He was desperate for Lionel to believe him.

“NO! HE’LL NEVER LOVE YOU AGAIN! CONFESS WHAT YOU SAW, LEX! At least you’ll have your father’s love.” Somewhere deep inside Lex, a voice screamed for recognition. Lex ignored it by force of will.

“What have you done, Lex?” Lionel walked towards the crib. As Lionel approached, Lex slowly backed away, he couldn’t bear to see his Dad this way.

“What. . .Lex. . .what have you done? What. . .WHAT DID YOU DO, LEX? WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!?!?” Lionel became increasingly agitated and angry. He turned to Lex, a wild rage in his eyes.

“What did you do!” he growled, backhanding Lex across the face. Lex fell to the floor, heart racing.

“What I had to do.” Lex thought to himself. “What I *needed* to do.”

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Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tejesh
Moved In
Episode 12, Uncovered
Part 2
*************

As Lex slowly came to his senses, he gasped once, loudly.

“OH my god! How could you do this to me?” he whispered. All his faith, all his integrity, his good ora, had just been killed, eradicated, forever erased from his soul. He was about to go get himself a glass of water, when his door opened and a man walked in.

“EMILY! I didn’t get a message that anyone was coming this morning!” Lex yelled.

“I’m surprised you don’t recognize me, son. Checkmate.” His father’s voice floated out of the hood.

“No. . .no you’re dead. I buried you myself!” Lex yelled, keeping up appearances. No need showing Lionel how much he knew.

“No, son. I am very much alive. And that’s not the only ace in the hole I have. Once I draw my next card, it will forever change the dynamic of your life. I am very surprised and dismayed, Lex. You should have uncovered my plot a long time ago. Beware strangers bearing gifts, Lex.” Lionel walked out of the office. Lex, galvanized, instead of stunned, turned to his computer. He turned on the surveilance program, and honed in on the warehouse Clark and Chloe had told himself about. He didn’t see any movement, none at all. Lex shut down the program, and went to his secetary.

“I’m going to go see Mr. Kent. Hold my calls, take any messages.” Lex said, walking down the hall. Lex then walked down the street, and into the Daily Planet. He took the elevator up to the third floor.

“Clark, can I see you in your office, please?” Lex said, walking towards Clark’s desk.

“Of course, Lex.” Clark said, getting up and motioning for Lex to follow him. Once they were in the office, and Clark locked the door, Lex let out a big breath.

“What’s wrong, Lex?”

“My father just visited me, Clark. In my office, at Luthorcorp. He wouldn’t make a bold move like that unless he had a plan, and that plan was going to be implemented within a matter of days, maybe even hours. But inside a week, for sure. I just wanted to come warn you.”

“Are you sure it was him, Lex? It could’ve been a tape, a double, anything to get you riled. What if he’s going through your office, right now? What if Emily is on his payroll? I never did like her.”

“Clark. . .my office has important information on my activities with Luthorcorp! If my Dad somehow got a hold. . .” Lex said. Clark walked to the door, opened it, and supersped out.

“Of it, then I’d be compromised. Clark? Clark? Oh to hell with it, he’s gone to my office.” Lex said, walking out of the office, making sure to shut the door. He walked over to Chloe, and whispered in her ear. She got up and went into Clark’s office. Lex sprinted to the stairs, and flew down them, charging out the front door of the Planet, and down the street. He burst into his office, and saw Clark sitting, feet up on his desk, staring at the computer.

“Ah, Lex. What took you?” Clark grinned.

“You moron. Did you find anyone in here?” Clark looked down at the street through the window behind Lex’s desk.

“You’re kidding! Oh god I hope you’re kidding!” Lex exclaimed, running to look out his window. Clark started laughing.

“No one was in here, Lex.”

“You. . .you. . .FARMBOY!”

“Ouch, Lex. That hurt. I think I might have to go all evil on you now.” Clark grinned as he headed for the door.

“Tonight?” Lex asked. Clark nodded, and then walked out the office. As Clark made his way back to the Planet, he decided to zip over to the warehouse, to see if anything was amiss, now that it seemed Lionel had made his first move. As he carefully approached, he saw nothing different. He took off his glasses, and x-rayed the building, at the same time, engaging his super-hearing, to make sure no one was sneaking up around him. He wasn’t going to allow himself to be caught the way Jimmy was. Especially not this deep inside what he considered enemy territory. He saw a skeleton laying in a bed, and as he tried to focus to see who it was, he saw it was Lionel, hooked up to many machines and medical scanners.

“Is this really necessary, doctor?” Lionel asked, barely containing his anger.

“Yes, Mr. Luthor, it is. If you don’t submit to at least 10 tests every day, you run the risk of dying from over-doing yourself. You’ve been in stasis for years, and your body isn't used to the sudden activity. Why do you think we didn’t let you leave this warehouse?”

“And I suppose my son is supposed to be fooled by a hooded man with a sound amplification device, and a microphone? He may have heard my voice, but he didn’t see me, doctor. If there’s one thing about Lex, he is smart, after all, he is my son. He will see through this as easily as you and I see through air. No, we need to move soon, the ploy backfired. Are you sure this plan of ours will work, doctor?” Lionel, himself, gave up the plan. Clark smiled and zipped away.

“Yes, Mr. Luthor, we have looked into every possibility. Clark Kent is, in fact, Superman. And he has made the mistake you told us he would, he’s told Lex. With these facts confirmed, nothing can stand in our way.”

“Chloe, what are you doing here?” Clark asked, walking into his office.

“CYA, Clark. You couldn’t resist disappearing on me, again, could you? At least Lex had the decency to let me know what was going on.”

“Now, just a minute, Chloe, we thought. . .”

“Yes, I know, Clark. Lionel’s. . .made his move. Now we have to be extra careful.”

“Not exactly. I went down to the warehouse, and “saw and heard” some things. Lionel didn’t set foot outside that building. He used some guy, who is probably dead right now, to walk into Lex’s office, and Lionel had this guy wearing a mic, and it wasn’t Lionel, but his voice.”

“So when do you plan on telling Lex?”

“Right now. Be right back.” Clark again zipped out of his office, and to Lex’s.

“I’m here. . .” Clark started.

“Yes, to see Mr. Luthor. Step right in.” Emily said.

“Clark, this is a surprise. I didn’t expect you back so soon, sit down. What can I do for you?”

“It wasn’t your father, Lex. Lionel hired some guy to come in here with a sound amplification device, a mic, and Lionel just “talked” from his bed. I heard his doctor tell him that he could kill himself by overexerting himself. His body is still weak from being in stasis for years.”

“And I suppose you went down to the warehouse to hear and see all this, right? Isn't that the same thing you went after Lois for?”

“That’s different.”

“Only because not as many people can. . .hurt you. Unless, of course, they know your weakness, which my father certainly might. I caution you, Clark, be cafeful. Don’t underestimate my father.”

“No, that’s a mistake I’ll never make, Lex. I just wanted to come by and let you know what was going on. I’ll see you tonight.” Clark walked out of the room, softly shutting the door behind him. He went back to the Planet, and was immediately called into Perry’s office, along with Lois.

“Now, guys, I know you’re. . .fighting, or whatever, but there’s this new mayor of Granville, and he’s making a big push for Luthorcorp to move there, from Metropolis. I want you guys to investigate this guys angle, see why he wants Luthorcorp in his city.” Perry laid the assignment down for his two star reporters.

“I don’t see a big story here, Chief. I see some guy who wants to make a splash, get his city economy going, and get the biggest employer in the midwest to move to his city.” Lois said.

“I just don’t like his angle, guys. Call it a hunch, but something’s fishy with this guy.” Perry responded.

“So you want us to investigate a hunch?” Clark asked.

“Yes, Kent, that’s what I said. And you’re wasting time questioning me, when you should be questioning his constituents. So get to it!” Perry turned to his files, leaving his two reporters stunned.

“Granville, huh. Wonderful. What do we do about our. . .project?” Lois said softly.

“Nothing’s changed, Lois. We can still. . .work on our project, in fact, this should get us out of Metropolis for a few days. Which should help.”

“Lets go get some dirt on this guy, then, Smallville.” Lois said, walking ahead of Clark to the elevator. Clark grinned and followed. They went down to the Planet’s research room, which was just a big computer lab with printers.

“Name. . .Ray Dinsmore. Clark. . .you don’t think this is. . .” Lois looked at him. Clark was sitting next to her, staring at the computer in horror.

“I think you need to channel your cousin, right now, Lois. We need more then this guys willing to tell.”

“Right, Clark. OK. . .first the basics, lived with his cousin, Emily, in Smallville. Mom died when he was 9, Dad when he was 13, grew up practically as a brother to Emily. Went off the deep end when Emily died, was admitted to Belle Reeve’s juvie facility, at 16, out at 17, turned over a new leaf. Nothing much that’s major, Clark. Ran for mayor at 28, first time, lost. Ran the next election, and won. Been in office for the last 16 years.”

“No, there’s nothing there, unless. . .that stay in Belle Reeve. I wonder if we can get access to his doctor’s files.”

“I can't, Clark. Not anymore.” Chloe whispered. Clark sighed.

“I can. But it’s best if we don’t ask where I can get them from.” Chloe nodded. Clark walked out of the building.

“Duh, you idiot. You’re running to Lex, of course.” Chloe whispered.

“I HEARD THAT!” Clark shouted. Chloe rolled her eyes. Clark went back to Luthorcorp, and once again made his way back up the flights of stairs, leading to Lex’s office.

“Clark, I think you should buy the office next to Mr. Luthor’s. Save yourself the trip.” Emily said, motioning to the seats.

“Lex busy?”

“Meeting with a . . . Mr. Dinsmore, about a private matter.” Clark nodded, not entirely surprised. Someone was a mole for the Planet inside Luthorcorp.

“Mr. Dinsmore, we’ll keep in touch. But I have to say, we do like our headquarters here in Metropolis. I don’t think there’s much chance of you convincing us to move.” Lex said, opening the door.

“Clark! Three visits in one day, I’m starting to get a complex.” Lex smiled.

“OK, Mr. Luthor. We’ll have you come by for a tour real soon.” Ray Dinsmore walked out of the office. Clark stood up and stared after him.

“Clark? Did you want something? Clark. . .Clark. . .hello?” Lex said, finally waving his hand right in front of his friends eyes. Clark was x-raying the man all the way down to the ground floor.

“Lex. . .this is going to sound strange.” Clark started, as he walked into Lex’s office. Lex shut the door.

“Not the most promising way to kick off a conversation, Clark, but go for it.” Lex sat down behind his desk, and Clark took a seat across from his friend.

“Drink?” Lex asked.

“No, thanks, Lex. Listen, Lex, I don’t think you can completely trust that man.”

“Who, Ray? Why do you say that, Clark? He seems honest, forthcoming, eager about the business opportunities. He may have a colored past, but that hasn’t stopped you, has it?”

“Lex, this guy was utterly destroyed by his cousins death, he spent. . .”

“A year at Belle Reeve’s juvie facility. Yes, I know. And his cousin was Emily Dinsmore, was she not? I believe Lana was somehow involved with her death, wasn’t she? Some sort of swimming accident?”

“Yes, but it runs much deeper. How much do you remember about . . . Luthorcorp funding cloning projects?”

“My Dad was funding some human cloning projects around 2002, if I recall, a few months after receiving word of his terminal liver disease. It was abandoned when the blood platelette’s were found and harnessed. No significant advances were made, Clark.”

“Wrong, Lex. One very significant advance was made. Emily’s father was so heartbroken that he cloned his daughter, gave the clone all of Emily’s memories, and she became his daughter.”

“Oh, yes, Clark, now I remember. He cautioned me about the clone being unstable, immoral, and highly dangerous. But I never located her, Clark. As far as I know, she disappeared into thin air.”

“If only it was that simple, Lex. Emily was also locked up, by your father. In one of his many secret research facilities. She escaped about a year later, kidnapped Lana, and held her in a glass cage.”

“Wait, Clark. Wasn’t this around the time Lana was heading off to Paris?” Lex asked. Clark nodded.

“I don’t know what happened to Emily after that, but I had to rescue Lana, and neutralize Emily’s ability to pass through solid objects. Once I did that, and took care of Lana, I tried looking up where Emily disappeared to, but I couldn’t. It’s like she. . .vanished into thin air.”

“So, human cloning. You think. . .this Ray Dinsmore is a clone?” Lex asked, incredulous.

“No, Lex. Ray Dinsmore blames Lionel for Emily’s death. He. . .believed almost as firmly as Emily’s father did, in the clone being Emily. So when it came out that Lionel had captured Emily, Ray went physco. But, he controlled it, and now that he’s got the power he has. . .”

“You think he’s luring Luthorcorp to Granville to get to me?”

“It’s a leap, Lex, but I think yes, Ray wants revenge, and his revenge will come against you.”

“Clark, I appreciate this, I really do. But this isn't a stretch, this is insane. There’s no proof, no backing up of your facts, I can't be expected to make a business decision based on your advice, no matter how . . . adept you are at keeping all of us alive.”

“Give me his medical records, Lex. Lois and I have an assignment to do on this Ray Dinsmore for the Daily Planet, and we need to have access to his physcological records from Belle Reeve.”

“What makes you think I have them, Clark?” Clark gave a tight smile.

“Lex, despite your. . .reformation, you’re still your father’s son. You'd have those records just in case something were to. . .go wrong with this. Blackmail, Lex, is what you would have them for. And I’m asking you, as a friend, for a copy.” Lex got up and went to his file cabinet.

“You would make a worthy advesary, Clark. You have made a worthy advesary.” Lex pulled out a file and tossed it on his desk.

“That’s everything about Ray Dinsmore. Every medical procedure, every hospital stay, it's all there.”

“Thank you, Lex.” Clark went for the door.

“Clark.” Lex said as he sat down and turned to the window.

“Lex?” Clark turned and looked at his friend.

“Be cafeful what you do with that. I wouldn’t want. . .anything to happen to you. You may think no one knows about your weakness, but word spreads, especially when you’re from a town called Smallville.” Clark walked back to Lex’s desk.

“Is that a threat?” Clark glanced down at Lex, as he slowly turned to face Clark.

“No, Clark. Not from me. But. . .if the connection between Emily and Lionel exists, then there also is a connection. . .”

“Between Lionel and Ray. But what would they gain from working tog. . .” The pieces finally formed into a cohesive picture in Clark’s head.

“They want to clone you, don’t they, Lex. Clone you, put Lionel inside the clone, and then kill you.” Lex nodded.

“If you’re right about the connection between my father and Emily, then yes. Hence my warning to you. Be careful, Clark. We don’t know how much my father knows about you, and as such, we don’t know how much he’s shared, and with who.” Clark nodded and turned to leave.

“Clark, I’d like to. . .go down to the caves with you, if you don’t mind.”

“OK, Lex. I get off work around 5, say. . .5:30?”

“Sounds good, Clark. Thanks for stopping by. Be careful, Clark.”

“That goes double for you, Lex.” Clark left, shutting the door behind him. Lex poured a glass of scotch and stood at the window.

“Well, Dad, at least now I know you’re still alive. The next move is mine, it would seem.” Lex turned and flipped on the surveilance equipment.

“Any time, now, Dad. Your move’s going to happen, but mine has to happen first.” Lex smiled a dark smile, as he opened his drawer. A dark green glow eminated forth.

*Warehouse*

“How long is this going to take, doctor?” Lionel asked, frustrated with the progress report in his hand. The longer he waited, the longer the project was delayed, the more likely it would be that Lex either found him, killed him, or he died of the liver disease.

“These things take time, sir. Another couple of days, at the least.” Sal said, sitting by Lionel’s side.

“Time, Sal, is one thing I do not have in abundance. And therefore, neither do you. I want this completed in 48 hours, or there will be hell to pay. And somehow, I don’t think you have enough to pay me. 48 hours, Sal, not a second more.” Lionel turned from Sal, and confronted Ray.

“Well, Mr. Dinsmore? How soon until Luthorcorp is relocated in Granville?”

“We may have a problem, sir. I saw Clark Kent sitting outside your son’s office. I don’t know what they talked about, but it can't have been good for us.”

“Ray, I am not paying you for problems, I am paying you for results. You want revenge for the death of your daughter. You first went after me, but after I explained that Lex was in charge of the operation to find and kill Emily, we had an understanding. You capture Lex, clone his body, and then place my essence into the clone. Then the real Lex could be disposed of, and I would be in charge of Luthorcorp, and you would reap the rewards of that. Don’t make me. . .reconsider our partnership, Mr. Dinsmore. I assure you, as much pain as you intend to inflict on Lex, I could inflict that much more on you. Are we clear?”

“Yes. . .Mr. Luthor. I won't fail.”

“You'd better not, for your sake. Once Lex is in your. . .care, Ray, there is no doubt Superman will be soon onto you. I suggest you take advantage of. . .Lex’s knowledge of Superman’s weaknesses, and put them to good use. My son will gladly help you, Ray, if he thinks it will save his life.”

“Sir, it’s time for another shot.” A female voice cut in.

“Ah, thank you, Glenda. I’ll be right with you.” Lionel turned and smiled at his private “nurse”.

“I need to get back to our lab, Mr. Luthor. I’ll try and . . . hurry along the process.” Sal said, getting up.

“I suggest you do more then try, Sal, unless you want to become our latest research project. I am sure we could come up with some interesting. . .humanistic studies.” Lionel smirked evilly, looking at Sal.

“It’ll be done in 48 hours, boss.” Sal assured, walking out of the warehouse.

“And you, Ray. You better prepare one hell of a sales pitch to get Lex to even show up at your meeting tomorrow. My son is an able businessman, but he lacks the ruthlessness to really become a ruler amongst mortals. Tell him about enviromental benefits, tax breaks, anything that appears to benefit humanity. Throw in a couple of brown haired women, and you should have yourself one. . .hostage. Is everything ready at your lab?”

“Yes, Mr. Luthor, it is. We are prepared for Lex’s arrival.”

“And Clark? We don’t want him dead, Ray. Imagine how much we could make on the studies of superpowers, aliens, and the like! We will be rich beyond our wildest dreams.”

“And Sal?” Ray asked.

“I grow tired of an inept second in command. You, on the other hand, are much more efficent. Sal will be. . .exterminated once he serves his purpose. Do your job well, and you’ll rise to new heights, Ray. Heights you never dreamed possible. The world will be ours for the taking.” Lionel smiled. His son would pay dearly for underestimating him, he would make sure of that. As Ray left, Glenda made her way to him. He reached a hand out and stroked her face.

“My dear, why don’t you let me come into the back room, for a more. . .personal encounter?”

“Of course, Mr. Luthor. Right this way.” Glenda was showing more clevage then a normal nurse, just the way Lionel wanted her. Spunky, and energetic. As Glenda walked into the back room, she shut the door.

*Kawatche Caves*

Clark sped into the caves, 5 minutes early for the meeting with Lex. He slowly walked around the caves, looking at everything that fortold his destiny. Once again, he was trying to defy it. Clark walked around to a section of the caves he hadn’t explored before, noticing how different this section was.

“I’d like to think we’re adding drawings to this, as we go, Clark, wouldn’t you?” Lex asked, shining a flashlight at his friend. Clark turned.

“You said something like that the last time we were in here together.” Clark said.

“I know, Clark. I ended up eating those words, but it’s different this time. I recovered the memory of us down here, Clark. You explained to me what a couple of these. . .pictographs said. About us, what we would become.”

“And it happened, Lex. Because you didn’t trust us enough.” Clark turned to face Lex, looking right into his friend’s eyes.

“No, Clark. If that letter you had me read is any indication, it’s because I didn’t want you to get into my father’s web anymore then you already were. And knowing what I do about you now, it's a small wonder why I didn’t want you involved with him. I would do anything to keep you out of his clutches, Clark. Even now.”

“Did you ever consider that maybe your safety was above my own? You have many more weaknesses then I do, Lex.”

“That may be so, but I also don’t have near as much value as you do. What if my father had uncovered your true identity through me, Clark? Do you think you would've had a normal life from that point on? And what if he uncovered a way to harness your incredible. . .powers, Clark? Imagine an army of corruptted super-powered humans, bent on world domination. With no weakness. We wouldn’t stand a chance. The very thing you stood for, still stand for, would mean nothing.”

“Lex, I know why you did what you did, but I don’t have to like it. What did you want, meeting down here?”

“I was thinking, Clark, about the last time we were down here together. We didn't have much success trying to change our destinies the first time around, Clark. What if I can’t change? What if I am destined forever to be an evil, vile, despicable man, and what if we’re always going to be at each other’s throats?”

“Things are different now, Lex. For one, your father isn't operating above ground. He can't do much to you, right?”

“He came to see me, Clark. My father. Whether it was him in person, or someone he hired to do the job, Lionel still announced his superiority, Clark. He wanted to taunt me, torment me, torture me. Unless he is erased completely, none of us will ever be safe, again.” Clark grew alarmed at Lex’s words. He held out a hand to Lex, gripping his shoulder.

“You can't kill him, Lex. Then that would cement your downfall. To kill him means to become him.” Lex nodded.

“I know that, Clark. But it would make everyone’s life much easier.”

“Your father killed his parents, Lex. You killing your father would complete the circle, it would forever cement your place as the next Lionel Luthor. Isn't that what you fought against once, and isn't that what you’re fighting against again?”

“Clark, the first time around, I was fighting for all the wrong reasons. I was fighting NOT to become my father. I was fighting so you WOULDN’T lose faith in me. I was fighting so Johnathan Kent DIDN’T hate me anymore. Now I’m fighting for me, my life, and the lives of my friends. Big difference, Clark. From negative to positive.” Lex said, shining the flashlight on the cave paintings.

“These are. . .new.” Lex said.

“No, I just don’t come down this way often. These say that. . .well, look here. See that?” Clark pointed to the wall right above Lex’s head.

“Yeah, that’s the Superman symbol with an 8 inside it.”

“Nope. That is my family crest. The family of El, from the planet Krypton. And this, right here, is a second one. The 8 is the Kryptonian letter for S. I think the second one is Jor-El’s symbol, from when he was here.”

“Jor-El being. . .your father?”

“Yeah, Lex. Jor-El is my biological father.” Lex turned and looked at the vast expanse of the caves, and a thought worked it's way through his head.

“Clark, there is so much you haven’t seen in these caves, yet. Why don’t you explore every inch?”

“I don’t want to know the future, Lex. I prefer making it up as I go, not having it drawn out for me on cave walls. Don’t you?”

“It seems that whenever I try forging my own path, Clark, it inevitably reverts back to what others expect of me. Even, it would seem, aliens.” Lex motioned all around them. Then he zeroed in on the double El symbol.

“Clark, what if. . .what if that second El symbol isn’t Jor-El’s symbol? What if. . .it fortells another of your kind falling to Earth?”

“Another of my. . .kind, as in. . .from Krypton?”

“Yes, Clark. Another person from Krypton. It could mean that, and not Jor-El.”

“Lex, that. . .that’s been my dream, ever since I found out I was an alien. To have someone like me, who could do the things I can, who I could teach. But I found out that Krypton blew up, around 1986 or so, Earth time. There were no survivors.”

“Who says that, Clark?”

“Dr. Virgil Swann, he. . .”

“I know who he was, Clark. But he could be wrong, he was based on Earth. Krypton was. . .a long way away, to say the least. More ships could’ve been sent from Krypton, diverted off course, sent to different planets, made pit stops, run out of fuel, gotten delayed, a number of things could’ve happened, Clark.”

“Well, any way, I’d love to be a brother again, Lex. Having Ryan around was. . .the happiest time of my life.”

“What if the person in question is a girl, Clark, and not a boy? Or did only guys have super-powers on Krypton?”

“I don’t think Kryptonians had super-powers, at least not on Krypton. Something about a red sun versus Earth’s yellow sun. But I don’t know if only males would be. . .endowed with super-powers on Earth.”

“I think there can't be only one of you, Clark. If other people on your planet knew the world was going to end, I think they would've saved their children, or even themselves. Logic says there have to be more of your kind somewhere. Perhaps not on Earth, not yet, but on other planets. And some of them have to be girls, as well.”

“I never saw myself having a sister, Lex. I never took that under consideration, I always wanted a brother.”

“I had a brother, once, Clark. He was ripped from me far too soon. I know you want a brother, but should you end up getting a sister, love her fiercely, as fiercely as you would love a brother.” Clark was silent, thinking about the possibility of a little brother or sister from Krypton. Lex pulled Clark back to reality, after giving his friend a few minutes to think.

“Yes, well, Clark. No use dwelling on something which may or may not happen. I think we need to concern ourselves with more. . .relevant topics.”

“Like your father, Lex? He made a. . .public move, at least a semi-public one. Does that mean he is now able to operate above ground? From what I heard, he can't leave his headquarters, without risking his life.”

“If the ends justified the means, my father would risk his life. But, if he does, then you'd better believe that it’s going to be one hell of a plan he’s got.”

“Don’t you think we should talk about this during the meeting at the farm? Instead of in the caves?”

“Yeah, Clark, I do. But it can't hurt talking it over twice, can it?”

“No, I suppose it can't. But we’ve already been down here for an hour, Lex. We’re expected back by 7. Which means we should probably leave now.”

“OK, Clark. But I’d like you to reconsider what I said earlier. Knowing your destiny can't hurt, not too much.” They walked out of the caves together, and got into Lex’s Porsche. Lex drove, at his usual maniac speed, to the farm.

“Clark, I still find it funny that you can run about 1000 times faster then I can drive, and you still turn green whenever we drive together.”

“I can't die, Lex, but you can.”

“Point taken, farmboy. Lets go in.”

“Hello, Clark, Lex. You’re just in time for a hot dinner. Gather round. Clark, Lana and Lois are in the barn, why don’t you go get them? Lex, Pete is out back with Johnathan, you should go get them, as well.” Martha said, taking out a roasted chicken from the oven. Lex raised an eyebrow, amused that Martha wasn’t intimidated, or anything of the like, when dealing with him. She ordered him around like she ordered Clark around. With love. He smiled a bit and headed out to the back. Clark supersped to the barn.

“Hey, Lana, Lois, it’s dinner time. Mom just took a steaming hot chicken out of the oven, I suggest you get there before it's gone.”

“OK, Smallville, no fair using your. . .” Clark sped out.

“Superspeed. Dammit, he did it again. Come on, Lana.” Lois climbed down the stairs, and followed Clark, albeit at a much slower pace. Lana followed. She’d spent the whole day conflicted over Clark, and in deep thought. Lana spied Lex over by the fence, and walked his way.

“Johnathan, Pete! Martha just took a roasted chicken out, better get it before it gets devoured.” Lex called, turning around and nearly smacking into Lana.

“Sorry, Lana. I didn’t see you there. Did you want something?”

“I. . .thought about what you told me the other day, about Clark. I still don’t know how I feel about him, or his. . .origins, but I do know he’s my friend, and that’s all that should count.”

“But that’s not how it is with you, is it? C’mon, Lana, I know you. Your parents meant a lot to you, that incident defined you for a good number of years. I don’t think Clark would appreciate you putting up a façade for him. Be civil with him, yes. Be nice, yes. But don’t be what he wants you to, be who you want to. Come to a decision, about your feelings, and tell him. He’s a grown up, he should accept it. Now come on, I bet the overgrown boy scout is eating our share of the chicken.” They laughed together, and ran to the farmhouse.

“Hey, the two stragglers are here. We saved a couple legs and part of the breast, but it was close. Clark and Mr. Kent nearly overpowered us.” Pete smiled as he handed a plate to Lana. He pointed out a plate to Lex, and his smile turned down a notch. Subtle, but Lex picked up on it. Lex didn’t choose to comment, though. When the dinner was finished, everyone moved into the living room, for a light dessert, and the nightly meeting.

“Lionel came to see me this afternoon.” Lex began. That drew a variety of gasps and whispers.

“Relax, it wasn’t really Lionel. Jeesh, Lex, scare everyone, why don’t you.” Clark said, putting his feet up on the coffee table. Johnathan cleared his throat, and Clark took them back down, and gave his father a sheepish look. Johnathan shook his head, mentally sending “don’t try that, Clark” to his son.

“Anyway.” Lex said, catching the interchange and smiling inwardly.

“Lionel hired some guy, some poor guy who is probably dead right now, to come into my office. This guy had a microphone, sound amplification devices, and speakers hidden inside his coat, or something. Lionel spoke to me from his headquarters, basically mocking me. I think that the time is close at hand when my father is going to make his move. We should all be prepared for anything, and I do mean anything.”

“Like what, Lex? If we knew at least somewhat what to prepare for, it would help.” Pete asked.

“I’m not sure, Pete. Maybe another kidnapping? Maybe he will come here and do something, maybe I’ll be dead tomorrow. Any number of possible outcomes are likely. My father is caged, and there is nothing more dangerous then a caged Luthor.”

“So we should just be on our toes until god knows what happens? There’s no way in hell I’m going to let Lionel tear this house apart, Lex. One of you guys is going to tell me where Lionel is based, and I’m going to do down there and. . .” Johnathan said, getting up and grabbing his coat. He then grabbed his trusty rifle, and headed for the door. Clark got up and caught his father’s arm.

“And what, Dad? Kill him? Threaten him? I don’t think so. You’re not leaving.” Clark said, grabbing the gun from his Dad’s hands.

“Son, I’m not going to let that man terrorize us, or this family, anymore. Not while I can still protect it.”

“And I’m not going to let you go running around, half-cocked with a shotgun in your hands! The last time you did that, I got shot!”
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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 12, Uncovered
Part 3
*****************

“What? Clark? When did. . .Clark!” Johnathan took a step back like HE’D just been shot. He couldn’t have shot Clark. No way in hell would he ever do that. But, judging from the look on Clark’s face, he must've done exactly that.

Clark also had a similar reaction. ‘Nooooooo, I wasn’t supposed to say that! He didn’t know! This is not going to be pretty!’

“When did I shoot you, Clark?”

“Dad. . .”

“Clark, when did I shoot you? I have to know.”

“Johnathan, that’s not important right now. We need to deal with Lionel, this can wait.” Martha put in. She was just as shell shocked as her husband, but she also knew Johnathan didn’t need to find out about this. So she tried, unsuccessfully, to stall him and divert his attention.

“Martha, no it can't. Clark, son, I need to know this. When did I shoot you?” Clark sighed, and leaned heavily against the counter. He was berating himself for letting this bit of information slip. He definitely did not want to see his father after he told him everything about the Nicodemus incident. And he had an inkling Lex may step in and mention what Pete did, which would further complicate matters. Clark decided to try and explain in as few words as possible.

“When you were infected with the Nicodemus flower.”

“Where? When? How? Why? What was I doing? Why didn’t you super speed out of the way?” Johnathan wanted the WHOLE story, not just the circumstances. Looking at Clark’s face, he suspected it would be like pulling teeth from a hyper 8 year old.

“Exactly, Clark. I want all those questions answers. Where did I shoot you?”

“In front of the Smallville Savings & Loans. Around. . .”

“No, Clark. Where on your body did I shoot you?”

“In the chest. Right. . .here.” Clark outlined the area on his chest where he’d taken the shot.

“And when was this?”

“Fall of 2001.” Clark cringed as he said this.

“And why am I learning about this TEN YEARS after it happened?” Johnathan barely kept his veins from bulging.

“Because I didn’t want this to happen. You’re killing yourself for something you didn’t have any control over, and when you weren’t yourself.”

“The fact remains, I SHOT my son. Nevermind that said son is invincible, I still SHOT you, Clark. I can't imagine how that must've made you feel.”

“I knew you weren’t yourself, Dad.”

“That doesn’t mean you weren’t upset, or confused, Clark. But that was a long time ago. Still, son, I am sorry if I hurt you. You must know I’d never do that.”

“Of course, I know, Dad. Don’t worry about it.”

“We haven’t gotten to why, yet, Clark. Why did I shoot you?”

“You. . .were upset about getting turned down for a loan. You were going to . . . do something, I don’t know what. I stopped you.”

“So how did I end up shooting you?”

“I tried to wrestle the gun away.”

“And it went off? Oh my god. . .” Johnathan fell onto the couch, shaking.

“Mr. Kent. . .this wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know what you were doing. Pete. . .he did something too.” Lex put in, trying to soothe Johnathan’s nerves. Pete turned to Lex.

“What did I do, Lex?” Clark rolled his eyes.

“Can we please stop uncovering old tragedies! LEX, for once, keep your mouth shut!” Clark snapped, trying to calm Johnathan down.

“Clark. . .you’re best friends, I thought you told him. I . . . I didn’t know. I’m sorry.” Lex stammered, eyes wide as he took in the chaos of the room. Johnathan was slumped over on the couch, half out of it, Martha and Clark were trying to calm him down, Pete was now gaping at him, while Lana and Chloe were just looking around the room, trying to figure out who to deal with first.

“Dad, come on, Dad.” Clark said, super speeding into the kitchen and getting a glass of water. He splashed it on his Dad’s face, and that seemed to do the trick. Johnathan looked around, at Clark’s concerned face, and at Martha’s worried one. He grabbed his son in a fierce hug, rubbing his hair. Clark swore he could feel tears on his skin, but he didn’t say a word, just held on as long as his Dad needed.

“Clark. . .I am so sorry, son.”

“Dad, I. . .you, it wasn’t you, Dad.”

“Son, it was. When it comes right back to the heart of it, I shot you, Clark. And I won't ever be able to make that up to you.”

“But you have, every day. You made up for it when I was on red kryptonite and threw you into a truck. You made up for it when I was sick and you cared for me. You made up for it by taking me in, in the first place. You made up for it by trying to like my friends, no matter your personal feelings.” Clark held on to his father, knowing Johnathan needed Clark like a drowning man needs a life-raft. After a few more minutes, Johnathan straightened up, and his eyes were dry. Clark just looked at his father, and nodded, smiling. Johnathan grabbed Martha’s hand and squeezed tight, and she squeezed right back.

“OK, we’re done with this tragedy, why don’t we talk about something else, now, huh?” Johnathan smiled, trying to deflect the attention.

“OK, we can talk about what I did to Lex. Well, Mr. Clean?” Lex smiled a bit at that.

“First, you barged in on me at the mansion, with a gun, threatening to shoot me. Clark showed up, as usual, pretended to side with you, delivered a pretty hard blow to my head, and then I assume he disarmed you and knocked you out, before apologizing to me.”

“Lex. . .”

“Relax, Pete, I know it wasn’t you. I don’t hold it against you, at all. Anything else, or can we turn back to the matter at hand.”

“I almost wanna ask if theres anything I’ve done that I don’t remember.” Chloe said. Clark smiled and arched an eyebrow.

“You must be kidding. Clark, I was joking! You mean. . .there really *is* something? Um. . .how bad was it?” ‘Chloe combines shocked and excited really well,’ thought Clark, looking at her face. ‘I’d like to make her more excited, though.”

“You made out with me in front of Lana, in the Talon, for starters.”

“You told me I needed a toupee.” Lex put in.

“You and Pete jumped Chandler’s Gorge in Pete’s car. I ended up catching you guys.”

“We flew out the windows?” Chloe asked.

“NO, I caught the car.”

“Oh, well. Um. . .” Chloe didn’t quite know how to answer that one.

“Oh, yes, Pete slipped Clark a piece of red kryptonite, to bring him in on the fun.” Johnathan smiled. Pete glared at him.

“Pre-make out, I might point out. Not that I need red kryptonite to make out with Chloe.” Clark said, saving his butt.

“That’s. . .pretty much everything, I hope?” Chloe said. Clark just grinning as he turned his gaze to Lana.

“Oh no.” Was all Lana said, burying her face in Pete’s shoulder.

“After everyone else’s combined disasters, I want to hear this one.” Lex said, smirking. Clark debated whether to burst his bubble now, or later. He settled on later, turning his gaze back to Lana.

“You, after becoming infected with the Nicodemus flower, dumped Whitney, dressed in a . . . highly provocative manner, and lured me to the Smallville High pool, where you did a 95% strip tease, dove into the water, and then quickly left, leaving me holding your shorts, and having to face Principal Kwan.”

“Then, I'm assuming you went straight to the Talon, where you were dressed in all black, looking very good, I may point out, you took the rest of the day off, after giving everyone free coffee, then stole my car keys when I wasn’t looking, and took off for god knows where.”

“The mill. I found her climbing up the ladder, it was her deepest desire, to climb the mill and look out over Metropolis. She fell about halfway, and I caught her and ran her to the hospital.”

“And then the Pete incident, I believe?” Lex said. Clark nodded.

“So that takes care of everyone. I know there’s nothing I don’t remember, except these blasted 12 weeks I’m getting back. So now, onto my Dad?” Clark again raised an eyebrow, this time at Lex.

“Clark, that’s funny. Seriously, you got me. My father, Clark, we need to. . .OK, you’re not looking away, Clark. Clark, this isn't funny anymore. Are you *serious*? What. . .what did I do?”

“You shot me with a submachine gun, and enjoyed every second of it.” Clark said, flatly. Lex looked horrified.

“I did. . .what!” Lex looked like he was going to be physically ill, any second. How could he have done that? Under any circumstances, he would never shoot Clark. Even after their falling out, he wouldn’t have shot Clark. Superman, yes, but not Clark.

“OK, see, there were these two guys, Kyle Tippet and Bob Rickman. Kyle used his . . . power for good, Bob used his for evil. They could make anyone do whatever they wanted them to, just by touching them, shaking hands. After a series of events, which included Kyle making Chloe kiss me, Bob used his handshake to make you torch the car Kyle and I were in, and then you somehow got a machine gun, and came into the gas station Kyle and I were hiding in. You found me, and proceeded to empty the gun into my body. I ended up kicking you across the garage and knocking you out, breaking Bob’s hold on you.”

“Clark. . .” Lex started.

“Wasn’t you, Lex. Rickman had you under his control. I didn’t end the friendship for it, did I?”

“No, but I bet you didn’t exactly trust me as you did before.”

“I’d be lying if I said I did, but I didn’t totally condemn you for it. It's the fact you were enjoying every second that got to me. But I got over it, Lex. Don’t beat yourself up for it.”

“Yeah, well. I suppose you’re right, Clark. I wasn’t completely in control. Now for my father?”

“Yeah, sure, Lex. I think we’re done sufficently humiliating everyone here.” Clark grinned.

“OK, well, Lionel somewhat appeared at my office. Clark went down to the warehouse, which, Chloe, you get to ream him out for, later. Clark found out a great deal, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I did, guys. For one, Lionel isn't recommended to leave his headquarters, or else he may die from over-exerting himself. Since he was in stasis for a good number of years, his muscles aren’t used to the strain he is putting himself under. He has to submit to 10 medical tests daily, so says his doctor. Lionel wants whatever plans he does have to move quickly, because he thinks you saw through the ploy. That’s all I know for now.”

“Oh, yes, Clark seems to think the mayor of Granville has it in for me. A man by the name of Ray Dinsmore.” Lana started at the last name.

“Em. . .Em. . .Emily’s brother?” she stammered out.

“Clark, man, she’s psycho. If she’s in on this, we’re in deep trouble. And there’s no telling what she learned in Belle Reeve, who she talked to, things she overheard. If she’s around, she could be a walking time bomb in regards to your secret.” Pete put in. Clark held his hands up, trying to calm Pete down, while Lex spoke, to that end.

“Relax Pete, Clark and I both think she’s not in on this, but we can't be sure, because we don’t even know where she is. And Ray is Emily’s cousin, not brother. But that’s not really important. This guy, he held my father responsible for Emily’s death, because he believed, as did Emily’s father, that the clone was the real thing. Now that he thinks my father’s dead, he wants his revenge on me, or so says Clark. I’m not so sure. However, if Ray and my father are working together, then the possibilities get much more scarier, and real world, too.”

“Like, real world in what way?” Lana asked, eyes wide as she listened in.

“Well, Emily’s Dad had a good thing going with that human cloning project, if Ray and my father have perfected it, they could, in theory, clone me, put Lionel’s essence in the clone, and then kill me off. Then Lionel would become me, and none would be the wiser.”

“Lex, that’s the stuff of science fiction movies, not real world scenerios. Human cloning and brain transfers. That. . .none of that is possible.” Johnathan said, trying to soothe Lex’s nerves.

“So is extraterrestrial life, Mr. Kent. But we both know that that’s come to pass, in the real world, don’t we? Plus, you didn’t see the Emily clone, Clark and I did, Clark fought her once, Lana was kidnapped once, and nearly killed, twice. So pardon us if we do believe.”

“OK, Lex, all right. So then why are you trusting this Ray Dinsmore, enough to even consider moving Luthorcorp to Granville?” Chloe asked.

“Because, tax breaks, monetary incentives, other reasons. But I’m not going in eyes closed, if that’s what anyone is worried about. I’ll be on my guard. Don’t you worry.”

“OK, then. Anything else?” Martha asked, anxious to do her own questioning of Clark. She understood why Clark didn’t tell Johnathan about the whole gun incident, but she was wondering why exactly he kept it from her.

“Yes, as per Clark’s. . .instuctions.” Lex gave a tight smile at the word ‘instructions’. “I will be staying at the mansion for the next few days. Goodnight, everyone.” Lex said, departing.

“Stay tonight?” Clark asked Chloe. She nodded. Johnathan closed his eyes.

“She can sleep. . .in your room, Clark.” He said. Clark smiled and nodded.

“Clark, honey, can I talk to you, in the kitchen?” Martha asked. This time, Johnathan laid a hand on her arm.

“Let it go, Martha. You can play 20 questions tomorrow morning. We all need to go to sleep.” He half carried his wife upstairs.

“TOMORROW, CLARK! Don’t try and run away! I’ll come to Metropolis, if I have to.” She yelled over Johnathan’s shoulder. Clark laughed and okayed her.

“We’re going to sleep, as well, man. Good luck with everything. If you ever need me to come down and stake out Lionel’s shed, let me know. I’ve got your back, brother.” Pete said, slapping Clark on the back, and heading for his temporary room. Lana smiled and walked right behind him.

“I’m beat, too, Chloe. C’mon. Lets jet.” Clark picked up Chloe, and walked them upstairs, to his room.

The next morning, Lana and Pete were the second ones up, behind Johnathan, of course. They wanted their own piece of Clark, all the stories last night needed more clarification, in their eyes. Lana volunteered to wake up Clark and Chloe.

“You'd better walk in there with a full pot of coffee, or Chloe’ll freak, you know that.” Pete smiled.

“I. . .I still can't get over the fact she’s alive, and here. And Clark’s finally dating her. Like, duh! She was in love with him throughout high school.”

“They did date, briefly, during junior year. But yeah, I know what you mean. And we really have to thank Lex for Chloe being alive, ya know? I mean, I’m not exactly crazy about the guy, but still, who knows what Lionel would’ve done if Lex hadn’t protected her.”

“I suppose so. I’m just glad she’s alive, doing well, and finally has the two things shes always wanted.” Lana smiled, walking down the hall. She knocked a couple times on Clark’s door, and then slowly opened it. She gasped a bit, and rubbed her eyes, making sure what she saw was real. Clark. . .she and Chloe were. . .floating. Lana took a second to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, and then smiled. Clark definitely was. . .unique in his displays of affection, that was for sure.

“Awwww. . .how cute.” Chloe faintly heard Lana’s voice. She opened her eyes, and saw the bed below her.

“CLARK!” she exclaimed. Clark opened his eyes, and saw the ceiling much closer then he remembered.

“Oh boy. . .” he said, quickly concentrating, so he wouldn’t break another bed.

“Clark, if this is the Kryptonian version of. . .well, um, never mind, but whatever this is, I’m all for it, but we have company.” Chloe snarked, eyeing Lana.

“Uhh. . .not quite, Chloe. And who’s our company? Maybe they’d wanna join us up here?” Clark got a few points in Chloe’s book for that one, not that she’d ever admit it.

“Lana Lang, reporting for duty!”

“Clean up my room, vaccum the house, and feed the cows! You know they won't feed themselves!”

“OK, Krypto-boy, once we get down from here, I’m feeding you kryptonite for that one.”

“I can keep this up all day, Chloe.”

“Yes, but we have to be at the Daily Planet in. . .a half hour. Which means you’re going to have to fly us to work.”

“Well, then, in the interests of time. . .” Clark turned them around, and slowly flew out of his room, and down the hall into the bathroom. Lana stared after them.

“I thought the FAA declared this a no fly zone!”

“Don’t quit your day job!” Chloe snarked back, as the bathroom door shut.

“If the house starts a rockin and rollin, I’ll get the kryptonite, you get the sledgehammer, deal?” Pete smirked, walking by and kissing her.

“Deal.” She kissed back, laughing into the kiss. The bathroom door opened, and Clark flew back out.

“Heads up, people!” Chloe smirked. Lana and Pete ducked, just as Clark flew over.

“He’s finally cracked. I knew this would happen.” Pete grinned. Lana got up and ran after Clark.

“That’s what a stove is for, Clark!” she heard Chloe yelling.

“This oughta be good.” Lana thought to herself, walking into the kitchen. Clark was boiling water with heat vision.

“Not bad, Clark, not bad.” Lana said, smiling.

“Order up!” Clark grinned.

“One dose of why did you keep the gun incident from me, with a side of I am sooooooo mad at you, oh. . .and I’ll take a black coffee and two slices of toast, as well.” Clark cringed as he turned around.

“Another mood bites the dust.” Chloe said under her breath.

“Look, Mom, I knew you'd be mad at him, too. You were already wondering what was up with him, I didn’t want you to worry about me, too.”

“Clark Jerome Kent, just because I was occupied with your father does NOT mean I don’t care about my son. You should’ve told me. I thought we didn’t keep secrets in this family.”

“I thought this family was all about secrets.” Clark shot back.

“Oh boy, fireworks soon. Defensive Clark plus hot under the collar Martha doesn’t equal happy endings.” Chloe whispered to Lana, as they slunk outside.

“We keep secrets from everyone else, Clark. Not inside this family. I can't believe you were shot at close range with a rifle and didn’t tell me.”

“What would you have done about it? It's not like that would've hurt me, any. And what would you have done to Dad once he woke up? It's not like he remembered any of it. And even you know you couldn’t have told him. So I didn’t see any point in me mentioning that to you.”

“Clark, when you put it that way. . .DON’T EVER NOT TELL ME ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN! Is that absoultely and totally clear?”

“Yeah. . .” Clark said, not meaning to keep that promise.

“OK, then, why don’t you call the girls back inside, I’ll handle breakfast.” Clark nodded, and walked outside. He made his way to the barn, where he thought the girls might be.

“We have to eat, Chloe. Then I have to fly us to work, because we have to be there in 20 minutes. Lana, breakfast. Get my Dad, too, please.” Clark said, superspeeding back into the house. Chloe followed, and pretty soon, their breakfast was done.

“I’m ready.” Chloe smiled at Clark. Clark gently smiled back at her.

“I love you, Chloe Sullivan.” He kissed her, and then they walked out of the house. As Lana came around the corner of the barn, she saw Clark take off, with Chloe in tow, and pretty soon, they were specks in the sky.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be completely OK with that. I guess I see why you kept this a secret for so long, Mr. Kent.”

“We did it for his sake, Lana, and for yours. All of you guys would've been in so much danger if word got out. He was crushed by your. . .rejection, and Chloe was there to pick up the emotional pieces, and they sparked. I don’t really hold it against you, Lana, the meteor shower was so devastating for you. But Lana, Clark blamed himself for everything bad that happened that day, you know how he likes to shoulder the world.” She nodded.

“I wish I could go back and redo that day, Mr. Kent. I wouldn’t react like that.”

“Believe me, Clark understands regrets, Lana. If you tell him what you just told me, I think he’d be OK.”

*Daily Planet*

“We’re just checking in, chief. We’re heading out to Granville in a couple of minutes.” Lois said, shuffling papers around on her desk. She and Clark were busying themselves for not only their main assignment, but also their own assignment, making sure Lex didn’t get himself captured or killed in Granville.

“We’re going to be busy, Lois. We have Ray to investigate, both for the paper, and for. . .other reasons, plus we’ve got to make sure Lex doesn’t get himself killed.”

“Yeah, well, I can do the investigation, solo, if you wanna protect your boyfriend.” Lois grinned, poking Clark. That remark almost earned her a scorch mark.

“Anyway, I think it’d be better if we both did the research, and just let Lex do his own thing. He’s a big boy now, he can protect himself. Or, he better be able to. I can't drop my job for him.”

“Well, Clark, we better hope he can handle himself. We taking my car, or you?”

“Car. Definitely car. No more flights for you in the near future.”

“Darn.”

*Proposed headquarters of Luthorcorp in Granville*

“So, once Mr. Luthor arrives, we will tour the building, ending up in the sub-basement, where Lex will be exploring hitherto unexplored realms of pain. Is the room ready for our guest?” Ray asked, smiling tightly. He would finally have revenge on Lex for the death of his cousin.

“Yes, sir. Everything is prepared for Lex’s arrival. We will be moving the remainder of the equipment into the room after Lex is . . . there. No sense in arousing any suspicion.” Garrett Waters, one of Ray’s minions, said. He didn’t understand his boss’s fixation on Lex, but he wasn’t being paid to. He had been guarenteed a position within Luthorcorp after Lionel took control.

“Mr. Luthor just called, Ray. He’s been. . .delayed in Metropolis, he says that he will be in Granville by 4pm, and once he tours the city, he will arrive here.” Garrett said, holding the phone out for Ray. He grabbed it.

“Hello, Lex. Yes, I completely understand the delay, no, of course not, not an inconvience. Of course, you’re understandably busy with Luthorcorp. Where would you like to meet me for the tour? City Hall? No problem. Say. . .6 o'clock tonight? Perfect. Thanks for calling, Lex. Have a nice day. Yes, goodbye.” Ray hung up and turned to Garrett.

“He will be here at 8pm, our tour will have to look convincing, last a couple hours. By 10 tonight, Lex Luthor will be completely at our mercy!” Ray sounded about as delusionally deranged with power as Lionel. Meanwhile, Clark and Lois had arrived at the old building, and were at the main level.

“I don’t like the looks of this place, Clark.” Lois said, staring at the old building where Luthorcorp was proposing to move. They’d arrived there after going first to City Hall, and finding out Mayor Dinsmore wasn’t there. They had decided to interview the mayor first, to see if they could gather anything useful from him.

“Well, onward and upward, Ms. Lane, unless, of course, you want me to do the interview all by myself.” Clark needled.

“Psssh, farmboy. You can't even handle feeding the cows and bailing hay by yourself. I wouldn’t trust you to do an interview if my life depended on it.” The choice of words was lost on her, but Clark, the hurt of Chloe’s verbal outburst a few days ago still fresh in his mind, took a double meaning.

“Well, then I guess you should be glad your life doesn’t, since you blame me for your cousin dying.” Clark bit off the word cousin, and stomped downstairs, where he spied a light on.

“Clark, I didn’t mean anything by it! She trusted you with her life, and so do I! Clark, come on, please?” Lois ran after him, but Clark was already out of sight.

“Clark, wait. Please. Look, I’m sorry. I just. . .I guess I got used to you saving everyone from everything, that when you didn’t show up for me, it just hurt. I don’t mean from the house, because we set that up, but from Lionel.”

“We can. . .discuss this later, Chloe. Right now. . .” Clark whispered back.

“Can I help you, lady and gentleman?” the voice of Ray Dinsmore cut through the slight tension in the air.

“Yes, Mr. Mayor, we’d like to do an in depth interview, if you’ve got the time.” Lois spoke up.

“Of course, for the two star reporters from the Planet, I have all the time in the world. Shall we move upstairs?”

“What's wrong with this room right here?” Clark asked, pointing to the room Ray and his party had emerged from.

“We’re moving toxic chemicals around in that room, it wouldn’t be a safe place for an interview. May I suggest the conference room on the main floor?” Garrett said.

“Of course.” Clark said, reaching up and ‘accidently’ knocking his glasses off.

“Clumsy me. I’ll get them, why don’t you run ahead, Lois?” Clark knelt down and quickly x-rayed the room in question, seeing several. . .machines he wasn’t familiar with. He quickly grabbed his glasses and put them on, and then ran ahead to catch up with Lois. He caught her eye and winked slightly, then shook his head imperceptivity. Lois plead with her eyes, but Clark again shook his head. All this happened in the span of a couple of seconds, as they made their way into the conference room.

“Thank you, mayor. I’m Clark Kent, and this is my partner, Lois Lane. We’ll try not to take up too much of your time.”

“Take as much time as you want, Lois, Clark. As I said, for the Planet’s star duo, anything.”

“As mayor of Granville for the past 16 years, you’ve accomplished great things. But, why do you feel the need to bring Luthorcorp here?” Lois certainly didn’t start small.

“Well, Lois, I feel that in my time as mayor, this city has taken great strides, but I have not made the one big coup. Bringing Luthorcorp here would quintuple our workforce, it would add roughly 200,000 new jobs to Granville. Last year’s GDP was up 4.3% year on year, we feel that bringing Luthorcorp here would at least triple that. Plus, our revenue would at least quadruple. Our economy would be revitalized, our population would increase, therefore, our tax revenue would increase per capita, so we could even lower taxes for our citizens. Everyone would benefit.”

“Are you also aiming to have a couple of Luthorcorp plants relocate to your city?” Clark asked.

“I am hopeful that once Mr. Luthor realizes how much we have to offer, yes, he will relocate some plants, or even start construction on new plants.”

“Luthorcorp also puts out a great deal of harmful chemicals, as you know. How do you assure your citizens that pollution will not be a risk?” Lois posed.

“Well, we have run some computer models, and have come to the conclusion that the minimal reduction in air quality is well worth the benefits Luthorcorp will bring. Our air quality rating was a 9.7 on the EPA’s scale of pollutants, and bringing in Luthorcorp, and restarting the two vacant plants on the south side of the city will reduce the rating by only half a point. Still well inside the EPA safety standard.”

“How about the . . . rift people think exists between you and the Luthors, most notably the late Lionel Luthor?” Clark started putting the heat on. He knew Ray was hiding something, and he just wanted a speck to go on.

“I have gotten over that, Clark. I harbor no ill will towards any member of the Luthor family.” Ray insisted. Clark, however, heard the mans heartbeat speed up.

“This is an interesting building, mayor. Is this the proposed site for the new Luthorcorp headquarters?” Lois questioned.

“Yes, it is. This building was chosen by Mr. Luthor, for it's unique design, and immaculate view of the skyline.”

“Since this is an in depth interview, would you object if I asked about your stay in Belle Reeve?” Clark said, staring right at the man. He smiled as he briefly saw the man flinch, and then recover himself.

“No, of course not. I have nothing to hide. When Emily died, I was devastated. How could I not be? She was like a sister to me. I. . .was pretty out of it for a while, so of course my parents consulted doctors. When I exhibited some violent behavior, they had no choice but to commit me until I recovered. They were only looking out for me.”

“Your parents?”

“I considered my aunt and uncle to be my parents. They were more so then my so-called real parents, that’s for sure.”

“So you harbor no ill will for any Luthor? This coming from the man who was, by his own admission, devastated to the point of mental breakdown over his sister’s death. Then, when said sister reappeared, and then died again, at Lionel’s hands, you didn’t care? I find that hard to believe, Ray. Come on, you hate the Luthors, don’t you? It’s quite all right. I hate them myself. Lex Luthor was directly responsible for the death of my cousin. Believe me when I say this, I know the treachary their kind is capable of.”

“Then why, Ms. Lane, do you condone Clark’s friendship with your cousin’s murderer?” Ray asked.

“WHAT? CLARK? What is he talking about? I thought you hated Lex Luthor as much as I did? How could you? Chloe was your friend. . .your girlfriend at one time! I thought she meant more to you then that!”

“Lois. . .I. . .”

“NO! Get out of here Clark! Before I throw you out! I don’t want to see you again.” Lois was basically screaming. Clark was trying not to smile, he knew what she was up to.

“But. . .Lois, I swear. . .”

“Mayor Dinsmore, please make sure he leaves!” Lois was playing this out to the hilt.

“Garrett, show our guest to the door.”

“My keys are in her purse. Can I at least get them?” Lois waved her hand at her purse, not even looking at Clark. Clark rummaged around, found his keys, and then slowly walked to the door.

“Lois. . .please. . .I just. . .” Garrett shoved Clark out of the building, and locked the door behind him.

“. . . want to thank you.” Clark finished, grinning boyishly. Chloe was one hell of an actor, that was for sure. Among her many talents. Clark made a show of walking to his car, dropped his keys, picked them up, and supersped out to the room he'd seen Ray and Garrett coming out of. He closed his eyes, imagined himself floating gently upwards, and when he opened his eyes again, he was eye level with a window looking into the room. He glanced around, seeing vats of chemicals, some machines, nothing out of the ordinary, except for a metal bed in one corner. He heard someone coming around the corner of the building, so he quickly descended, and supersped back to the car.

“I could’ve sworn I heard someone back here.” He heard Garrett saying.

“Well, no one is here. Ah, Mr. Kent, what are you still doing here?” Ray spoke up, eyeing Clark sitting in the driver’s seat.

“Lois still needs a ride back, despite our fight. I owe her that.”

“That’s big of you, Clark. I suppose I can stomach a car trip back to Metropolis with you. Just don’t expect to talk to me.” Lois said, walking briskly to the car and opening the passenger side door. She got in, and Clark drove off, towards the highway.

“Well, Smallville?”

“You could work on Broadway, Chloe. Or in movies, or even on a TV show. Back to business, though. What happened after I left?”

“He told me that if I wanted to get my own revenge on Lex Luthor, I should be here tonight at midnight. He warned me to come alone.” Clark smirked as he rummaged through her purse.

“Clark, what’re you doing?”

“You’re not the only one who can be slick, Ms. Sullivan.” Clark grinned, pulling out a tape recorder. He rewound the tape, and played it. Everything Lois said was concretely on tape.

“So now, Mr. Kent, what do you suggest we do with this? Bring it to the police?”

“No, they’ll not accept this as evidence of anything. We have to bring it to Lex.” Clark said.

“You can get it there faster then this car ever could, Clark.”

“This is true. I don’t like superspeeding around the city, but flying is out. Drop me off here, I’ll meet you back at the Planet. We’ll say we’re there to go over the interview you got with Dinsmore.” Lois nodded, and pulled over. Clark got out, and looked around. Not seeing anyone, he supersped off towards Luthorcorp.

*Summerholt*

“Rest and relax, Lex. We’re making definite progress.” Garner assured Lex, as the slab was lowered into the kryptonite solution.

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“Lex, honey, could you please come in here for a minute?” Lillian called, coughing once. She was laying in her hospital bed, an IV dripping pain relievers into her bloodstream. Her chemo wreaked havoc with her system, frequently causing her nausea, and heart palpatations. She was also in excrutiating pain without the medication. Thirteen year old Lex Luthor stepped into the room, the light reflecting off his head, creating a momentary halo effect around his head. To Lillian, it seemed she was looking at an angel.

“Yeah, Mom?” Lex found it difficult, even two years after the Julian incident, to call Lillian “Mom”, but seeing her like this. . .it stirred something inside him that he thought had been killed that night.

“Lex, you know I’ve been sick for a few months, right?”

“Yes, Mom. Dad says you’re not going to get any better. He said you’ve got less then half a year left to live. But I need you, Mom. You can't die! You can't leave me with him! I need you!” Lex said, a few tears slipping down from his eyes. He meant what he said. His Mom was the only thing keeping him from truly becoming his father’s son.

“Just like Lionel. Deliver the news, cold hearted SOB! Never once stopping to think how it’ll affect a 13 year old boy. Dammit! Lex, listen to me. You are not only his son, you’re our son. That means you have the best of me, and the best of him, whatever that may be. Remember to not listen too closely to what he has to say, Joesph. Emotions can only help, never hurt, the human condition. Be strong, Lex. Be bold, be cunning, but never ruthless. There is only one person in the world who can take on your father and win, and that’s you. One day, you must bring him down, make him pay for all the crimes he’s committed, and those he has yet to commit.”

“Mom, I won't let you die. I promise. I’ll make sure you live.” Lex said, squeezing her hand once, and then walking out of the room.

“Lex. . .son, come back!” Lillian called, before a violent coughing fit hit her. A nurse raced in and increased the dosage of the pain medication. Lex turned, looking through the window, and then turned away, unable to bear seeing his mother that weak.

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“OK, Lex, that’s it for today. Be here in a couple days. Have a good day. Oh yes, don’t worry about sudden spontanious memories in the middle of the day. Side effects from this therapy. It is perfectly normal, nothing to worry about.”

Lex, deeply troubled by the recent tragedies he’d been forced to live over again, needed some fatherly advice. Fortunately, he had a father to turn to. Clark’s. He got into his car, and made a beeline for the Kent farm. Clark, meanwhile, had made a beeline for Luthorcorp, and not finding Lex there, decided to do a little aerial search. He changed into his suit, and then took off, covering Metropolis in a zig zag pattern. He spotted Lex’s Porsche racing along Highway 23, heading for Smallville. He flew overhead, and then overtook the car.

“Clark is one weird person.” Lex thought as he saw his friend disappearing in the distance. He drove on, reaching the Kent farm a little while later.

“What took you?” Clark grinned as he greeted his friend.

“Some red caped moron ran me off the road.” Lex smirked as he climbed the porch steps. Clark stood in his dust, staring after Lex. He turned to look at the Porsche, as Lex closed the front door.

“I’m considering dropping the memory restoration procedures. I . . . I don’t think I can handle going through childhood traumas all over again. It's like reliving your worst nightmare, day after day.”

“If I had a 3 month hole in my memory, it would be worth the momentary pain I'd endure to have those months uncovered, Lex. You're a strong person, and you have a strong family here for you. We'll get you through this, son, I promise.” Johnathan pulled Lex to him, engulfing Lex in a bear hug. Outside, Clark turned back to the house, and seeing Lex in his father’s arms, he ran inside. Johnathan motioned Clark into the hug, so Clark wrapped his arms around both of them.

“You’re never alone, Lex. Never.” Johnathan said. Clark squeezed Lex’s arm gently to reenforce that thought. All wasn’t right with Lex, but with this family behind him, all would soon be right. Lex was sure of it.
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Anne
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Well done Tejesh! :D :clap: :clap: :cheer:

:grouphug: *Anne*
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Tejesh
Moved In
Story ain't over, lol. It's just supremely easy to forget about this place :( Especially cause I post here so infrequently. But, if you want to consider this Book 2, go for it. I'm gonna post chapters 13 and 14 in succession now, and that's a ton of reading, heh. Enjoy.
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**Chapter 13, Captured**
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A few moments later, Lex pulled himself out of the hug, and stood tall.

“Thank you, Clark, Mr. Kent. I knew if I came here you'd find some way of making it all make sense again. Did you need something, Clark? I assume you didn’t fly over my car just for kicks?”

“Yeah, I needed something, Lex.” Clark pulled the tape recorder out of his suit, and pressed play. Then, while the tape played, he fixed himself a quick lunch, making enough for his Dad and Lex. They were alone today, since Martha was taking Pete and Lana to the airport.

“So you were right all along, Clark. I should’ve known not to go against your evidence. But, what do you suggest I do? All this confirms is that Ray wants revenge against me, and he’s going to be going for it sometime tonight.”

“I suggest you cancel any trip to Granville, and stick around here for the next couple of days, Lex. Don’t give anyone a chance to get close to you.” Johnathan said, fixing Lex with a paternal stare.

“Luthors don’t turn away from adversity, Mr. Kent. And I don’t intend to do anything of the sort. Hiding out at a farm is not my idea of standing up for myself.”

“So what, Lex, you’re going to go to the meeting, knowing something is going to happen? I can't be there 24/7, I have a job to do.” Clark said, getting angry. Lex was so stubborn! It drove Clark crazy.

“Forewarned to watch out for anything, yes. I am going to the meeting. I’ll be careful, Clark. I’ll even carry a gun with me, if you think it’ll help.”

“I think you shouldn’t even go, Lex! But of course, I won't be able to keep you from going, so yes, carry a gun. Bring a security team! Take every precaution you can, please, Lex. I think he’s going to try and kill you.” Clark pleaded with Lex. He also knew Lex probably wouldn’t bring anything or anyone to the meeting.

“I’ll be prepared. Oh, yes, Clark, I talked to my doctor, and did some of my own experiments. That tranq I was hit with, it was a variation of a common sedative, slightly stronger. When mixed with kryptonite, there is no reaction, so I am in the clear.”

“With that, yes. But with this Ray situation, you’re not. I want you to promise me that you’ll be on your guard while you’re in Granville.” Johnathan spoke up, glaring at Lex and Clark.

“I promise, Mr. Kent. I won't be caught off guard.” Lex sounded sincere, and so, Clark or Johnathan didn’t have much more to say.

“I have to get back to the Planet. Lois is waiting for me, so we can go over the interview we did with Dinsmore. Be careful, Lex. Please.” Clark said, walking out of the house and then slowly taking off, heading back for Metropolis.

“That goes double from me, Lex. Please make sure you watch your back.” Johnathan patted Lex’s back, and then headed outside, towards the barn. Lex nodded, and headed for his car, for the drive back to Luthorcorp. Clark, meanwhile, diverted his flight path, making a pit stop at Lionel’s warehouse. He quicked x-rayed the building, and to his shock, found it totally empty. He turned around, and flew quickly towards Luthorcorp. He came around the back of the building, and swooped down to Lex’s office, peering in the window. All he was in time to see was someone quickly running out the door, a container in his hands. He flew back around to the front, awaiting whoever it was, but no one showed up. In fact, the next person to approach the building was Lex, himself. He grunted once upon seeing Superman hovering outside his building, otherwise, he didn’t acknowledge Superman. Superman groaned inwardly, and flew back to Lex’s window, this time waiting for Lex to get there. Once Lex did, Superman motioned for Lex let him in.

“Most people use the door.” Lex said, as he opened the window.

“Including a thief who was in here, Luthor.” Superman used his disdainful voice, in case any listening devices were left behind. He pointed to his ears, and motioned around the room. Lex, in turn, pointed to his eyes, and made a ‘look around’ gesture. Clark was in the process, when he came across something. He pointed to it, and then walked over.

“Leave it.” Lex barely whispered. With his superhearing, Clark caught it easily, and he glanced at Lex, a perplexed look on his face. Lex turned to the window, and made a flying motion. Clark, alarmed, shook his head.

“We need to talk.” Lex used that whisper again. Clark sighed softly, and then took Lex in his arms, and flew out the window, and high enough above the city where no one could identify either of them. However, close enough to Luthorcorp, where Clark could keep an eye on Lex’s office, and return them in short order, in case anything required them.

“So talk, Lex.”

“Who was it in my office, Clark?”

“I’m not sure. Whoever it was escaped out another exit, because I had the front door under surveilance. And they escaped with a box of some kind.”

“There are many exits from Luthorcorp, Clark. I had to have some way of escaping your constant presence.” Clark rolled his eyes, and looked kind of disappointedly at Lex.

“So where is this guy, then, Lex? And how many people know about those other exits?”

“I don’t know, could be anywhere. And way too many people to even begin a suspect list.”

“I flew over the warehouse just before coming here, no one was inside. And I mean NO ONE. Which means your father is somewhere, doing god knows what. LOIS!” Clark exclaimed, almost dropping Lex in his haste to turn towards the Planet. Lex wrapped both hands around Clark’s neck, knowing he couldn’t do any damage.

“I’m still up here, Clark. And, unlike you, I can't fly, so I’d appreciate you not dropping me.”

“I didn’t invite you, Lex. I need to go check on Lois.”

“Easy, Clark. I don’t think my father would head for Lois, even if he did know her true identity. That’s not how he operates.”

“Under normal circumstances. Didn’t you say he’s got a deadline of. . .a few weeks, at best?”

“Roughly 10 weeks, from what I’ve been able to gather. And two weeks are down. It's too soon for a move that drastic.”

“I’d still like to make my own fly by, Lex. Before I do, though, why didn’t you want me to remove the device?”

“I don’t want my father to know I found it. Or, rather, you found it. Either way, let him think he’s got the advantage. It’ll make sure he doesn’t make a more rash, bold move. Hold him at bay for a few more weeks.”

“If you say so, Lex. I think, if you want to conduct normal business in your office, you should remove those devices. Theres that one, then another behind a book in your bookcase. The Complete Biography of Alexander the Great. Then a small one in your plant to the left, when you sit behind your desk.”

“Three?”

“Yes, Lex. 1 plus 1, plus 1, makes three. Good job.” Lex rolled his eyes.

“Anything else, Lex?”

“Nope.”

“I understand you’re going to be in Granville tonight, so the nightly dinner is out. Might I suggest you call us once an hour? Just to make sure you’re all right?”

“OK, Clark.” Lex sighed.

“Lex, this guys gunning for you, and you’re still stubbornly insisting on going. The least you can do is not give your friends reason to worry. Or does the fact Lex Luthor has friends slip your mind?”

“You made your point, Clark. Several, in fact. I’ll call every hour, now I have to go destroy those devices.”

“I could do it, Lex.”

“My father’s known for. . .unusual tactics, Clark. What if there’s kryptonite in them?”

“OK, Lex. Well, I’ll let you get to it. See you tomorrow, I guess.” Clark gently floated back down to Lex’s office, and glided in, and Lex relaxed his death grip on Clark. Clark waved, and flew off, slowly. Lex found each of the devices Clark told him about, and smashed them all, then threw them out the window, into the street below, where they’d be run over multiple times, ensuring they wouldn’t be operational. Clark, meanwhile, rapidly flew to the Planet, and walked in, as Superman.

“I have reason to believe Ms. Lane’s life is in immediate danger. Where is she?”

“Uhh. . .” Jimmy stuttered, looking at the mysterious superhero.

“Lois is in Clark’s office, Superman.” Perry said, winking at Superman. Superman blinked a couple times, unsure of how much Perry knew.

“Where is Clark’s office?”

“Jimmy, why don’t you show Superman to Clark’s office, OK? Oh, and tell Lois I need to see her and Clark in my office as soon as possible.” Perry smiled in Superman direction, and then went into his office. Jimmy led the hero into Clark’s office, where Lois was sitting behind his desk.

“Superman here thinks your life is in danger, Lois. So he personally came to check on you. I have to get back to running pictures for tomorrow’s edition. I’ll leave you in his capable hands.” Jimmy closed the door.

“My life is in danger, Superman?”

“Lionel’s not in his warehouse, Ms. Lane. I do not know where he is.”

“Might I suggest looking at the new proposed Luthorcorp headquarters in Granville?”

“Good thinking, Ms. Lane. I’ll get right on it. Oh yes, your boss wanted me to tell you that he wants to see yourself and Clark in his office, as soon as possible.”

“You’re friends with Clark, could you please make sure he gets his ass down here, like. . .5 minutes ago?”

“Most assuredly, Clark will be here. Don’t worry.” Superman walked out of the office, and outside. He flew away, only to double back, and change into Clark clothes, and walk into the Planet. He hurried to Perry’s office.

“Superman said you needed to see me?”

“Yes, Clark. You and Lois did an interview with Mayor Dinsmore, earlier today, correct? We want to run that as our top story in tomorrow’s edition. We’ll need a complete transcript, and some pictures. I've sent Olsen out to the building, to get some shots of Granville. If you and Lois could type up the interview, and editoralize, that would be great. And, no disappearing this time. We really need to lay this story down by 10 tonight.”

“But. . .Chief. . .”

“No buts, Kent. Get to it. And don’t call me chief.”

“Great. Just great.” Clark muttered as he headed back to his office.

“What's wrong, Clark?” Lois asked, as Clark all but slammed the door to his office.

“Perry sent Jimmy to Granville, to guess where. And he basically forbid me to go make sure Jimmy doesn’t get involved in this net.” Clark picked up a pencil, and in frustration, ground it into dust. Lois grabbed his hand.

“That’s not going to help anyone, Clark. Calm down, Jimmy’s good at this stuff, he’ll be able to help himself. Now, the sooner we begin the story, the sooner we end it. I took some pictures myself, I’ll lay them out, while you type. And I mean speed through, Clark.”

“Where is the interview?”

“Here.” Lois handed him the transcript of the interview, which they’d written down verbatim. Clark thanked her, turned to his computer, and began speed-typing.

“Clark, slow down, you’ll finish in 5 seconds, and then have to wait hours until it appears like you normally typed up the story.”

“I’ll come up with something.” It took Clark roughly 10 minutes to type up the whole story, and then he sat twiddling his thumbs until Lois, two and a half hours later, finished with the photo spread.

“We going with the A1 and A8 layout?” Clark asked.

“I dunno, Clark. Why don’t you go ask Perry?” Clark nodded and went to check, while Lois worked on the front page layout.

“Front page, and we get as much room as we need on page A6.”

“OK, then why don’t you lay out A6, I can finish up the front page. You also need to print out the story, and get it laminated, and then turned into newsprint.”

“OK. I can handle that.” Clark leaned over and hit print on the computer, and then laid down a couple of pictures from the interview. He marked the areas for text in red, then, when the story was printed, he raced off to the laminating room. Lois dared to look at her watch.

“Half past 9, wonderful. Lex and probably Jimmy are probably in deep trouble as we sit here and do this story.” Clark ran back in with the story ready to lay out. He grabbed a pair of scissors, and began cutting where Lois told him to. Together, they finished up laying out the story in about a half hour.

“Now, we need to lift this out to the main room. Can you handle that, Clark?”

“Sure.” Clark took one of the pages out, while Lois took the second.

“Good job, guys. Have a great night, go out to dinner, or something. Enjoy yourselves.”

“What about Jimmy?” Clark asked.

“He’s probably on his way over right now. Don’t worry, CK, he’s fine. Go home and rest.” Perry patted Clark’s back once, and then turned back to his office. Clark and Lois looked at each other once, before leaving.

“I’m going home, Lois. If you wanna come, lemme know.”

“No, I think I’m going to be going to my own apartment, tonight. You know? The one I almost never see anymore? Goodnight, Smallville.

“Night, Lois.” Clark leaned in and kissed her, and then jogged out of the building. He headed off to his apartment, a plethora of bad and forboding thoughts running through his head, from Lex being killed to Jimmy getting involved.

*Granville*

“I found him snooping around outside, boss. He was taking pictures, weren’t you, kid?” Steve, one of Lionel’s goons, said, dragging a kicking Jimmy with him. Steve turned and backhanded Jimmy across the face.

“Quit kicking, kid, or the next one will put you out.” Steve was along to make sure nothing went wrong with Lionel’s plan, and to provide backup for Ray.

“Put him in the room with Lex. Maybe the runt can help us.” Ray said, turning and heading for his office. Steve dragged Jimmy along, and once he got down to the basement level, motioned for the guard to open Lex’s cell door.

“You get a playmate, Luthor. Play nice.” Steve said, throwing Jimmy into the room and shutting the door. Jimmy was at once on his feet, and made a move for the door.

“Won't work, Mr. Olsen. They're way too smart for that.” Lex said, getting up off the floor.

“M. . .Mr. Luthor. What are you doing in here?”

“I wish I knew. Right now, I’m more concerned with how we’re going to escape. And, what are you doing in here?”

“Perry White sent me to get some pictures to go along with Lois and Clark’s interview with Ray Dinsmore.”

“Perry White needs to learn to stop sending kids into potential danger zones.” Lex snarled.

“I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much, Lex.”

“Yeah, and a fine example of that is you standing in here, Jimmy.”

“Well, at least I’m not some billionaire bent on destroying the world! Oh, wait, ever since Superman’s little night visit a couple weeks ago, you’ve had a reformation, haven’t you?”

“Why you. . .” Lex grabbed Jimmy by the shirt, and then came to his senses.

“We can't do this, Jimmy. We need to work together, not bicker among ourselves. We've got to find a way out of here.” Lex let Jimmy go, and apologized.

“Apology accepted, only if you accept mine. I. . .I don’t like being called a kid.” Jimmy smiled as he bashfully looked up at Lex.

“Neither did I. OK, Jimmy it is. And I’m Lex.”

“All right, I can do that.”

”Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’re going to have much luck escaping from here. Iron bars over the window, a guard at the door. . .”

“And frequent visits from the jailkeepers.” Ray said, walking inside.

“How long do you think you can keep us here before someone notices?” Lex asked.

“As long as I need to, Luthor. Now, the purpose of my little visit to the zoo, is to ask you a question. What is Superman’s weakness?”

“Why the hell should I tell you? You’re wasting your time.”

“I suggest you tell me, Lex. I have more. . .painful methods of gaining the truth. What is Superman weakness?” Lex, however, didn’t open his mouth again.

“Fine, then. You. . .Mr. Olsen. Thank you, Lex, for his name. You work for the Daily Planet, alongside Clark Kent. Clark’s a friend of Superman, he would know what we’re after. And maybe, so would you. What is Superman weakness?”

“Like Lex said, you’re wasting your time.”

“You’re wasting your time, the both of you, if you think you can keep secrets from me. You will tell me everything I want to know, willingly. Superman grew up in Smallville, that much I know. If I have to get every citizen from that rusted down cow town here, I will, BUT I WILL KNOW THE SECRETS OF SUPERMAN!” Ray said. Lex looked at Ray, a bored expression on his face.

“You sound like my father, Mr. Dinsmore, but we both know that’s impossible, don’t we? He’s dead.”

“My real father is dead, too. I live with a foster family.” Jimmy spoke up.

“Evasion won't work, Mr. Olsen, Mr. Luthor, at least, not for long. I've taken the liberty of not putting any surveilance in this room, since there is no possible escape from here. The iron bars, are actually lead, and their painted with a thin film of kryptonite solvent, which instantly burns off any skin that touches it. The only way out is through the front door. Have a nice night, gentlemen. Tomorrow will be a wake up call for both of you.” With that, Ray departed. Jimmy looked at Lex, shocked.

“He doesn’t know what he’s got.” Jimmy whispered. Lex nodded.

“If what he said is true, then Superman can't get us out through the window.” Lex whispered back. Jimmy pointed to the door. Lex nodded and went to take a look. He came back shaking his head.

“No one is there, not even the guard.” He said. Jimmy shrugged.

“What would happen if Superman tried to melt those lead bars?”

“I. . .I’m not sure. But I have a feeling I should know.” Lex said, furrowing his eyebrows as he tried to think.

“Anyway, I think we should get some shut eye, Jimmy. While we still can.” Lex said, pulling over a couple chairs and putting them about 5 and a half feet apart.

“That’s for you.” Lex answered Jimmy’s unspoken question.

“You think anyone knows we’ve been captured?” Jimmy asked quietly.

“Honestly, no. I don’t. At least, not yet. Perhaps tomorrow.” Lex said, laying down on the floor.

“Lex, I. . .I’m scared.”

“I know, Jimmy. I’m scared, too. But try not to think about it. Don’t give in to your fear, or else they’ll use that against you. Whenever you deal with them, make your mind blank. Deal from a position of strength, not fear.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Jimmy looked understandably confused.

“Don’t give in to your fears, Jimmy. Try not to show them that they hurt you. We have to be strong for each other. No crying while you’re in their company, no wincing, no showing any pain. Or, as little as possible.”

“I can try that, I guess.”

“That’s all I can ask, Jimmy. Now, lets get to bed, OK?”

“Night, Lex.”

“Night, Jimmy.”
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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 14, Consequences
Part 1
******************

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“Clark? You called and told me to be here at 2, so here I am.” Pete called, walking into the Kawatche caves. He carried a bowling ball bag with him.

“Over here, Pete.” Clark called back.

“What's he doing here?” Pete gestured to Lex.

“Learning, Pete, learning. Clark figures it’ll be easier if both of us are able to fully back him up when he tells the girls. And what are you doing with that thing?”

“Whatever, man. You know I still don’t agree with you telling him, right? Let him chalk up Metropolis to whatever his twisted mind wants to. And because Clark really wants to tell you, this is to aid your learning. What I don’t know is, why have me here? You can tell him yourself, you know, it’s not like you’ve lost the power of speech.”

“In case I forget anything. To me, this is old news, but to you and Lex, it’s not.” Clark answered.

“Well, if you’re determined to do this, we should start with this.” Pete said, taking out the bowling ball, and hefting it. He smiled, and wound up, and then, with all his strength, threw it into Clark. The ball cracked in half and fell to the ground.

“What the **** was that???” Lex yelled, running to make sure Clark wasn’t hurt.

“Invincibility.” Pete said, picking up the two halves of the bowling ball and putting them back into the bag. Pete then picked out a rubber ball from his backpack and held it up.

“Pull!” Clark yelled, getting what Pete wanted to do. Pete tossed it into the air, and Clark focussed, and twin beams of heat shot out of his eyes, and the ball was incinerated.

“Heat vision. Cute trick. How'd you get that one?” Lex asked.

“Um. . .well. . .”

“He was all sexed up, Clarky here was hot on your wife.” Pete threw Clark to the sharks.

“HELEN caused your heat vision?”

“Desiree Atkins did. Thanks, Pete. So, I guess I gotta tell this one. I was in biology class, and we were watching a sex ed film. . .and I was watching her, and. . .suddenly I felt a pain in my head, and as I was watching the screen, it burst into flames.”

“It appears you can control it now, how did that happen?”

“I practiced on a scarecrow. I thought about. . .you know, and I learned to control it.”

“Good thing, I’d imagine.” Lex said dryly.

“Funny guy.” Clark answered, turning red.

“I think I see why you like him, Clark. That was good, Lex. We hardly make Clark blush like that!”

“It's apparently what I’m here for.” Lex smiled slightly.

“Hey Clark, I need a coffee. How about the Starbucks in Metropolis?” Pete said.

“Three coffees, coming up.” Clark said, zipping out of the cave after Pete handed him a $20.

“So. . .” Lex didn’t know how to talk to Pete.

“Look, it’s no surprise to learn I don’t like your family, Lex. But I’m beginning to see you are different compared to Lionel. I’m still not crazy about you, but you handled Clark when he was in Metropolis, and that wasn’t easy. So I’m willing to give you a chance. How's that?”

“Probably the best I can hope for. OK, Pete. Semi-apology accepted.” At that moment, Clark returned with 3 steaming cups of coffee.

“I couldn’t come back full speed because of the cup holder, guys.” Clark said, offering a cup to Lex and taking one himself.

“It took you a minute and you’re telling me that’s not full speed?” Lex said incredulously.

“Nope, not full speed.”

“All that’s left is x-ray vision.” Pete said.

“How’re we going to do that?” Clark wondered.

“Pete, go run into the woods. Hide behind a dense bush or something. Clark and I will come looking in . . . 3 minutes. Hey, Clark, wanna run between here and Metropolis 5 times?” Lex smiled.

“Yeah, you’re here strictly for comic relief.” Pete said, walking out of the caves.

“So you’re seriously an alien?” Lex asked.

“Yeah, Lex, I am. I hope. . .I hope you understand why I kept this from you for so long.”

“Because of my father.”

“That, and because I didn’t even know until you decided to offroad your car into my body. I was so upset that I survived, Lex. I went home, and shoved my arm into a wood chipper, and later that night. . .they showed me the spaceship.”

“For what it's worth, Clark, I’m sorry you had to go through that all alone.” Lex laid an arm on Clark’s shoulder.

“Yeah, well, what doesn’t kill you and all that jazz, huh?”

“Clark, the point is, you’re not alone anymore. Pete and I are here for you. And soon, so will Lana and Chloe. You don’t have to keep secrets anymore, not from your friends.”

“That’ll take some getting used to, Lex.”

“Well, times up, lets do this.” Lex said. Clark and Lex walked out of the caves and Clark stared intently into the woods, and began walking through, picking his way, until he came across a natural cave made out of brush.

“Pete, come on out.” Clark said. Pete soon crawled out.

“Well, that’s pretty impressive, Clark.” Lex said, turning and leading the way back into the caves.

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Lex awoke on the cold, hard floor, to find Jimmy sitting in one of his chairs, looking at him.

“That looked like a pretty intense dream.”

“I am an intense dreamer.” Lex covered, not giving anything away.

“Theres water, mouthwash and food over there, if you’re hungry. I hope I left enough.”

“Thanks, Jimmy.” Lex gargled, spit, took a drink of water, and then ate the rest of the food, except for a piece of raisin bread.

“Allergic to raisin, Jimmy. You want?”

“Sure. . .” Jimmy took it and devoured it in two bites.

*Daily Planet*

“So I guess Jimmy decided a nightlife visit in Granville was more important then getting his ass back here with those pictures. Figures, kids.” Perry was grumbling as Clark walking into the newsroom.

“Whoa, wait a second, Jimmy didn’t come back last night?”

“No, he didn’t! And he didn’t email us anything. I told Greta that hiring kids would get this paper into trouble, but no, she wouldn’t listen. All I am is an editor in chief. I don’t have any real power!”

“Clark, could you come in here for a minute, please?” Lois called from his office. Clark eyed Perry. Perry waved him away.

“Go ahead, why should you follow orders when no one else around here wants to?”

“Self-sacrifical scenes never work on me, chief.” Clark grinned at Perry, as he turned into his office. He was met by a perky Lois, who laid one on him as soon as he got into the door.

“Mmm. . .Lois, what are you doing?”

“Stealing some make out time with my boyfriend. What does it look like?” Lois asked, starting to nibble on Clark’s neck. Not that he could tell.

“Heh, Lois. Quit it. We’re in the Daily Planet, in my office. Where anyone could walk in.” Clark did kiss her back, nevertheless.

“C’mon Clark, where’s your sense of adventure, your walk on the wild side spirit?” this was definitely the Chloe side of Lois, as she kissed Clark deeper and deeper.

“OK, Chloe. You wanna play? Lets play!” Clark grabbed Chloe around the waist and pinned her against the wall. Chloe grinned and ducked under his arm and ran over to the desk.

“Chloe, come here. . .” Clark playfully strode to her, and spun her around, so he was on his back, on the desk, and she lay on top of him. They proceeded to kiss fiercely. Clark rolled off the desk, making sure to land with Chloe on top. As they resumed kissing, it started getting a little beyond PG, when the door opened. Perry glanced down at them.

“Way to go, Clark, this room looks like. . .well, you’ve been doing what you’re doing for hours. Clean this mess up and report to my office, NOW!” Clark got up and sheepishly grinned.

“I’m not apologizing, chief.” Lois grinned from the ground.

“No, I didn’t think you would.” Perry winked at her and walked out. Clark started straightening up the office, and with Lois’s help, the office looked normal, or as normal as it would get, in no time. Clark pulled Lois to him and kissed her one last time.

“Never let it be said Clark Kent doesn’t have a adventurous streak in him.”

“Never let it be said red kryptonite wouldn’t help that streak.” Lois shot back. Clark just smiled at her.

“No red kryptonite, Chloe. You know what that does.”

“I could live with that. But, anyway, we’d better go see what Perry wants before he has an aneurysm.” Clark grinned and held the door open for Lois. Clark followed her, and they marched into Perry’s office.

“We’re not sorry for what you interrupted, Perry.” Lois said, confidently.

“No, and that’s not why I called you in here. Lois, I want you to go to Granville and find Olsen, and drag his ass back here, so I can verbally kill him. Clark, I need you to pull double duty today. Luthorcorp is hosting a dinner with reporters at the Hilton, at 6 o'clock, I need you to go get some pictures. As well as get some questions in. Go to it, people.”

“Sometimes, I’d swear to you, we’re the only two reporters who work here, Lois.” Clark said, as he walked out of Perry’s office.

“Tell me about it. And I've got it worse.”

“There is no way I’m letting you go to Granville, Chloe. You pretend you went, tell Perry you couldn’t find Jimmy, and go do something. I’ll be at this lunch, and back before you know it. I can get the scoop from someone inside Luthorcorp.”

“You sure that’ll work, Clark? Perry’s nickname. . .”

“It’ll work, Lois. Even if it doesn’t, at least you won't be in harms way. Trust me. Go have a nice day, come back at half past 4 or so, and tell Perry you looked for hours, but didn’t find him.” Clark said, looking at his watch.

“It’s only 1, Clark. We’ve got hours.”

“Well, then, I can go home for a bit, see if Lex called or anything. You be careful, Lois.”

“Careful?” Lois asked coyly.

“I’m not stupid, Lois. You’re going to Granville, despite my request to the contrary. So please be careful. I don’t need to figure out a way to rescue three people. Two is more then sufficent.”

“I'm not going, Clark. Look what happened when Lex didn’t listen to you. I'm not going down that path.”

“Thank you.” Clark answered, walking into the elevator, holding it open for Lois.

“So where do you suggest I go?” Lois asked once the doors shut.

“Anywhere but Granville. I could take you to the farm, and you could spend an hour or so there before coming back here.”

“OK, the farm it is.” As they got off the elevator, Clark and Lois walked into an ally, where Clark spun into Superman, gathered her into his arms, and took off for the farm. Upon arrival, Clark headed for the loft, while Chloe went inside the house.

“Chloe! Hi, where’s Clark?” Martha said, as she worked over the stove.

“He said he really needs to think, so he’s in the loft. What are you making, Mrs. Kent?”

“Pizza. Johnathan asked for it, so I’m taking a shot. I don’t suppose you want to help?”

“No, I don’t think so. I’m not the best in the kitchen.” Martha smiled and turned back to the oven, and Chloe headed into the living room, to watch some TV. As she looked out the window, she could see a faint outline in the loft, pacing back and forth, occasionally slapping his head.

“Come on, Clark. Think. Theres got to be something you’re overlooking here.” Clark was mumbling to himself as he paced the loft floor.

“You’re going to wear a hole in that floor, son. What's bothering you?”

“Nothing, Dad. Just Lex’s damned stubborn streak. I bet he didn’t call last night, did he?”

“Nope, nothing. Son, don’t worry, Lex is probably fine.”

“Then where is he?”

“I don’t know, son. But you said it yourself, he’s an adult now, Clark. He has to be able to take care of himself, make his own decisions. Do you remember when we forbade you to tell anyone your secret? After a while, you made your own decision to tell your friends. And as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t stop you, because, hard as it was to admit, you were becoming your own man. With your own rules. Lex has to be allowed to fail, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. Remember, son, with Lionel, he never learned from his mistakes, they were just shoved under that famous Luthor rug, and buried with money.”

“So that excuses his behavior? Dad, he’s 30 years old, he should be smarter than that.”

“I agree Clark, but he’s obviously not. And considering that he never liked listening to anyone, anyway, is it a surprise he didn’t listen to you?”

“No, not really.” Clark had to smile, despite it all.

“Well, then.” Johnathan smiled back.

“I’ve got a Luthorcorp press conference to cover that starts in. . .about a half hour. I think Mom’s making pizza for lunch. That has got to be your choice.”

“Yes, son, it was. What do you say we go and grab some before Chloe and Mom finish it all?”

“Sure.” Clark zipped downstairs, and into the house. Johnathan raised an eyebrow, and followed at a more leisurely pace. Clark was just savoring his first slice as Johnathan walked into the house.

“Mom said you get three slices with the works, just like you ordered. One beer, and that is it.”

“Well, that’s more then I've gotten in a while, I’ll take it. Hey, son, KSU is playing Oregon in the Sugar Bowl if you want to come watch. It’ll help clear your head.”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. Give me a couple of hours of peace, maybe come up with some new good ideas.” Clark took his plate into the living room. Father and son sat next to each other on the couch, their feet going up on the table, their plates in their laps, and Clark had a can of Coke, while Johnathan had a can of beer.

*Lionel’s warehouse*

“It appears there is a . . . unexpected bonus, sir. In addition to getting your son, Ray also captured Jimmy Olsen, a friend of Clark Kent, and Clark is a friend of Superman, which means Jimmy may know what we are after.” Sal reported. Lionel turned to look at him, and sighed. He was so tired of this inept idiot standing in front of him, but Lionel needed him. That was the only thing keeping Sal alive. Lionel needed him.

“Instruct Ray to find out anything he can about Superman, and who he truly is.” Lionel said.

“Sir, when are we going to make our move on Luthorcorp?”

“As soon as Ray signals he is ready with the clone. Which, he’s told me, will be a good week to two weeks after Lex is taken. Patience, Sal, patience. Our time will come.” Sal nodded, and departed.

“But whether you’re standing with me when that time comes, that is another matter altogether.” Lionel whispered to himself.

“One thing is for sure, Dad. I will be standing with you.” A voice spoke, from the shadows.

“I didn’t think you'd get my message in time.” Lionel answered.

“And miss this? This will make me the richest person in the world, and you right along with me. Don’t worry, Dad, I won't double cross you again.”

“I always knew, in the end, we would be the ones emerging victorious.”

“Imagine that. You trusted me, Dad. I bet you can't say that you trusted anyone, often, can you?”

“You know as well as I do, son, that trust is never handed out blindly, not even to family. Trust must be earned, and you’ve earned it. Every test I put you through, you passed with flying colors. Now, we can stand together, and reign next to each other.”

*Granville*

“So, Lex, did you decide to co-operate with me? Or are you still stubbornly refusing to give me the information I want?” Ray asked, walking into the cell.

“Of course I haven’t decided to co-operate with you. What makes you think I’d have changed my mind in one night? I will never co-operate with you!” Lex said.

“Let this be a lesson, then, Lex. I WILL get what I want, at any cost!” Ray charged into the room, and pulling out a gun, pistol-whipped Lex over the head, knocking him out.

“How about you, Olsen?” Ray asked. Jimmy just shook his head.

“You’ll learn, Olsen, you can't keep secrets from me. I will know everything you know, and you will beg for death! The consequences of not listening to me will be harsh, and extremely severe! Let that be a warning to you.” Ray walked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

“Lex? Lex. . .” Jimmy lightly slapped Lex’s face, but Lex was out of it.

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“Well, here goes nothing.” Lex said, trying to soothe his friend’s nerves.

“Easy for you to say! You’ve never had to tell anyone you’re a superpowered alien!” Clark shot back.

“No, no I haven’t. But I've shared my fair share of secrets, Clark. You need to relax. They're your friends, they’ll take it just fine. Don’t worry.” Lex said.

“I can't believe I’m saying this, but Lex is right. Chloe and Lana are your friends, they’ll totally understand, Clark.” Pete said.

“They’ll get why it was necessary to keep it a secret, Clark.” Lex, this time.

“OK, guys, all right. You can stop with the double team! I swore I was going to tell them, and I will!”

“Clark?” Chloe called, as she and Lana walked into the barn.

“Oh god. It’s not too late to tell them I changed my mind. Come up with an excuse.” Clark whispered to himself. Lex rolled his eyes.

“We’re up here, girls.” Lex called out. Clark glared at him.

“You’re not chickening out this time, Clark. Trust me, you'll feel much better once you tell them. And you’ll find you really wanted to.”

“Well, Clark, we’re here. What excuse do you have planned to get out of it this time?” Chloe said, as the girls reached the loft.

“N. . .n. . .no excuses, Chloe. You and Lana are getting the whole truth. Even if it kills me.” Lex again, rolled his eyes at that statement. Pete started laughing.

“What's so funny?” Lana asked.

“You’ll see.” Pete shook his head and kept in his laughter.

“So, anyway, Clark. Back to your telling us everything. And you do mean everything. We’re waiting.” Chloe said, effectively ending the lighthearted moment.

“Uh. . .I’m not really sure where to begin here.” Clark said.

“Try the beginning. That’s usually a good plan.” Chloe said.

“Trouble is, I don’t know where the beginning is.”

“Then how about explaining how you save all of us without getting a scratch on you?” Lana asked.

“I’m invunerable to pain. Almost nothing on Earth can hurt me.”

“Almost nothing?” Chloe asked.

“Meteor rock is my only weakness.”

“Why?” Lana asked.

“Again, I don’t know. All I know is, exposed to it long enough, it could kill me.”

“So that explains all your saves? You can't be hurt?” Lana asked.

“No, that can't be it. How did you get from the Spring Formal to Lana during those tornadoes.” Chloe reminded her.

“Super speed. I can run extremely fast.”

“Sure, Clark. Now you’re making stuff up. If you can run so fast, get me. . .a coffee, from the Talon.” Chloe spoke up. Clark zipped off. Chloe turned in all directions, looking for where Clark had hidden himself.

“And make it. . .” she started, still thinking he was in the loft.

“Triple expresso?” Clark said, handing her a cup.

“How. . .” Chloe began, but then she realized.

“You have super speed!” she exclaimed. Clark nodded.

“Anything else?” Lana asked. Lex whistled, and Clark turned, and shot two beams of heat at the baseball bat Lex was holding over his head.

“Heat vision.” Chloe stated. Clark nodded.

“And x-ray vision.” Clark said.

“That. . .” Chloe started. Clark was looking at the side of the barn.

“Dad’s coming.” Clark said.

“Sure, Clark. Whatever you say.”

“Hey, Clark? We have chips and soda inside once you’re done out here.” Johnathan called from the barn doors.

“Sure, Clark. How do I know you didn’t set all this up?” Chloe asked. Clark shrugged.

“Do you see those flowers over there?” Clark pointed out of the window. Lana focussed the telescope, and nodded.

“Keep watching.” Clark zipped out of the window, landed on the ground, and sped over to the flowers, picked them, and zipped back into the barn.

“For the prettiest girls I know.” Clark grinned as he presented Chloe and Lana with half the clump each.

“Awww, Clark, that’s sweet.” Chloe smiled at him. Lana favored him with a small grin, as well. Clark smiled at them, in return.

“How do you have these powers, Clark?” Chloe asked. Clark took a deep breath. This was the part he was dreading the most.

“I’m not exactly from around here. I was born on a planet called Krypton, approximately in 1986, Earth time. My birth name is Kal-El. I arrived on Earth during the meteor shower.” Clark sped through the explanation.

“The. . .meteor shower? My parents? YOU KILLED MY PARENTS!” Lana yelled. Clark stumbled backwards a step, as if kryptonite was around him.

“No. . .no, Lana. I didn’t. I didn’t mean for anything like that to happen.” Clark took a step closer to Lana, as the shock wore off. Lana ran downstairs. Clark started following her, but she ran back up, and held out a piece of kryptonite to him.

“STAY AWAY FROM ME, YOU FREAK! I wish you'd never come here! I WISH YOU WOULD DIE! Just stay the hell away from me! YOU MURDERED my parents! I HATE you! I wish you would have died on that pathetic planet of yours! I hope you do die, Clark.” Lana was screaming, and Clark was slumped over, on the stairs, looking like someone was ripping his heart out. Lana came even closer.

“Maybe you can feel the pain, Clark. The pain that I felt that day! That was the worst day of my life!” Lana reared back, and punched Clark across the face, dropped the kryptonite on Clark, and ran out of the barn, crying and screaming. Lex ran down, grabbed the kryptonite off Clark, and threw it at Lana. Then he ran after her.

“LEX! Where are you going?” Chloe yelled.

“I’m going to go kill that b*tch! How the hell does she have the right to do that!”

“No. . .” Clark gasped out.

“NO? Clark. . .she just ripped out your heart. How can you not want to kill her?” Lex asked.

“She. . .just let her go, Lex. Give her time to cope with what I just told her.” Lex turned around and favored Clark with a rare geniune smile. Chloe was hugging him as tight as she possibly could.

“Clark, I want you to know, I don’t feel that way. You’re still my friend, Clark, no matter what. I swear it.” She said. Clark patted her hand.

“I echo that, Clark. This doesn’t change anything between us. We’re still friends.” Lex said.

“You know we’re brothers, Clark. As long as I live.” Pete said.

“I’ll talk to her tonight, Clark, get her to see reason. Can I kill her if I have to?” Chloe said, trying to get Clark to smile. He didn’t.

“No, Chloe. I don’t want anyone to hurt her. She’s been through enough, as it is.” Clark answered.

“Clark, she used kryptonite to hold you at bay, and socked you. She doesn’t have any right to do that!” Lex yelled. He noticed how Chloe still was hanging on to Clark, or maybe, the other way around. Clark looked like a drowning man, hanging on for dear life, to a life preserver. Lex made a mental note to talk with Chloe later. He didn’t want to see her hurt, either.

“That doesn’t make her a horrible person. She. . .was shocked, Lex. And hurt.” Clark answered.

“I still maintain she used kryptonite on you, punched your face, and then ran out of here. She doesn’t care, Clark.”

“I agree with Lex, Clark. There is no viable defense for what that b*tch did to you!” Chloe snarled.

“Give it a rest! Name calling isn't going to solve anything!” Clark snapped. Both Lex and Chloe nodded.

“Yeah, I guess not. So. . .Clark, what, um, what do you want to do now?” Lex stammered, for once, he was at a loss of words, a loss of anything, really. His best friend had just been emotionally crushed. He didn’t quite know what to do.

“First thing, I’m going to demonstrate my super strength for you guys.” Clark finally smiled, as he got up and held Chloe in his hands. He walked up to the loft. Chloe started whining, of course.

“That’s not funny, Clark! You'd better take that back, right now! Or. . .or. . .I’ll tell your mommy on you!” Clark just smiled down at her, and she could swear she felt herself melting.

“Clark, I really am sorry for what happened. If only I hadn’t pushed so hard, then you wouldn’t have told them. This is. . .this is my fault, Clark.” Lex said, looking anywhere but at Clark.

“No, Lex, this isn't. I would've told them, anyway. I mean, being Kal in Metropolis, I could do whatever I wanted to, without worrying about my secret. And I loved that feeling. And you saw my Dad, he didn’t want me to tell them, either, but I still did. I was going to, whether you backed me up or not. Don’t worry about it. She’ll come around.” Clark still had a bit of a haunted look on his face, which would take more then a joke and friends to cure.

“Clark? Son, are you up there?” Johnathan called.

“Y. . .yeah.” Clark answered.

“I saw Lana leave, did everyone else go, as well?”

“No, Mr. Kent, we’re still here. Lana. . .she didn’t exactly take the news as well as she could’ve.” Chloe answered, an edge to her voice.

“How exactly did she take it, then?” Johnathan asked, coming into view. He saw the dried blood on his sons face, and looked in horror at Chloe, then Lex, then Pete.

“What. . .how?” he stammered.

“Lana delivered a right cross to his cheek.” Lex said flatly, but anyone could hear the icy undercurrent in his voice.

“And what was your reaction to that?” Johnathan asked everyone.

“First, I got the kryptonite off Clark. I think you should hide it somewhere else, by the way. Then I threw it at Lana, and I was about to really give a piece of my mind to her, but Clark stopped me.”

“No one was going to make her change her mind. She hates me, she thinks I killed her parents.”

“Clark, son, no, no one thinks you did that. You were only a baby when you left Krypton. What exactly did she say?” Lex repeated everything, an emotionless look on his face as he did so. Once he finished, Johnathan looked like he could go murder Lana himself.

“Clark doesn’t want her hurt, Mr. Kent.” Pete said.

“Give her some space, Dad. Let her cool off, and then we’ll see how she reacts.”

“Son, she. . .she hit you where she knew it would hurt. How can you not be mad or upset?”

“Maybe someone did a good job of raising me.” Clark smiled at his Dad. Despite everything going on, Johnathan smiled upon hearing those words.

“Well. . .uh, why don’t you guys come on into the house? Our offer of chips and soda still stands.” Johnathan didn’t know quite how to respond.

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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 14:2
************



*Granville*

"Where are you taking him! LEX!" Jimmy yelled.

"You'll find out, soon enough, kid." Garrett snarled, slamming the door shut behind him. He dragged Lex into Ray's office.

"You gonna tell us what we want to know?" Ray asked.

"Depends on what it is." Lex answered, not giving anything away by his facial expression.

"Why don't we start with...what is Superman's weakness?"

"I'll never tell you anything, Dinsmore."

"Oh, you'll tell, Lex, and willingly, too. Do it, boys." Ray said, watching with glee as Garrett and Steve starting using Lex as a human punching bag. Several cuts opened up all over Lex's body, and Ray took enormous pleasure in that.

"You're going to pay for this." Lex grit his teeth. Never show your enemies you've been hurt, that was what Lex had always been taught. And he would be damned if he was going to show weakness in front of Ray.

"Well, well, well, Mr. Luthor. Not looking so well, are you?" Ray asked, laughing as Garrett delievered another punch to Lex's midsection.

"Whatever you're planning, you'll never get away with it. I'll see you dead for this, Ray." Lex groaned out.

"I think not, Lex. You might not break, but your young friend certainly will. Take him back to the cell, and bring the kid." As Lex was hauled back to his prison, his only thought was of Jimmy, and he hoped the kid was up to withstanding this. As he was roughly thrown into the empty cell, his last thought was of Jimmy, and where he was, and why he wasn't in the cell. Lex slumped over, unconscious.

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"I have to go deal with this, myself, guys. You heard Chloe, this monster is much much worse then your average krypto-freak." Clark said, grabbing his red coat and shrugging it on. Lex put a hand out to stop his best friend.

"You also heard Chloe say this monster was GLOWING green. I don't need to remind you what that means, do I, Clark? You can't possibly go up against this freak. He'll render you helpless before you get within 50 feet of him."

"No one else has even the slighest chance of success, Lex. I have to be the one who does this. He's already killed 20, wounded dozens more. My own father is in the hospital, we don't know if he'll survive."

"That's what this is about, then? Revenge for your father, Clark? You can't afford to make a mistake, not like this, not in this situation. You've got to think this through, Clark. I agree, you're the only one who has a chance to defeat this freak, but not if you go rushing down there, eyes blazing. You need to think this thing through." Lex said.

"Way to go, Lex, you sound just like Mr. Kent." Chloe said. Lex turned to Chloe, for a second. Clark took that opportunity to superspeed out of the house, before anyone noticed.

"I'll take that as a compliment, Chloe. Now, Clark..."

"He's gone, Lex."

"Dammit! Stubborn just like his old man. Pete, you and I need to come up with a plan to rescue Clark. Cause he's going to need rescuing."

"Why the hell should I help you, Luthor? Why don't I just go myself?"

"THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR THIS, PETER! YOUR BEST FRIEND IS BASICALLY COMMITTING SUICIDE, THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS WORK WITH LEX AND SAVE CLARK!" Chloe turned on Pete, her hand inadvertantly clenching into a fist. Pete glanced at Chloe, and suddenly, he chose to listen to Lex, rather then face Chloe's wrath.

"I...I'm sorry. Lex, what's your idea?"

"I don't exactly have one, that's why we need to brainstorm."

"Well, if we assume that Clark won't be any condition to battle this monster, and he's probably being thrown around town, we'll need a divert and rescue." Chloe said.

"And a fast way to get back here." Pete put in.

"The Porsche is the fastest non-Kryptonian thing we have at the moment." Lex smiled, in spite of himself.

"So we go down there, racing a Porsche in, and one of us...gives ourselves up for Clark?" Lana asked, face ashen.

"I'm afraid so. There doesn't seem to be any alternative." Pete said.

"I'll do it." Chloe said.

"No, I will." Pete volunteered.

"No, it won't be any of you. I am going to do it. Clark will need you guys here, and maybe this will prove, once and for all, that some Luthors are different."

"Lex, getting yourself killed won't prove anything!" Pete yelled.

"Pete, you've known him the longest, you've all known him longer then I have. Besides, I don't intend to die. Luthor's are survivors. And that's what I intend to do. Besides, haven't you always wanted to drive the Porsche?" Lex let out a lopsided grin.

"You guys are talking like we're not coming." Chloe said, pointing to Lana and herself.

"That is exactly how we're talking, Chloe." Pete said.

"Oh no, you don't. Of all the chauvinistic...egotistical!" Chloe spat out, rising to her feet.

"Ms. Sullivan, if one of us is captured, it is not chauvinism, but a matter of biology, which dictates that we will be able to handle the pain longer then you will." Lex said.

"Besides, we'll need someone to come up with a backup plan, and who better then Chloe Sullivan?" Pete tried smoothing over Lex's answer.

"Smooth, Pete, real smooth." Chloe said, staring daggers in Lex's direction. Lex, having faced off against his father multiple times, was nonplussed by the look. He did, however, feel somewhat bad for being so blunt.

"The longer we talk, the longer the freak has to injure Clark." Chloe said at last.

"We need a plan to do this right, Chloe. If both of us get captured, then we won't be doing Clark, or anyone else, any good." Pete said.

"So far, we have, race the Porsche to whereever Clark is, which, by the way, we don't know, and we don't have the advantage of superspeeding around town, looking for him. Not much of a plan, if you ask me." Chloe shot back.

"From what the injured have been saying, the freak hangs out by Hobb's Pond."

"Near Caldure Woods?" Chloe asked.

"Yes. That's where we'll start our search, and then branch east."

"What happens when we find Clark?" Pete asked.

"I get out first, Pete. Then I'll distract the monster, lead it away from Clark, you pull the Porsche up as close as you can to Clark, drag him into the back seat. High tail it back here. If I'm lucky, I'll make my way back here, as well. Chloe, you and Lana need to get any medical supplies the Kents have, and prepare for the worst. Clark's told us he can heal pretty quickly, but even his body might need some of our help." Lex said. Lana nodded, and Chloe bit her lip.

"Lex, what if some of the met...kryptonite got into his bloodstream?"

"I'm not sure, Chloe. Make him drink lots of water, to dilute the kryptonite? I really don't know. But that would be my best guess. Lots of water. And any blood that comes out of his body, wipe it up with a towel, and then burn the towel. We don't need anyone getting a hold of Clark's blood, and putting it to bad uses. Or, for that matter, any uses."

"So we get the Porsche, find Clark, I drive him back, we treat him, and what exactly do we do about you?"

"I'll be fine, Pete. We need to focus on Clark."

"If you say so, Lex. Girls, get the medical supplies together. Lets do this." Pete and Lex walked out of the house, together, striding towards the Porsche.

"Be careful! Please!" Chloe yelled out. Lex turned.

"We will, Ms. Sullivan. Get everything together here." With that, Lex got into the car, and Pete slipped behind the wheel.

"You sure you want to do this, Lex?" Pete asked, putting the car in gear and roaring towards Caldure Woods.

"Yes, I am. You're better equipped to dealing with Clark injured then I am." The rest of the 10 minute trip was completed in silence. They got to Hobb's Pond, and stared at the scene in front of them, in awe-struck silence. Boulders lay strewn about, trees uprooted, and in the midst of the destruction, lay Clark, beaten and bloodied. The freak picked Clark up, and threw him into a boulder. Clark's head snapped back, and he lay motionless, on the ground.

"GO, Pete!" Lex yelled, and the car zoomed forward. Lex got out of the car, and waved his arms.

"Hey, you overgrown son of a bi*ch! Why don't you feast on me! Let's go, you presumptious bast*rd!" Lex moved even closer, and picking up a decent sized boulder, he threw it at the creature. The creature roared, and, tossing Clark away, turned to Lex.

"I believe you, Lex. You're nothing like your father." Pete whispered, but somehow, Lex heard it. He picked up another boulder, hefting it, and then took aim and fired at the creatures head. As the creature ran for him, he took off towards Hobb's Pond, the freak hot on his heels. He risked a glance back at Pete, and saw him struggling to get Clark into the back seat. He then raced deeper into the woods, zig zagging a crazy path through, hoping to ditch the monster. However, the freak just went through the trees as if they were brush. The chase went on for well over two hours, and Lex was beginning to run out of steam. He stumbled forward, panting.

"Self-sacrifical death, what a fitting end to my life." Lex thought, as he turned left. Behind him, the creature suddenly roared in pain. Turning, he saw a glowing red rock. Lex smiled a very dark, evil smile at the weakness he'd just discovered.

"So, you don't like that, huh!" Lex said, reenergized. He picked up one of the decent sized red rocks, and walked toward the creature, who retreated. Lex dove on top of the creature, and drove a sharpened point of the rock into the creatures stomach, twisting it in. The creature roared again, and grunting, picked Lex up and tossed him aside. However, weakened, the creature's throw wasn't as painful as it could've been. The creature then ran off, probably to its home, to heal. Lex, panting, picked up another of the good sized red rocks, and started the trek back to the Kent farm. On his way, another hour later, a red truck passed him, and then slowed.

"LEX!" Johnathan yelled at him, stopping the truck. Lex felt overjoyed at seeing Mr. Kent up and about, and at seeing the truck. He wasn't sure he could've made it on foot back to the farm.

"Mr. Kent? How are you feeling?" Lex climbed into the back of the truck, heaving a sigh of relief.

"I'm OK, Lex. What happened to you? And why do you have a piece of red kryptonite?"

"Long story. Clark's been injured, Pete, Lana and Chloe are taking care of him. I...I did what I had to do. I found the creature's weakness!" Upon hearing that his son was injured, Johnathan didn't waste another second and got back into the truck, driving off to the farm. When the truck reached the farm, Lex jumped out, and ran into the house.

"LEX! NO! GET BACK!" Johnathan yelled. Martha ran after Lex, trying to catch him, but Lex hadn't heard Johnathan's yelling.

"I found the weakness! It's red kryptonite" Lex yelled in jubilation, holding it up. Clark, who was sitting at the kitchen table, turned and smiled.

"LEX!!! RUN!!! Get that out of here!" Pete yelled from the living room. It was far too late, with an evil grin, Kal was back.

"And that's good for you, Lex. But, I don't think it's going to matter." He grabbed it from Lex's hands, broke off a little chunk, and put it into his shirt pocket.

"Lex! Get that away from him!" Johnathan yelled. Clark walked outside, and as Johnathan tried to stop him, he shoved his father away from him, and continued on to the barn.

"Oh Chloe, darling...come here..." Lex heard the smirk in Clark's voice, and he wondered what the hell was going on.

"I'll get the kryptonite, dear." Martha said, racing inside.

"What...what's going on?" Lex asked.

"I'll tell you later, Lex." Johnathan said, waiting impatiently. As soon as Martha returned with the lead box, Johnathan took it and ran into the barn. Lex ran right after him, and once again, he quickly put two and two together. It was probably the three hours Lex had been running, and hiding, that had dulled his mind so much that he didn't put this together sooner. The red kryptonite must've been what his friend was on in Metropolis. That must've been why Clark was acting so...bad. No wonder Johnathan was terrified, if Clark in Metropolis was any indication, red kryptonite could be more dangerous then green. As he got to the barn door, he saw Clark making out with Chloe. Johnathan ran in, and practically dove onto Clark, making certain he didn't get any chance to react. Clark looked surprised, and turned his head to his father.

"Dad..." Clark panted.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, MR. KENT???" Chloe asked, witnessing her friend's father holding the only material capable of killing said friend.

"Chloe, dig around in his pockets, find that red rock, and get all that crap out of here." Chloe did that, and she took both pieces of red kryptonite, and ran outside. Clark quickly returned to normal.

"Dad...did I...hurt you when I shoved you?"

"No, son. Didn't you tell them about red kryptonite?"

"Obviously not, Dad. I didn't want to think about that stuff anymore."

"I think it's time for the whole truth, Clark." Pete said from Clark's loft.

"You're *still* keeping secrets, Clark?" Chloe asked, as she returned.

"Just that one. It's called red kryptonite. It's personality altering, basically. It brings out all the negative stuff. How did you put it, Lex? My dark side?"

"Yeah. Clark likes to steal from ATMs and whore around Metropolis under red kryptonite." Lex said.

"Not exactly. That, as I told you, was a long story."

"Was this red kryptonite induced making out?" Chloe asked, butting into Lex and Clark's conversation.

"No, Chloe, I swear. Since...some people can't handle the truth, and certain others can, my priorities have changed." Clark smiled in Chloe's direction.

"Well, that's just great, Clark. How could you say something like that?" Lana asked, tears slipping from her eyes.

"I'll tell you how, Lana. Just as easily as you blamed him for your parents death, just as easily as you told him you wished he never arrived on Earth. Just as easily as when you used green kryptonite to keep him away from you while you ran away. Just as easily...well, you get the picture, shall I continue?" Chloe snarled as she advanced on Lana.

"You need to get over yourself, Lana. The world doesn't, nor will it ever, revolve around you! Wake up and realize Clark's here for a reason none of us, not even him, fully comprehend yet." Lex added.

"Fine!" Lana ran out of the barn, crying.

"Overkill much?" Pete asked, racing out after her.

"Guys, I agree with your sentiments, but you went after her too hard." Johnathan said, looking in turn at Chloe, and then Lex.

"Lana lives in a bubble, Mr. Kent, and she needs to wake up and see the world. People sugar coating things for her only serves to hinder her, not help." Lex said, putting an arm on Clark.

"I'm fine, Lex."

"No, Clark, you're not. You're still a stubborn idiot, same as always. Lana was the girl you crushed on for years, and she rejected you in the worst imaginable way possible." Chloe answered, smiling sadly at him.

"At least you're here, Chlo." Clark smiled sweetly at her.

"That's just it, Clark. I'll always be here to pick up the pieces, put you back together, just in time for you to run back into Lana's arms." Chloe replied, her voice shaking. Clark didn't have anything to say to that, he knew it was true. Had been true. Clark was going to change that, Chloe deserved a chance with him. Clark reached out and pulled her into a hug.

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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 14:3
************

"Lex...snap out of it, c'mon. Lex!" Jimmy frantically said, lightly tugging on Lex's arms. Lex groggily came to, and put a hand on Jimmy's arm, to show he was OK.

"That was a much longer blackout then normal, Lex." Jimmy said. Meaning, 'you cant explain that one away with a pressure headache'

"I'm OK, Jimmy. Just a side effect of a experimental therapy I'm enrolled in. Are you OK? Did they hurt you?"

"No, they just warned me that if I kept refusing to tell about Superman and his weaknesses, then I'd get tortured. The same as you." Jimmy started looking over Lex for injuries.

"I won't let that happen, Jimmy. And neither will Superman."

"I hope not, because you don't look too good. Who is Superman, by the way?"

"No way, Jimmy. Look at what's happening, and all these people are assuming is that we know Superman's weakness. Imagine what would happen if people thought we knew who Superman actually was. And no, I don't know him. I'm just assuming that he'll show up because we're in trouble."

"Yeah, I guess I can see your point."

*Luthor Manor, 10pm*

Clark approached the mansion, switching between x-ray vision and regular vision, before sneaking up on one of the many gunmen. Obviously not the leader, Clark didn’t waste any time, he just conked him on the head, and moved on to the next one. Once they were all taken care of, he supersped back to the driveway, and walked normally toward the building. As he came into view, the leader rose up, and then blinked.

“Where did he. . .” he started to say outloud, when Clark appeared behind him and grabbed him in a choke hold.

“Tell me where Lex is, NOW!”

“G. . .Gra. . .Granville!” the guy managed to choke out.

“Where in Granville? It’s a pretty big city.”

“The proposed Luthorcorp headquarters. I don’t know exactly where!”

“Who do you work for?”

“Lionel Luthor.”

“Goodnight.” Clark threw him onto the ground, instantly knocking him out. Then he ran back to his apartment, to plan out his rescue.

*Granville*

“I changed my mind. I grow tired of waiting.” Ray announced as he walked into the captives rooms.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Lex asked, almost bored.

“It's time to find out what happens when I don’t get what I want, Luthor!” Ray exclaimed, as Garrett and Steve grabbed Lex and Jimmy, and pulled them along.

“Where are you taking us?” Lex asked.

“Some people would call it a medieval torture chamber, but I tend to think it’s very state of the art. All paid for by your dear father.” Ray answered, smirking. The two were thrown into the room, and then strapped onto metal beds, which had wires running off of them.

“You can't be serious! This is Draconian!” Lex yelled.

“Yeah, ain't it grand? Once again, I ask, tell me who Superman is, what his weakness is, and how do I kill him?”

“Don’t you ever come up with new questions?” Jimmy asked. He had resigned himself to dying, so he might as well go out with a bang. Lex laughed.

“That was good, Jimmy. Very funny. I don’t think my father programmed Ray to answer that, though.”

“Enough of this! We shall see how long you continue to resist!” Ray threw the switch, and volts of electricity flowed into Lex and Jimmy, who screamed in pain. Their bodies jerked in the straps, which prevented them from escaping the horrible torture. After a minute, he stopped it, and again asked his questions. Jimmy and Lex said nothing, so he threw the switch again, for 90 seconds, this time. This stop and go continued for well over an hour, with both Lex and Jimmy screaming until nothing more escaped their mouths, each breath shallower then the last, and their bodies continuing to jerk on the tables. With all that abuse, both prisoners bodies just couldn’t take it anymore. Ray stopped the torture one more time, and took both pulses, which were non-existent.

“Oh well. Not like we needed them, anyway.” Ray smirked, evilly. He and his two henchmen left the bodies, and headed back for his office.

Clark came zooming into the building a few minutes later, and zipped into the torture room, having used his x-ray vision to see the three men leaving. He stared in horror at the metal beds, the wires, and the electroshock button. He x-rayed both Jimmy, and Lex, and saw neither’s heart beating, neithers blood pumping.

“No. . .NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!” He yelled. He was too late. They were dead.
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Tejesh
Moved In
Sorry for the hiatus, but this place is easy to forget when one hardly visits. I'm sorry to have left you with that horrible cliffy. Here is Chapter 15, Unleashed.
***************

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” Clark screamed, in anguish. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a gun being cocked.

“STAY WHERE YOU ARE! HANDS UP!” At least 10 people were standing behind him, and he heard even more coming after them. Clark turned, a scowl on his face, and grabbed the first gunman stupid enough to come closer to him. He threw him into the others, and the fight was on.

“YOU WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS! YOU’LL FEEL THEIR PAIN, I GUARENTEE IT!” Clark yelled, wading into the gunmen, he threw them into walls, through the windows, into the stairs, taking his anguish and pain out on those responsible for it. One gunman made the mistake of firing on him, pouring a magazine from his subatomic rifle into Clark. Clark growled, and fired off a burst of heat vision, scalding his hands, then picked him up and fired him into the wall. He grinned as the man impacted, making a sickly crunching sound.

“STOP NOW!” one of the guards tried to be a hero. Clark just smirked at him, before superspeeding into him, shouldering him into the concrete wall. He quickly glanced around, none of the guards were in any position to be a nuisance, anymore. He swept the building with his x-ray vision, and spotted Ray Dinsmore, and his guards, 10 flights above him. He sprung straight up, not caring about the rooves he was destroying, determined to get to his target. He arrived at the floor, and sprang into action. He fired off another burst of heat vision, scattering the guards, and sped to Ray before he could blink.

“You wanted to meet Superman so bad, well, HERE I AM! This is your worst nightmare, SUPERMAN UNLEASHED!” Clark screamed, throwing Ray against the wall in his office. As Ray’s guards recovered and started pouring bullets into him, Clark turned, and sped through them, grabbing all their guns, and leaving them weaponless.

“NOW THEN, WHO WANTS TO TAKE ON KAL-EL, last son of Krypton!” no one was foolish enough to raise their hands, so all Clark did was sped through again, and knock them all out. Then he sped back into Ray’s office, where he found his target, trying to crawl to the phone.

“Now, now, don’t call anyone. I like this private party you’ve set up.” Clark smirked, firing off a burst of heat vision and melting the phone. Then he sped to Ray, and lifted him up.

“And now, you will pay for what you’ve done.” Clark threw Ray into a wall, picked him up, and supersped through two more walls, leaving Ray barely clinging to life. His head was rolling from side to side, and he was lasping in and out of consciousness.

“This is for Lex and Jimmy!” Clark yelled, about to make the kill, when something stopped him.

“Clark. . .” Clark looked around, but didn’t see anyone.

“Clark. . .the room. . .” it was Lex’s voice, but Lex wasn’t anywhere near him.

“You got lucky.” Clark growled, dropping Ray and flying straight down into the hallway outside the torture room.

“Lex?” Clark whispered.

“Help. . .” again, it was like Lex’s voice was coming from inside his head.

“I’ll save you, Lex. I promise.” Clark picked Lex up, carefully, and flew out of the building, and to Metropolis General.

“I need help, NOW!” of course, as Superman, he got immediately attention.

“Superman, what happened?” one of the doctors asked, calling for a gurney.

“Mr. Luthor has been subject to multiple electric shocks, of unknown voltage. Stabilize him until I return.”

“Where. . .” the doctor started, but Clark was long gone. Back to Granville, where Jimmy lay, dead, for the moment. Not for long, if Clark had anything to do with it.

“Hang on, Jimmy. I won't let you die, not yet. Not with so much left to live for.” Clark said, spinning into Superman, and gently picking Jimmy up. He slowly took off, and flew towards the Fortress.

“Lara! Jor-El! I need help!” Clark called, walking into the ice structure.

“Yes, my sweet Kal-El? What can we assist you with?” Lara answered.

“This human has recently died. I need to resuscitate him, immediately. I won't let my brother die without a fight!”

“Place the human in the chamber, Kal-El.” Jor-El said, authoritatively. Clark headed for the healing chamber, his latest addition to the Fortress. He was constantly finding new things hidden around the world, aiding him, now, he hoped, aiding others. He gently put Jimmy inside, and shut the door.

“The human is very weak, Kal-El. His body has been in the degenerative state for over two of your hours. It will take much to heal him. More then we have. Are you prepared to assist us?”

“Yes, for my brother, I’d do anything. I can't lose another.”

“Lie in the other chamber, then, my son.” Lara instructed. Clark, without any hesistation, got into the other half of the healing chamber, and waited.

“This will hurt, Kal-El. Hurt worse then any of the element you call kryptonite.” Jor-El warned.

“I am ready.” Clark said.

“There will be some unexpected consequences, Kal-El. Be wary of that.” Lara cautioned.

“None of that matters, Lara. The only one who matters is in the other chamber. Please proceed with the healing.” Clark said.

“Very well. You have been sufficently warned.” Jor-El said. A stream of pure energy shot out from the ceiling, and straight through Clark’s body, and it was quickly joined by another, and then a third. Slowly, they pulled Clark off the “bed” in the chamber, and suspended him in midair. One stream shot out from the other half of the chamber, and into Jimmy’s body. Suddenly, Clark started screaming in pure pain, the likes of which he’d never endured before. As the pain intensified, Clark was sure he'd just traded his life for Jimmy’s. However, just as quickly as Clark thought that, the pain ended.

“Phase one is complete, Kal-El. Do you require a rest period?” Jor-El asked, uncharacteristically.

“No. Just finish this.” Clark panted, blood starting to flow out from several cuts now on his body.

“This second phase is very much more painful then the first, Kal-El.” Lara warned.

“DO IT!” Clark yelled. Then the pain struck again, at such an intensity, with such pounding, Clark was sure, this time, he wouldn’t survive. Survive he did, though, as the streams of energy increased in intensity. They lasted for another half hour, before mercifully releasing Clark.

“It is done.” Jor-El stated.

“Kal-El?” Lara asked.

“Y. . . . . . .yes.” Clark barely managed to mumble.

“It is done. The human will now survive. As will you. We required much strength and sustainance from you, that is why you feel so drained. Do not be alarmed, the pain is temporary. As are any other unintended consequences.” Jor-El informed.

“My body feels like it’s been put through a kryptonite bath.”

“Any effect is temporary, Kal-El. Exposure to Earth’s yellow sun will hasten your recovery.” Jor-El told him.

“Superman?” Jimmy moaned, as he came to in the other half of the chamber. Clark got up and walked to it, opened the door, and carried Jimmy out.

“No. Clark Kent.” It was only three words, but it was enough.

“I knew it! I knew you'd save me, you always save me!” Jimmy started crying, burying his head into Clark’s chest.

“I almost didn’t, I thought I didn’t.” Clark said, misty-eyed, himself. A full five minutes passed, and neither one had let go, it was like they needed each other.

“You’re my little brother, Jimmy. Did you know that? I’ve adopted you.” Clark whispered.

“I like that, Clark.”

“CLARK!” Jimmy yelled, suddenly twisting out of Clark’s grip. Clark watched in amazement and shock as Jimmy shot heat vision into one of his ice crystal sculptures.

“WHAT WAS THAT???” Jimmy yelled.

“Uhhh. . .heat vision. I’d like to know why you have it, more then what it was. Jor-El!” Clark said, yelling out his fathers name.

“Yes, Kal-El?”

“Why exactly does my human friend here have heat vision?”

“Kal-El, when we drew upon your body to heal the human, we also had to draw from your essence, your Kryptonian physiology, which is the same reason you enjoy the powers you have. The human will also share in these powers, for a short time.”

“My names Jimmy Olsen, and you mean I won't have them forever?”

“No, Jimmy Olsen, you will not. You are not Kryptonian, therefore, your body will naturally lose the excess power it has.”

“How long does Jimmy have?”

“Approximately 48 to 72 of your hours.”

“And how long until Clark. . .Kal-El. . .is at full strength?”

“He should be at full strength in one of your days.”

“When can this be attempted again? I have another friend in need.”

“It is not advisable for another attempt until one of your weeks passes, Kal-El.”

“When can another attempt be made with non-life threatening side effects for me?” Clark asked.

“Clark. . .you heard him, you can't do it again until a week from now!” Jimmy said.

“The attempt can be made in three days, but it is not advisable.” Jor-El told him.

“Thank you. Now, what powers does Jimmy have?”

“He has everything you have, Kal-El. Including flight. The longer he remains in the yellow sun, the longer his powers will remain.”

“Well, if we’re talking 2 to 4 days, we need to get you under control. . .” Clark began, but ducked when Jimmy coughed and shot out cold air.

“Before you kill anyone.” Clark finished.

“And the best place to do that is where I learned. The Kent Farm in Smallville.” Clark smiled.

“All right. Well. . .Jor-El, I don’t have time to properly teach Jimmy how to fly, so if you could please help me out. . .” a light stream shot from the ceiling into Jimmy’s head, it didn’t hurt at all, it just gave Jimmy the knowledge to fly, until he landed.

“It is done, Kal-El.” Jor-El said.

“OK, Jimmy, follow my lead.” Clark said, slowly floating off the ground, and outside. Jimmy followed.

“Hey, it’s not cold!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“It is currently 45 degrees below 0. Now, I want you to think of following me, think of nothing but that.” Clark said, slowly heading skyward, looking behind him to make sure Jimmy was keeping up. He turned horizontal, and slowly headed for Smallville. Once he was sure Jimmy could keep up, Clark sped up. They arrived at the farm 3 hours later, and landed out behind the barn.

“Um. . .did I just see Jimmy Olsen flying?” Chloe asked, as she and Jonathan walked down the loft stairs.

“GET DOWN!” Jimmy yelled, and Clark sped in front of him, and floated off the ground, taking the heat vision squarely in the chest.

“We have a small problem.” Clark told them, as he gently touched down.

“Son, a small problem would be a kryptonite shard sticking out of your hand. THIS IS NOT A SMALL PROBLEM!”

“Yeah, this is a mega-why is Jimmy Olsen shooting heat vision problem!” Chloe yelled.

“I. . .I saved his life.” Clark said.

“And Jimmy’s powers?” Jonathan asked, barely containing his rage. The boy had FLOWN over 10,000 miles where anyone could’ve seen him.

“A side effect. Or so . . . Clark’s father said?” Jimmy didn’t sound too sure of himself at that point.

“Jor-El. You met Jor-El, well that’s just wonderful. And I suppose this was the only way to save his life?” Jonathan asked, bitterly. Clark’s temper rapidly flew off the dial.

“Yes, Father, it was the only way. You see, it wasn’t a matter of Jimmy being near death. Jimmy WAS DEAD! FOR TWO HOURS! I had to give him a piece of myself just to save his life!”

“Clark. . .I. . .I’m not mad, not at you, son. You saved your friends life. I’m not even mad he obviously knows your secret. But he flew here without any sort of disguise. What if someone spotted him?”

“We were miles up in the sky, Dad. I don’t think anyone would've seen him. Anyway, we need to get him under control before he kills anyone.”

“Yes, I would think so. OK, well, Jimmy, the first thing is your strength. Come on up here.” Jonathan said, motioning Jimmy up into the loft.

“Walk, please.” Clark put in, smiling slightly. He followeed Jimmy upstairs, and took a seat on the couch.

“This should be entertaining.” Clark smiled.

“What CD’s aren’t you attached to, Clark?” Jonathan asked. Clark got a funny look on his face.

“Dad, come on, I’ve been collecting CD’s for years now.”

“Oh, all right. I was just kidding, anyway. Hang on a second.” Jonathan said, then stopped.

“Clark, go get me a couple dozen eggs from the kitchen. And bring Mom out here, too, she’ll be able to help.” Clark nodded, and supersped off.

“I’ll be able to do that?” Jimmy asked in wonder.

“Not at first, Jimmy. It took Clark and us two years before we had his speed and strength under full control. But, he’s had them since he arrived here. He was about 3, so you know. . .he’s had longer. But we’ll try to get you fully adjusted.” Clark arrived with the eggs just then, and Martha was running up behind him.

“Jimmy, honey, I’m so glad you’re OK. And don’t you worry, we’ll make sure you can control yourself.” She pulled Jimmy into a hug.

“Don’t hug back.” Jonathan warned him. He nodded, and after a minute, she let go.

“OK, Jimmy. First, take this egg from my hand.” Clark said. Jimmy reached out, grabbed and squashed it without even thinking.

“Wha. . .but I didn’t even use any strength!”

“Yeah, imagine how weird that sounds, Jimmy. I have to be careful all the time, not to use any amount of strength when I shake hands, or anything. Here, try it again.” After 15 eggs were broken, Jimmy could pick up an egg without breaking it.

“Now, then, here.” Clark said, tossing one up in the air. Jimmy carefully caught it, and it didn’t break. Clark broke out into a wide grin.

“Do it, again.” Jonathan said, wearing a ghost of a smile. Clark shrugged, and tossed another egg into the air, which Jimmy caught carefully, again.

“Well done, Jimmy. Next thing we worry about is speed. Lets move outside, people.” Jonathan said, walking downstairs, and out the back. Everyone followed. Clark supersped about 100 feet away.

“OK, Jimmy, try running out to me. Just don’t think about anything but running.” Clark called. Jimmy nodded, and then took off running, first at a normal pace, and then, he burst into super speed.

“WHOA! WOW! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!” Jimmy yelled, speeding past Clark. He tried stopping, but all he did was slide and his body covered an additional 50 feet before he skidded to a stop.

“Guess I need some practice, huh?” Jimmy smiled as he normally walked over to Clark.

“Yeah, but that was a good first run. Now try running back to them.” Clark said, pointing to his parents. They scattered, giving him a couple of holes to shoot through.

“Start here, so you don’t plow them over.” Clark pulled Jimmy a couple feet over.

“Watch.” Clark said, running two steps and then disappearing, appearing moments later next to his Mom.

“That easy.” He called back.

“Easy, he says. Sure, it's like learning to walk all over again.” Jimmy mumbled, mimicking Clark as he ran a couple steps then burst off. This time, he tried to stop running like a normal person, and found himself slowing down, and when he stopped, he was right next to Clark. Clark looked down and gave him a full megawatt grin.

“That was great, Jimmy! Now, try and keep up with me.” Clark said, as he supersped off, full speed. Jimmy ran right beside him. Clark reveled in this new found life. He was now truly, a big brother, in all senses. He had someone he could teach all that he knew, someone who would totally understand him. Clark dropped out of superspeed, hit with a sudden thought. The only reason he was enjoying all of this was because Jimmy had recently died. Not come close, but physically DIED. How could Clark take joy from the pain Jimmy had gone through? Jimmy had been unprepared for Clark’s sudden dropout of superspeed, and had gone ahead, he turned around and came back to Clark.

“Clark?” Jimmy asked, looking at his friend, who was slowly crying.

“I. . .I love this, Jimmy. You and me, here, me teaching you everything about your powers. Is that so bad of me?”

“I don’t think so, but I’m not the one you should be asking. Your girlfriend and parents are right there. Race ya?” Jimmy grinned impishly and took off.

“HEY! THAT’S NOT FAIR!” Clark yelled, taking off in hot pursuit. He overtook Jimmy and looking over, gave him a grin right back. They arrived at the same time, stopping on a dime, right next to Chloe and Jonathan.

“Having fun, Clark?” Jonathan asked.

“Maybe too much. I’m so happy right now, and Jimmy had to die for this to happen. How bad does that make me?” Clark sulked as he walked towards the barn. Jonathan raced after him.

“Clark! CLARK! Son, it doesn’t make you bad, it makes you human. You want someone to be the same as you, you want someone to look up to you. Those are very human qualities, son. What would make you bad is not considering the pain Jimmy endured to get this far, and I know you wouldn’t do that. I know because I raised you right, Clark. I raised you to care about everyone. It's no different now, son. Spend time with Jimmy, instead of moping, enjoy every second of this you can. You got your wish, Clark. And I know you don’t take it for granted, that makes you a good man in my book. Now come on back, we still have x-ray and heat vision, ice breath and flight to get under control.” Jonathan pulled Clark into a hug and started walking back towards the group.

“Just a little guilt knocking at the heart. I’m all better now.” Clark grinned.

“CLARK!” Jimmy yelled. Clark supersped to Jimmy, grabbed him, and took off straight into the sky, as Jimmy unleashed yet another blast of heat vision.

“New forecast: rain and warm temperatures.” Chloe snarked.

“Funny.” Jonathan said wryly watching as his son and Jimmy came back down.

“Heat vision and cold breath next, Dad. We do not want Jimmy causing a polar ice cap somewhere to melt or something.” Clark said, smirking.

“OK, give me a few seconds, then.” Jonathan said, walking into the barn.

“Um. . .girls not allowed.” Clark said, turning and looking at Chloe and Martha.

“Why not, Clark?” Chloe asked.

“Because, Lois, do you remember how I got my heat vision under control?”

“Um. . .oh. . .well, that, I’ll see you guys later.” Chloe grabbed Martha’s arm and literally ran away from them.

“Clark? Why do I not like the sound and look of this?” Jimmy asked, a little nervous all of a sudden.

“It's not that bad, it’s just. . .private. Sort of.”

“And here it is.” Jonathan announced his presence, bringing along a scarecrow. Clark buried his head in his hands.

“You kept it?”

“Never knew if we might need it again.”

“Wha. . .wait a minute, here. What is that?” Jimmy stammered.

“Imagine your ideal girlfriend, and then concentrate on the scareecrow.” Jonathan told him.

“You’re kidding.” Jimmy said, flatly.

“Nope. Heat vision is . . . least, was, in my case, hormonally controlled, at first. This is how I got it under control.”

“Well. . .um, I see what you mean about being private. Could, um. . .could I be alone, please?” Clark grinned and nodded.

“Sure, Jimmy, we’ll be in the barn when you’re um, finished. Come on, Dad.” Clark laughed as he walked away.

“Not funny, son, not funny at all.” But the smile on Jonathan’s face betrayed him.

“What a bunch of weirdos. OK, ideal girl, huh. Well, lets see here. Obviously, my age, about five feet in height, not tiny but not average, 15, blonde hair, blue eyes.” As Jimmy pictured her in his mind, his heat vision kicked in, and he blasted the scarecrow.

“Huh, whatdya know. I wonder who Clarkie thought of.” Jimmy did it over and over, until he had it under his control. Then he went and hesistantly touched the flames.

“Doesn’t burn. This is fun!” Jimmy thought, as he quickly put out the fires. Then he grinned and sauntered into the barn, where he again was rendered speechless, as he saw Clark holding a combine over his head while Jonathan cleaned it's underside. It wasn’t seeing it that surprised him, Superman could lift buildings easily, but it was seeing Clark Kent doing it that shocked him. Outside of costume.

“Uhhhh. . .I’m done.” Jimmy stammered out.

“Be right with you, Jimmy. I needed to clean this thing for a while, anyway.” Jonathan said.

“How was it?” Clark grinned.

“CLARK!” Jimmy exclaimed. Clark smiled.

“OK, son, you can put it down now.” Clark gently lowered the combine to the ground, and wiped his hands on his jeans.

“You know your mother doesn’t like that, Clark.” Jonathan grinned.

“Speaking of, can you guys handle cold breath by yourselves? I need to go check on Lex.” Clark said.

“Clark. . .” Jimmy started. Clark started to shake his head, but Jonathan stopped him.

“He needs to go, Clark.” Is all Jonathan said, but it was enough.

“No heroics, Jimmy, no nothing. Straight run to my apartment, and then we walk to Metropolis General.” Clark said. Jimmy nodded.

“Jimmy, Clark’s serious. We don’t know how invunerable you really are. If you try and step in front of a bullet, it could still go into you. Be careful.” Jonathan said, fixing Jimmy with ‘the look’.

“Yes sir. I will, I promise.”

“Then lets go. Lead the way, Jimmy.” Clark said, smiling and nodding. Jimmy smirked and took off. Clark followed right behind him. A few short minutes later, they stood in back of Clark’s apartment building.

“Clark, that’s the most exhilerating thing ever!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“Wait til you learn to fly, Jimmy.” Clark said, grinning as he walked up to his apartment. He unlocked the door and went in. Jimmy followed.

“Want anything to eat?” Clark asked.

“Yes, actually, now that you mention it, I’m starving.” Clark waved his hand at the refrigerator. After Jimmy finished eating, and Clark had checked his answering machine, they set out together for the hospital. A short while later, they arrived, and Clark strode to the receptionists desk.

“Hi, I’d like to see Lex Luthor. I am one of his closest friends.”

“Mr. Luthor is currently in the ICU unit, third floor, room 34. Elevator to your left, down the hall.”

“Thank you.” Clark said, starting down the hall.

“AHHHHH!” Jimmy yelled, making Clark turn and run back to him.

“Jimmy? What’s wrong?”

“It’s so loud, Clark.”

“Great.” Clark said, grabbing Jimmy under his arms and rushing him out of the hospital.

“Sir. . .he needs help, sir!” the nurse yelled, running after them.

“This is a family affair, I have it under control!” Clark yelled back, running with Jimmy back to his apartment. He rushed them upstairs and into his apartment quickly.

“OK, Jimmy. Do you want to come see Lex or can I go alone? I have to go see him.”

“I want to go see him, Clark.”

“All right, Jimmy. Then here’s what I need you to do. I need you to just concentrate on me, all right? Just me, nothing else. None of your surroundings, no one else, just me. Until we get back to the farm.”

“OK, Clark. But. . .what is happening to me?”

“Super-hearing.”

“OK, Clark.” They walked back to the hospital, and right by the receptionists desk.

“You seem OK, now. Is everything all right? Did this man hurt you?” the nurse at the desk asked Jimmy. Jimmy turned around in anger.

“This man here is my friend. He would never hurt me! He rushed me to his apartment for a couple of aspirin! So back off.” Jimmy said, grabbing the desk in anger. The desk slowly crumbled in his hands as he held it. The receptionist looked on in amazement as the solid marble desk crumbled to dust in Jimmy’s hands. Clark grabbed his arms quickly and pulled him down the hall.

“He’s a muscle boy. He works out a lot.” Clark shot behind him as they quickly left.

“You can't afford to lose your temper, Jimmy. Be cool.” Jimmy stared down in shock at his hands, and shook his head.

“Remember the eggs?” Clark whispered, as they walked down the hall.

“How do you handle this? Cause I don’t think I can.”

“Yes you can, Jimmy. I’m here for you, always.” As they stepped into the elevator, Clark hugged Jimmy.

“Thank you, Clark. I meant what I told you earlier. You’ll always be there for me.”

“Always.” Clark whispered, liking the sound of that. As the doors opened, Clark stepped out and strode purposely down the hall. When he reached room 34, he gently knocked, and went inside. He picked up Lex’s chart and commited it to memory, meaning to ask Jor-El about it when he had a chance.

“I almost feel guilty, Clark. I’m fine, for the most part, and he’s. . .laying here, so close to death.”

“He won't, Jimmy. Die, that is. I’ll make sure of that.” Another couple of minutes passed before Jimmy had had enough of staring at Lex.

“Lets get out of here.” He told Clark. Clark just nodded, and they headed back out of the room. Nothing out of the ordinary happened on the run home, and they arrived back in Smallville about an hour after they’d left.

“The only way to travel.” Jimmy grinned. Clark nodded, then sobered as his Dad walked out.

“How is he?” Jonathan looked very worried.

“Not good. His brain activity is slowing. If I don’t do something quickly, I think he’ll die.” Clark said.

“Mr. Kent, Jor-El said Clark couldn’t attempt another procedure for one week, if he does, he could die.” Jimmy put in.

“Clark, is this true, son?”

“Kinda.” Clark said, fixing Jimmy with a death glare. Jimmy didn’t flinch underneath the stare.

“You can't do this, then, Clark. It could kill you, son. I know you don’t want to leave Lex in the hands of human medicine, son, but you have to, at least for a week.”

“And what if he gets worse? Do you expect me to stand by and do nothing?” Clark stopped himself from yelling, but only barely.

“No, Clark, I didn’t raise you to do nothing. But, I did raise you to be careful, and you’ve got to take care of yourself, first. Look, son, I’m not saying to not save your friends life, but maybe you should wait until you’re sure you won't get killed! You may be invunerable to any human weaknesses, but this Fortress of Solitude you’ve got, it’s Kryptonian, and it could kill you!”

“I won't let him die, Dad. If it comes down to a choice like that, I’ll take my chances.” Clark looked his father straight in the eye.

“Over my dead body, Clark. I will not let you do that.” Jimmy spoke up, surprising even himself. Clark looked at him.

“Let it go, Jimmy. I am not letting Lex die, and that’s final!” Jimmy didn’t answer, but you could tell he wasn’t going to let Clark basically commit suicide.

“Anyway, we need to work on hearing, cold breath, and flight, Dad. We might as well.”

“OK, Jimmy. Lets do cold breath first.” Jonathan said, letting the previous subject drop for the moment. They walked into the barn, and shut all the doors and windows. It quickly heated up until it felt like a furnace.

“It’s sort of like bio-feedback. I’m not even sure it will work with a human, because my lung capacity is much greater then yours. But, we can try. Think about being cold, really cold, take a deep breath in, and then blow it out.” Clark said, demonstrating. He sucked in a big amount of air, basically cooled it inside of him, and then released it, significantly cooling the air in the barn. Even Jonathan looked impressed at that. Jimmy attempted the same thing, and it worked, on a much smaller scale.

“I could feel my body getting colder, but not much else.” Jimmy said.

“OK, well, I don’t think you should mess around with that one, because human body temperatures aren’t meant to go below a certain point.” Jonathan said.

“Hearing, now. Dad, how do you want to do this?”

“Start everything up, Clark.” Jonathan requested. Clark nodded, and zipped around the barn, turning on every machine, and the radio he kept inside.

“Now, Jimmy, listen to me. Concentrate on my voice. What am I saying? The cows won't feed themselves.”

“That’s not funny, Dad. It stopped being funny a long long time ago.” Clark said, laughing, nonetheless. Jonathan rolled his eyes and held his hands out for his son to try it.

“The pied piper of Picadely picked prunes for profitable people.” Clark whispered. Jonathan looked at him like he was insane.

“I heard you, Clark! You said the pied piper of Picadely picked prunes for profitable people. I don’t know why you said that, but you did.”

“Because I like alliteration.” Clark whispered again.

“Alliteration. Wonderful. Even when I’m not in school, I’m in school.” Jimmy moaned.

“I think he’s got it.” Clark whispered to his Dad.

“I think I've got it, too.” Jimmy answered.

“Why don’t you zip around and shut off everything, Jimmy?” Clark said. In a blur, Jimmy whisked around the barn, shutting off all the machines, and ended up in the loft, where he shut the radio and held up his hands. Clark was, again, smiling, ear to ear.

“Well done, Jimmy. Very well done.”

“I get to fly? Oh please! I wanna fly.” Jimmy grinned. Clark also smiled.

“OK, the first time I flew, it was very weird.”

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“CLARK! HELP!” Lana and Chloe screamed, as the water tower they were on was beginning to collaspe. They’d decided to come out for a picnic and try to repair damaged friendships. Mainly, repair Lana and Clark’s friendship, which had been on the skids for weeks now. And, with Lex still in Belle Reeve, it was just the four of them. Pete and Clark, Lana and Chloe had been having a wonderful time, until the girls wanted to climb on top of the tallest water tower in the midwest.

“They say you can see clear to Kansas City on a clear day.” Chloe had told him.

“No way, Chloe. You know I’m scared of heights.” Clark had answered. Now, as he stood underneath the swaying tower, he knew he had to do something. He supersped a good distance away, and then raced back, took a leap, and willed himself upward.

“Clark. . .you. . .you’re flying!” Pete exclaimed.

“Something new for you, Pete.” Clark grunted out, concentrating on climbing higher in the sky. As he swept upward, he reached out and grabbed both girls hands, and whisked them away. Trouble was, he didn’t quite know how to land.

“Clark. . .um. . .not that I mind this, but how about we go down now?” Chloe asked.

“I don’t know how!” Clark answered.

“Try lowering your forward speed, and you’ll get pulled back to Earth. Slowly, though. You'd survive a crash, but we wouldn’t.” Chloe suggested. Clark nodded and slowly reduced speed, and it began to work. He slowly touched down, and Pete ran up to them.

“OH MY GOD! Clark! I thought they were dead! That was amazing!”

“I . . . I know. It felt tremendous, Pete.”

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“Then, Jimmy, Mr. Big Shot decided to fly back here, and just about give me a heart attack. All this after being afraid of heights.” Jonathan put in, after Clark recounted the story.

“So you. . .” Jimmy began.

“I’d always been able to float, but for a few weeks before that, I’d been experimenting with flying. Not that I ever did it again, after those first two times, but. . .it was exhilerating. The next time I flew, I was Kal-El, reprogrammed by Jor-El. The next time after that was sophomore year in college. So. . .you see, it didn’t come easy for me, mainly cause of my fear of heights.” Clark answered.

“So where does that leave me?” Jimmy asked. Clark grinned, and took off until he was up against the ceiling.

“Go down onto the barn floor, and try to get up here, Jimmy.” Clark instructed. Jimmy zipped downstairs, and then jumped and tried to hold himself there. He did well, but when he tried to go up, he hit the ground.

“It’s just like running, and walking. It's like a learned muscle movement. You know how you don’t think about when you walk? A lot goes into walking, the same for superspeed, and the same for flight.” Clark called down.

“So I should will myself to go up?” Jimmy asked. Clark nodded down at him. Jimmy jumped, held himself up, and then willed himself to go towards Clark. He started moving upwards, and Clark again grinned widely. He playful flew towards the entrance, and then towards the back, and Jimmy followed him. After a few minutes, he landed, and so did Jimmy.

“That was so much fun, Clark. Thank you for showing me.” Jimmy smiled.

“Dad, do you. . .do you think he’s got my weakness, as well?” Clark asked.

“We can find out, son.” Jonathan said, walking down from the loft.

“Jimmy, this is going to hurt, if you do have my weakness.” Clark backed away as Jonathan grabbed the lead box from the tool chest and walked to Jimmy.

“This is going to hurt a plenty, Jimmy. Are you sure?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah, I need to know.” Jimmy answered. Jonathan nodded, and opened the box.

“ARGH!!! Close it! Close it!” Jimmy grunted, falling to the ground. Jonathan closed it quickly, and bent down to pick Jimmy up.

“Told you it hurt.” Clark stated matter of factly as he walked back inside. He picked Jimmy up and helped him to the stairs, where Jimmy sat down hard.

“God, Clark, that was . . . horrible.”

“I know, believe me, I know.”

“So, that’s everything?” Jimmy asked after a few minutes. Clark looked at Jonathan and raised an eyebrow. Jonathan shook his head.

“Yeah, Jimmy, that’s everything.” Clark answered.

“We need to make sure Jimmy can function in the real world, Clark, like you do.” Jonathan said.

“Come on into the house and lets put you through some tests.” Clark said, putting an arm around Jimmy and leading him into the house. A few minutes later, Clark snuck out of the house, and took off for the Fortress, without anyone seeing him.

“Here, Jimmy, why don’t you take some pictures of the farm for us?” Jonathan handed Jimmy a camera, which he promptly destroyed.

“DAMMIT!” Jimmy yelled, dropping the camera like it was a hot poker.

“Don’t get discouraged, Jimmy. Try again.” Martha handed Jimmy a piece of paper, and Jimmy gently took it and gave it to Jonathan. Lois walked downstairs and fired a football at Jimmy, and he quickly grabbed it, popping it in the process.

“That’s why we’re doing this, Jimmy, not to make you feel bad, but because we’ve been through this before. Hell, if Lex. . .um, that is. . .” Lois said, biting her tongue at the end of her sentence.

“If Lex, what?” Jimmy wondering.

“Lex helped Clark with super-hearing, when Clark first got that power.” Jonathan explained.

“So. . .wait a minute. If Lex knows Clark is Superman, why did he try and kill Superman all the time?”

“Lex didn’t know. It’s complicated, and you’ll have to ask Lex or Clark. We can't be the ones to explain it.” Jonathan answered.

“Whenever you go to catch, throw, or pick something up, do it very gently. You have a much greater strength now.” Martha explained, throwing him an apple, which Jimmy caught cleanly. Lois smiled at him softly.

“Good job, Jimmy.” She said, grinning.

“Hey Lois, how do you know the Kents? You obviously know Clark’s secret, and you act like old friends. As far as I know, you didn’t live in Smallville.” Jimmy asked.

“Um. . .well, my cousin used to live here before she died, and I used to come visit a lot. I ran into Clark a great deal, and Lana, and Pete, too. Lex, as well, as a matter of fact. When we met up again at the Planet, we sparked, and well. . .before diving into a relationship, he felt compelled to tell me his secret.” Lois explained.

“OK.” Jimmy said, but he wasn’t convinced of that being the case. He’d have to do more digging.

“Just think before you grab anything, Jimmy, and it’ll be all right.” Jonathan said, throwing another football his way. Jimmy caught it clean, and threw it back. Jonathan smiled as he caught well.

“Good throw. Just remember, you can probably throw a football about 3000 yards now, so . . . don’t.”

*Fortress of Solitude*

“Jor-El!” Clark called as he walked into the ice building.

“Yes, Kal-El, how can I help you?”

“I have another friend who is near death, but not there, yet. If I were to bring him here, would you be able to maintain him until another full healing can be undertaken?”

“If the human is not severely injured, Kal-El, I can use the powers in this library to cure him, without any harm to you. But you must retrieve him immediately.”

“He has been in a human hospital for the past few hours.” Clark said.

“Time is of the essence, Kal-El. Retrieve your friend immediately.” Clark spun into Superman, and quickly exited, taking to the sky and making a beeline for Metropolis. He arrived a couple of hours later, and landed right in front of Metropolis General. He strode powerfully to the receptionists desk, and stopped in front of a startled nurse.

“I would like to meet with the doctor taking care of Alexander Luthor, immediately.” Superman said, with the voice of authority.

“At once, Superman. He is in room 34, third floor, elevator on your left.” The nurse stammered out, picking up the phone to page the doctor. Superman strode to the elevator and got on, smirking slightly. He arrived a short time later, and walked inside, sitting down by Lex’s bedside.

“Hello, Superman. I am Dr. Wallace, head trauma doctor here. How can I assist you?” a middle-aged man walked into the room and extended his hand to Clark, who shook.

“What is Alexander’s condition?” Superman asked.

“His brain is slowly dying, due to the severe nature of the electric shocks, his body is atrophying. I don’t expect him to last the night.”

“I can save his life, using some technology from my home planet.” Superman said, boldly.

“It is against hospital policy for me to release him to anyone, in his condition.”

“You yourself just said he’s going to die. I can save his life, but not here.”

“I want him back here for observation immediately after you do whatever it is you’re going to do.” Dr. Wallace said, after a few moments of thinking.

“Very well. Tell NO ONE of this, I will NOT be doctor of last resort. Mr. Luthor happens to be a friend of a friend, and my friend is cashing in a favor.” Clark gently picked up Lex, unhooked the machinery from his body, and walked out of the room, and as Dr. Wallace opened the hall window, he flew out, and towards the Fortress.

*Kent Farm*

“Where’s Clark?” Jonathan asked, a couple later. Jimmy had all but completely mastered his powers, and was, in their opinion, ready to function normally in the real world.

“He probably went to check on Lex.” Lois said. They were gathered in the living room, making idle talk, not really doing much.

“You don’t think he. . .” Jonathan started.

“I can go check, Mr. Kent.” Jimmy said, getting up. Jonathan started to shake his head, but Martha intervened.

“If he’s gone to the Fortress, none of us can get there as quickly as Jimmy can.”

“Martha, anyone could see him, there’d be questions, it wouldn’t be good for Jimmy.”

“I can wear. . .a mask, or something, so no one would recognize me.” Jimmy said.

“Here.” Lois said, throwing him a mask she’d just made.

“This is horrible.” Jimmy said.

“Just wear it, fly-boy.” Lois retorted. Jimmy rolled his eyes.

“You sure you want to do this, Jimmy?” Jonathan asked.

“I am not going to let Clark kill himself.” Jimmy said, putting on the mask, and his baseball cap, and walking to the door. He supersped out, and then took off, flying due north, heading for the Fortress.

“You know, seeing anyone other then Clark doing that seems wrong, somehow.” Lois remarked.

“I know, Chloe. I know.” Martha answered.
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Lor1513
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Gotta Love That Good Old Smallville Feeling <3
wow :o that was long :LOL:

awesome chapter :p :clap:
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Tejesh
Moved In
A/N: I'm proud of this next chapter, as it wraps up my AU S3 from Lex's POV, and also delves deeper into the complicated life of Lex Luthor. This chapter is roughly 94 pages long, and has about 300 seperate scenes. I'll post it in 10 page intervals every 3 days. Oh, and the scenes are random, because that's how the healing process works. This chapter takes place between Jimmy and Clark leaving the FOS, and chapter 17, which is entitled Intercapedo.

Chapter 16: Integro I
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Jimmy reached the fortress a little while after Clark and Lex, and he walked in.

“Clark?” Jimmy called. Clark turned quickly.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, coolly.

“Making sure you aren’t making a huge mistake.” Jimmy answered.

“That’s your call, not mine. Jor-El, answer me. How is the human in the chamber?” Clark turned his back on Jimmy and sat down.

“What are you planning on doing, Kal-El? Is that enough to get your attention?” Jimmy asked.

“I am planning on saving my friends life, Olsen. At any cost. Clear enough?”

“The human can be sustained without any assistance from you, Kal-El. It will take between 48 and 72 of your hours. The first procedure will be to raise the level of brain activity. That will be the most dangerous to the human. You can serve no purpose by remaining.”

“Very well. Lets go, Jimmy.” Clark and Jimmy walked out of the fortress and took off, heading back for Smallville.

“Phase one has begun, Jor-El.” Lara informed her husband. Lex remained still, but his heart beat a bit faster.

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“Lex, son, put the phone books down, you cannot stop the inevitable. Don’t you think I’ve tried? There is no doctor on Earth who can save your mother. You have to learn to grieve, Lex.” Lionel walked into Lex’s room at their house in Metropolis.

“Just because you’ve given up doesn’t mean I will. I need to save her.” Lex answered, sifting through the medical journals he’d ordered.

“I haven’t given up, Lex. I’ve admitted that I cannot do any more for her. Money cannot solve everything. Come see her before she dies, son. You have to, she’s been wanting to see you.”

“I can't. I have to keep looking, searching. I’ll find someone who can save her. I need her.”

“Why do you need her, Lex? What can she give you that I can't?”

“Love.” Even at 13, Lex knew enough to know his father wouldn’t love him after the Julian incident.

“Love is for the weak, Lex. Affairs of the heart can only end in bittersweetness. None of the great rulers of the world ever loved. And the second they did, their empires fell around them. Love is not needed.” Lionel said, turning on his heel and walking away.

“You’re wrong, Dad. You’re dead wrong.” Lex murmured. He emailed another doctor on his list, and set up a meeting for the next day. Lionel was going to be out of town, leaving Lex alone with his nanny, Rachel Dunleavy, so Lex had the run of the house, basically.

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Clark sat far enough away from the red kryptonite chunk so that it wouldn’t affect him, but close enough so that he could participate in the discussions.

“Clark can't get close enough to do this, without being affected by the red kryptonite, Lex.” Jonathan said, wincing as he moved the wrong way and his ribs started hurting.

“None of you are strong enough to withstand a beating by this freak, I am.” Clark said.

“Yeah, and what happens when you go all Kal and decide none of us are worth saving?” Pete asked.

“I wouldn’t do that!” Clark answered.

“Son, no, you don’t know that. You don’t know what you would do under the influence. You could kill this freak, and then run away again. No, we’re not taking that chance.”

“NO ONE ELSE HERE CAN DO THIS!” Clark yelled.

“Clark, he shrank away from me when I impaled him with red kryptonite. If we have a sword made of the stuff, I can wield it, he won't be able to fight.” Lex said.

“You! Don’t you think you’ve done enough? Trying to get yourself killed.” Clark snapped.

“Only after my best friend tried the same thing and nearly succeeded.” Lex snapped back.

“Clark, Lex, we don’t have time for this, not now!” Chloe but in. Clark looked sharply at her, but then relented, his face losing that angry look. Lex also calmed himself.

“It has to be me, guys. Physically, I am much stronger then anyone here, therefore, I can survive the longest under adverse conditions.” Clark said.

“Clark, this is red kryptonite. You know what it does to you. We can't take that risk.” Jonathan said. Clark shook his head.

“Dad, what can I say to soothe your fears? If anyone else tries this, they could die.” Lex jumped all over this statement.

“The freak is glowing green, Clark, so could you.” Clark fixed Lex with an evil stare.

“I didn’t, 20 other people have. It’s going to be me. Whether I have the sword or not!” Clark said, effectively ending all further discussion.
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“Hello, Dr. Gullet, thank you for meeting with me.” Lex said, sitting the doctor in the meeting room.

“It's not often I’m meeting 13 year olds with bank accounts that amount to more then several small countries.” Dr. Gullet said, taking a seat.

“I’ll make it simple for you. My mother is dying of a heart disease, and so far, no one has been able to do anything for her. I need you to save her.” Lex said, a brief glimpse of emotion cracking his outward calm façade.

“I can not make any promises, Mr. Luthor. All I can do is try.”

“It's Lex, first of all. Secondly, all one can expect is a best effort. And that’s all I expect out of you. I need to have my mother saved.”

“I’ll certainly get right to it. And, Lex, if I can't do it, at the very least, go see her before she succumbs. Closure is very important.” Lex got up and shook the mans hand before retreating to his room, and resumed pouring over the lists of doctors he had.

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Clark stood outside of the farm house, wielding the red kryptonite sword in it’s lead sheath.

“How do you feel, Clark?” Lex asked, walking out of the house and standing by his friends side.

“Fine right now. When I unsheath, who knows?”

“That’s why we’re having a trial run, Clark. We can afford no unexpected side effects. Your Dad and Pete are standing by with kryptonite, just in case something goes wrong.”

“Clark, you’re not going to win without unsheathing the sword.” Chloe said, as she, too, came out of the house. Clark gave her a look.

“You more then anyone knows that Kal isn't someone to tempt.”

“I also know you’re not him.” Chloe answered, standing on her tip toes and kissing him on the cheek. Clark smiled down at her.

“Here goes.” He said, unsheathing. He held it as far out from his body as he could, while Lex ran a stopwatch.

“I figure, Clark, about 5 to 10 minutes will be needed.” Lex said.

“I don’t think I can control it that long, Lex.” Clark said.

“Try.” Lex responded. Clark held on for one and a half minutes, before throwing the sword as far away as he could.

“Sorry.” He said, turning to Lex.

“It’s OK, Clark. I can surely understand not being able to control drug influences. So. . .that was. . .97 seconds. You think you can do the job in that time?”

“I’m not killing, Lex.” Clark said, firmly.

“No one asked you to. Just incapacitate him long enough to get him sedated, and into custody. I’ll alert the proper authorities to have some red meteor rock on hand.” Clark raised an eyebrow.

“You remembered to call it meteor rock and not red kryptonite.”

“I’m not stupid, Clark. Kryptonite would raise questions none of us are prepared to answer.”

“CLARK! Can you throw the sheath out here, too?” Pete yelled.

“SURE!” Clark yelled back, winding up and tossing it gently in the air. Pete waited for it to land before grabbing it, sheathing the sword, and walking back.

“How long, Lex?” he asked.

“97 seconds.”

“Long enough, Clark?”

“I’m not sure. I held on as long as I could. If we go over by even 3 seconds, it could be over.”

“We need to be there, Pete, with some kryptonite.” Lex said, turning to the young man.

“NO! It could be dangerous.” Clark yelled.

“What could be dangerous is you on red kryptonite.” Lex shot back. Clark didn’t have any retort to that. He knew it was true.

“If you don’t let one of us come with you, son, with green kryptonite, you can forget going.” Jonathan said, joining the group on the porch. Clark thought about it. Lex had already proven once he could be counted on against the monster, so he'd have to be the one.

“Lex.” Clark said, after a long time debating inside his head.

“Why Lex and not me?” Pete and Jonathan asked on top of each other.

“Lex has already. . .dealt with this freak once. You two haven’t. And Dad, you have a broken arm and two broken ribs. You’re in no condition to do anything.” Clark answered.

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Thirteen year old Lex Luthor smiled sadly as they put his mother, the only one who could save him, into the ground. He had failed to save her, and even worse, he didn’t go see her in the hospital. He spent too much time trying to save her, and not enough time actually spending time with her.

“How could you not be there, Lex? She died, son, asking for you, and you weren’t even there. I will never forgive you for that, Lex. Add that to the list, Lex, add it to the list of why you are a failure as a son.” Lionel barked as Lex turned away and walked to a tree overlooking the whole sad scene. There, he finally shed the tears he’d been holding in since he found out the doctors he’d found couldn’t do anything to save his mother’s life. That night, he quietly snuck out of the house, and walked to one of the nightclubs in Metropolis.

“Whoa, whoa, where do you think you’re going?” the bouncer said, putting a hand out to stop Lex.

“Inside.” Lex answered, pulling out a couple hundreds and stuffing them in his shirt.

“Sure thing, little dude.” Lex quickly walked to the bar, and flashing some more hundreds, soon had himself a nice little party going.

“Make this one a double vodka on the rocks.” Lex called out, dropping 5 hundred on the counter.

“You’re the boss.” The bartender said, pocketing the money and serving Lex. Lex quickly downed the liquid.

“So, kid, what brings you here? Flashing money like it’s going out of style and drinking like you’re a drowning man.” The bartender asked. Lex gave him a haunting look.

“I. . .I spent too much time trying to play god and not enough time being human.”

“In what ways?” you could tell the barkeep was a friendly person, really trying to help Lex out.

“My Mom. . .she was. . .dying. And instead of going to see her, I. . .I was busy searching for doctors to cure her. She died, and I didn’t see her. My father hates me.”

“You were trying to save her, little dude. Yeah, you should’ve done the right thing, and gone to see her, but, you were hurting. And that was your way of coping. It was wrong, but it wasn’t worthy of hatred. I’m sure your father will see that one day. And I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.”

“You don’t know my father.” Lex said, tossing another couple hundred on the bar and ordering another drink. The bartender sighed, and gave Lex another drink.

“LEX! Where are you?” Lionel called, walking into the putrid club and looking for his son.

“There’s the bastard now.” Lex moaned into his drink, downing it in one shot. He got up unsteadily and stumbled over to his Dad.

“Dad, listen. I’m sorry for not going to see Mom, I’m sorry for everything. Please love me.” Lex said, drunk as sin.

“Alexander Luthor, this sort of behavior will not be tolerated. I was considering letting you go to school in Smallville, at public school, but after this display, boarding school is just where you belong!” Lionel exclaimed, dragging Lex behind him, up and out of Atlantis.

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Lex sat in another one of his boring classes, alone in the back, out of the way. No one wanted to be friends with the bald freak. It was advanced chem, and Lex was sure to be bored out of his mind. The door opened, and he looked up as the teacher walked in. His eyes bugged out of his head. She looked like a goddess. Probably mid-20s, rather. . .large busom, skinny long legs, and she favored wearing a short skirt along with a top that left very little to the imagination. This could be a good class, after all. She scanned the class quickly, and then looked down her roster, calling out names. The class flew by as for most of it, Lex just stared at the pretty teacher.

“Alexander, can I see you for a moment?” the teacher said as classs ended. Lex nodded and walked up to her. As he got there, she stroked the top of his head.

“Alexander, I noticed you. . .looking at me. Do you want. . .to do more then look?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lex answered, slightly out of breath at what was going on.

“I live at this address. Come by and we’ll. . .engage in some extracirrcular activities.”

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“Alexander, for a first time, that wasn’t half bad. We should practice, though, a lot of practice.” Tiffany said.

“Yeah, practice.” Lex said dreamily. Who knew it could be so much fun?

“Lex, listen. You can't tell anyone about this. Not your father, not the other boys at school, no one. You have to keep this a secret.”

“OK.” Lex was fast asleep.

“I hope I didn’t make a mistake.” Tiffany whispered, as she, too, fell asleep. Over the next few weeks they had several “dates”, until Tiffany tired of the boy, and she dumped him. Lex found himself back at Atlantis, crying into his drinks.

“Then she had the nerve to dump me! Me! A Luthor!” Lex said, downing another scotch.

“She obviously didn’t know what she was missing.” The bartender said dryly. It was a different one, Lex noted, not the one from last time.

“Absoultely. I am Lex Luthor! I don’t need that b*tch!” Lex said.

“LEX! This has gone on for long enough.” Lionel said, marching into the club and bodily dragging his son out.

“Let me go! You don’t know who I am! I’m Lex Luthor!” Lex smirked.

“And now, Lex Luthor, you’re going to learn what it means to be a Luthor.” Lionel said, marching him into the towncar.

“Excelsior Prep!” Lionel shouted.

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“Last chance to get out of the car, Lex.” Clark said, as they drove towards the freak’s hideaway.

“Luthor’s aren’t afraid of anything, Clark. And this is no exception. Besides, I don’t want to hear both Pete and your father complaining about why they're not going and I am.” Lex answered, grinning slightly.

“I gave them a reasonable explanation. If they don’t want to take it, that’s they're fault, not mine.” Clark said. He set his mouth in a tight line, and focussed straight ahead.

“Are you scared?” Lex asked, concerned. Who took care of Clark after he battled all these freaks? Who made sure he wanted to? It wasn’t really his duty.

“Of course not.” Lex fixed Clark with a look of ‘stop lying’.

“A little. I could die.”

“Anyone of us could die at any time, Clark. I’m not good at the inspirational stuff, leave that to your father. But, I will tell you this. I, for one, am glad I rammed my car into your stubborn torso. I geniunely like you, Clark, and so do the others. True friendship cannot be thrown away, no matter how hard one tries. And you could die, but you won't, because you’re stronger then this freak, you’re stronger, you have a bigger heart, and you have things to go home to, it doesn’t. Now, lets do this.” Lex parked the car, and they got out. Lex making sure to grab the lead box with the green kryptonite in it. Clark switched to x-ray vision, and looked around.

“CLARK! Behind you!” Lex yelled. The freak slammed into Clark, the sword flying out of his hands.

“S***” Lex yelled, dropping the lead box and racing for the sword. The freak picked Clark up and slammed him through a tree.

“UGH!” Clark yelled, feeling the effects of the kryptonite enhanced mutant. His head lulled back, and started to bleed. The mutant picked up Clark again, and sensing something, threw him into Lex, sending both of them flying back. Clark sprang back up, and Lex threw the still sheathed sword to him.

“Unsheath it first, Clark.” Lex said, scrambling to find the lead box. Clark got as close to the freak as he dared, and then unleashed the sword, waving it back and forth. The freak turned and ran, but Clark supersped after him, and neatly sliced through both legs, rendering him unable to move. Clark then threw the sword back through the woods, inadvertently into a tree directly over Lex’s head. Lex looked up in shock and then towards Clark and the mutant.

“IDIOT!” Lex yelled, grabbing the sword, sheathing it and racing to the scene. The freak had just started to get up, but Lex unleashed the red kryptonite sword, and the freak went down again. Clark slowly backed away.

“I need you to . . . nevermind. Too many questions. Run to the car, call the police, tell them to get here via Hobb’s Pond, and get some red kryptonite, and bring it. Then call Belle Reeve.” Lex said, sitting down on top of the mutant and holding the sword right by his torso. Clark nodded, and supersped away.

“You’re going to have a nice padded room to yourself, buddy, don’t worry.” Lex grinned larconically. Clark sped back in a couple minutes and told Lex the police were on their way.

“Good Clark. Should you be here when they show up?” Lex asked.

“Probably not. Can you handle it, though?” Clark motioned to the mutant.

“I should be able to.” Lex said, tapping the mutant’s chest with the sword, causing a roar of pain. Clark nodded, and supersped away.

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“Well, that’s that.” Lex announced, walking into the farmhouse.

“Are you sure you’re OK, Lex?” Jonathan asked, getting up and walking over to him.

“Fit as a fiddle, Mr. Kent.”

“Everything taken care of?” Clark asked, walking in from the living room, where he and Chloe had been playing Monopoly.

“Yeah. The police got the mutant, who used to be Leroy Adams, by the way, into custody, he’s currently residing in Belle Reeve’s most dangerous section, far far away from any other patients. In a room lined with red kryptonite, not enough to kill, but enough to make sure he won't try anything.”

“And. . .” Clark waved to himself. Lex shook his head.

“You were not mentioned. As far as they know, I did everything.” Lex answered. Clark looked relieved.

“Where’s Lana?” Lex asked, cringing as he brought her up. Clark’s face fell and he started to stammer.

“Shes um. . .that is. . .”

“She left. As soon as you two left, as a matter of fact. She said some more hurtful things that you don’t need to hear, but she took off.” Chloe said. Pete lightly punched her.

“What did she say?” Clark asked.

“Uh, son, that doesn’t matter. Look, Lex, thanks for helping out here. Up for dinner, tonight?”

“DAD! What did she say?” Clark asked, looking firm.

“She blamed you again for her parents death, everything along those lines.” Jonathan sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

“Clark. . .none of us feel that way, aside from her. I know you loved her, maybe still do, but you have to face the possibility that she doesn’t reciprocate those feelings anymore.” Lex said.

“I know. It’ll. . .it’ll take some time, but I can get over her. Her words in the barn made it much easier, to be honest.” Clark answered.

“As for dinner, I can't stay. I need to get going, Dad’s offered me my job back at Luthorcorp, and I’d be a fool to not take it.” Lex said.

“Lex, this may not be my place, but, what the hell. You’re changing, Lex, becoming less your fathers son, more your own person. Less ruthless, more open. I wouldn’t advise going back to Lionel. He will find a way to corrupt you again, make you completely his son.” Jonathan said. Lex closed his eyes.

“I know, Mr. Kent. I also know that I, someday, am going to run Luthorcorp. Then, that will be the time for me to make my own destiny. For now, I must go back to him, and try to not get drawn in. I trust. . .you, my real family, will aid in that. Sometimes you have to tread into the gray, hell, even the black, to get back to the white.” Lex said, walking out after saying goodbye.

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Lor1513
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Gotta Love That Good Old Smallville Feeling <3
nice job :clap: :clap:
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Tejesh
Moved In

Chapter 16 (Integro), Part 2
************************

“Lex, how could you do it! How could you murder your own brother!” Lionel yelled, pacing in Lex’s room.

“I didn’t mean to! I. . .he was crying, I tried to rock him. I’m sorry. Please, you have to believe me.” Lex pleaded.

“I saw you, Lex! I saw you standing over Julian’s crib! It didn’t look like an accident, I didn’t hear any crying when I came up the stairs. What were you doing?”

“I. . .I was just trying to rock him, to put him to sleep. He was crying, you know I hate it when he cries, Dad.”

“No, Lex, you can't have been! You killed my son! I want to know WHY!”

“Hush little baby... don't say a word... I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird... and if that mocking bird don't sing... I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring... If that diamond ring turns brass... I'm gonna buy you...a looking glass.” Lex picked up a rolled up blanket that had been laying on his bed, and starting to sing to it, rocking slightly back and forth.

“I demand an answer, Alexander!” Lionel yelled.

“Shhhhhh, Dad, you’ll wake the baby. You know I hate it when he cries.” Lex whispered, tickling the ‘chin’ of the blanket.

“No, Lex, Julian is not in your arms. You killed him, Lex, last night. We both know that. Stop with this foolishness, and ANSWER ME!” Lionel thundered. All Lex did was repeat the nursery rhyme.

“Hush little baby... don't say a word... I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird... and if that mocking bird don't sing... I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring... If that diamond ring turns brass... I'm gonna buy you...a looking glass.” Lionel, disgusted, walked out of the room, slamming the door. Lillian came in a short while later.

“Why, Lex? Why did you take the blame for me? I knew what I was doing.”

“To protect you. Dad would have killed you, Mom, or drugged you up and locked you away. I need you, Mom. I need you now. That doesn’t mean I agree with what you did. Dad was changing. He did the dishes Mom! After you left with Julian. He was trying to become a better person, and you didn’t give him a chance! How you could do that to me? Despite all of it, I need you. I need your love, and support. He’s going to be hell to be around, now. And I need you, Mom. That’s why.”

“He. . .he what? He was. . .doing the dishes? He. . .oh my god. My son! What. . .what, Julian. My son! I didn’t. . .” Lillian got up and staggered out of Lex’s room, moaning ‘Julian’ over and over.

“Yeah, Mom, dishes, didn’t have to, Julian. No Lex anywhere in there. Thanks, Mom, for thinking of me, too.” Lex mumbled to himself, as he slowly started to cry. No one was there, however, to see him or comfort him. He was all alone.

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“Lex, it's been ages since you’ve been over. Why don’t you drop by for dinner tonight?” Jonathan spoke into his phone. Lex had called to see about Clark and Jonathan going to see the Sharks game.

“I can't, Jonathan. Dad and I are going to Gotham to see about a joint venture with Wayne Industries tomorrow, and I need to go over the papers, financials, whatnot.”

“Look, Lex, everyone in Smallville misses you, do I have to come out and say it? I miss you, too. I’d really like you to drop by for dinner.” Lex was stunned speechless at this admission.

“Um. . .sure, I’ll, uh, make some time. 7 o'clock fine?”

“Perfect. See you then.” Jonathan hung up. Lex turned the car around, and headed back to Luthorcorp. He parked, then took the elevator up to Lionel’s office. He opened the doors and walked inside.

“Son, back so soon? Did you forget something? Like, maybe, this?” Lionel held up a medical release form.

“What is that?” Lex asked, grabbing it and reading.

“A medical release form? What do I need this for? You know I haven’t gotten sick in ages.”

“Lex, two wives have abandoned you, they both tried murdering you, both betrayed you. I just want to make sure you’ve come out from these ordeals unscathed. So, you’ll have to submit to a series of mental examinations, and 5 hours of psychiatric care. With any doctor, of your choosing.”

“Whoa, wait a second here. I don’t need mental help, Dad. I am perfectly sane.”

“Yes, I know, Lex, but it would be good to have that in writing, wouldn’t it?”

“I know what this is. This is yet another power play between us, isn't it! You don’t want to give me anything until I’m a mindless yes drone like your other minions! Well, forget it, Dad. It’s not going to happen!” Lex yelled, storming out of the office, with the form in his hands. He walked back into the elevator, completely forgetting about informing his father about the change in plans. He got into his car and roared out of the parking lot, nearly colliding with a couple of cars. He was incensed. How dare his father try yet another power play? After he’d willingly come back to Luthorcorp, and tried to give it one more shot. He pressed down on the accelerator, heading for the farm.

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“Hurry, son, get Mom’s bag, and run out to the car. Come on, Lillian, take my hand, slowly now. That’s it.” Lionel said, taking his wifes hand and lifting her off the bed. Lex ran around the other side of the bed, and half-carried/half dragged his Mom’s suitcase out of the room.

“Get the limo ready!” he yelled downstairs, as he struggled with the suitcase. As he made it out to the limo, he lifted up the suitcase with a grunt, and deposited it in the backseat, with himself following. Lionel followed with Lillian a short time later, and he himself got into the drivers seat, and smoothly steered the limo around their town car, and headed for Met Gen. Upon arrival, Lillian’s obstetrician met them, and immediately ushered a wheelchair over, and took her to her hospital room.

“Mr. Luthor, you’ll have to remain outside for about an hour, while we run tests and whatnot. You can visit with her when we’re finished.” A nurse said.

“What exactly do you expect me to do for an hour while my wife is in there?” Lionel asked, sarcastically.

“Read a magazine.” The nurse shot back, turning back to her computer. Lex was smiling at someone handing down an ultimatium to his Dad. The hour quickly passed, and Lionel shook Lex awake.

“Hey, son, why don’t we go see your mother, OK?”

“OK, Dad.” They walked together towards the room the nurse told them.

“Hey, honey, how’re you doing?” Lionel asked softly as he walked into Lillian’s room. Lex followed and sat down by her bed.

“I guess I’m OK, Lionel. You know what we talked about, why did you have to insist?”

“I wanted a family, Lillian. And now, a family is exactly we were are going to have. Now, you need to rest, don’t worry about Lex, I’ll take good care of him.” Lionel slowly stroked her forehead. Lex offered a half smile in her direction.

“Lionel, do you mind if Lex and I talk, alone?”

“Of course not, dear. Lex, the second she gets tired, you leave, you hear?” Lionel said, awkwardly hugging Lex briefly before leaving.

“Lex, look, I. . .I know you two don’t get along. If you ever need to get away while I’m in here, I have a sister. She lives here in Metropolis, at 123 Branton Street. You’ve met her once or twice, and she’ll take care of you for a couple hours a day. Just don’t tell your Dad.”

“He’s been treating me a bit better lately, Mom. I think this baby is changing things. I really think he’s going to try being a good Dad now.” Lex gave a very shining smile, thinking of all the things he’d get to do with the new baby.

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Everyone could see Lex was fuming as he stalked into the farmhouse, but no one, save Jonathan, was going to say a word about it.

“What happened, Lex?”

“My father wants me to submit to physcological examinations, because I’ve had a lot of crap happen to me in a short amount of time.”

“Well, you have. Desiree, Helen, among other things. Many near death experiences. I think it could help.” Jonathan said.

“Yeah, it could. But I know my father would pay off any physcologist that I could find, and have him or her turn me into another of his mindless yes drones.”

“Lex, that makes no sense, son. Why would he want to turn you into just another yes man when you’re going to be running the company when he dies or retires?”

“He wants to mold me into the perfect son, much the same as Jor-El wants with Clark. I have no doubts about it. I’ll just have to find someone who I know can't be bought. But, that’s not why I'm here. I'm here to enjoy the good cooking of Martha Kent and the company of my friends.” Lex didn’t give the medical release a second thought, putting it inside his coat, but then taking his coat off and draping it over the counter.

“Well, while theres still some daylight left, I want to repair the roof of the barn. It was leaking during the last thunderstorm, I think theres a hole up there somewhere. Clark, I’ll need your help.” Jonathan said, heading for the door.

“Um, would you like some help?” Lex offered.

“In those pants? Are you nuts?” Jonathan deadpanned.

“I just want to help, Jonathan.” Lex smiled.

“Uhh, how about you. . .and Pete go check all the fences. Damned herd got lose last week, we’ve built a temporary pen, but it’s not going to hold. I need to know approximately how much wood I need to rebuild those fences.” Jonathan said.

“No problem. Come on, Pete. Lets get down to it.” Lex said, grabbing a notepad and heading outside. Clark zipped by a second later, zooming into the barn.

“That’ll take some getting used to.” Lex said, raising an eyebrow.

“It did for me. You'll be fine.” Pete said, clapping Lex on the back once, before following out to the pasture.

“This end of the fence is a total loss, Pete. They’ll need to rebuild the whole thing.” Lex called, walking the entire length, over 50 feet. A light mist began to fall from the suddenly overcast sky, but neither Pete nor Lex paid it any attention. It was Kansas, they were lucky it wasn’t hailing.

“This is a partial loss, probably 20 feet or so.” Pete said. Lex marked down 75 feet for the south end, before they turned east. A short while later, they’d finished the entire farm, and it didn’t look too good.

“Out of 550 feet of fencing, 430 needs to be rebuilt.” Lex said, looking at Pete.

“He won't go for what you’re thinking.”

“Well, then he can't refuse a surprise gift, can he?”

“Lex. . .”

“Relax. Like he’s said, I’m different from my father. No strings attached.”

“No, not that. He’ll know what you did, and he won't accept it.”

“He won't have much of a choice.” Lex straightened up and walked into the barn.

“Jonathan, we need to talk.” Lex called.

“They're on the roof, Mr. Clean, not in the barn.” Pete said, smirking.

“Funny. I think I liked it better when you didn’t talk to me.” Lex said, smiling to soften the barb, and walking out of the barn.

“Would you rather I call you Dr. Evil?” Pete yelled after him.

“NO!” Lex yelled back, disappearing from sight.

“Mr. Kent? Clark?” Lex called, spotting them standing on the roof.

“Yeah, Lex? What's it look like?” Jonathan called back.

“Not pleasant. 80% needs to be rebuilt. I can buy it for you, it wouldn’t be any problem for me.”

“Lex, you know how I feel about that. After buying back our farm, bringing back our son, I can't expect you to buy everything I need.” A wrench slipped out of Jonathan’s grip and clattered to the edge of the roof.

“I got it, Dad.” Clark said, walking down towards the edge. At the last minute, his feet slipped out from under him, and he slid down the rest of the roof, and plummetted to the ground, a fall of over 50 feet.

“CLARK! CLARK!” Lex screamed, racing to his friend. Clark pushed himself off the ground and turned to Lex.

“Not so loud, jeesh. What part of invunerable don’t you understand?”

“I. . .it’s easy to forget, Clark. Especially when you fall 50 feet and I expect at least a broken neck.” Lex said, picking up the wrench Clark had been going for.

“I don’t think the wrench survived the fall as well as I did.” Clark grimaced, looking at it.

“There’s a spare set in the house, Clark. In the wash room.” Jonathan called.

“Dad, it’s raining pretty bad. Why don’t you let me finish?”

“Maybe that’s not a bad idea, Mr. Kent. Clark won't get killed if he falls again, but you may.” Lex put in.

“And you can fill in the hole down here.” Clark said, zipping into the house.

“I may be older then you, Lex, but I am far from disabled.” Jonathan said, stubbornly hammering another piece of shingle into the roof.

“Yeah, but Clark’s invunerable. A fall like that would disable you pretty quick.” Lex said, truly concerned for the mans health. A man who, in a short time, had become almost a father to him. He sure as hell cared more then Lionel. Clark returned, and looked expectantly at his father.

“Clark. . .”

“Dad, I was going to suggest this anyway.” Jonathan sighed and jumped down, Clark caught him, and he dusted himself off.

“Look, son, just because I’m old and not as invunerable as you are doesn’t mean a thing. I’ve been doing farm chores long before you came into our lives, and I’m still here, so it can't have been all bad.”

“I know, Dad, but I want to make sure you’re here for a long time to come.”

“OK, Clark.” Jonathan smiled.

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“Lex? Where’s your father?” Lex turned, and came face to face with his aunt.

“Hello, Aunt Madeline. Dad’s downstairs, I don’t know why. Hello, Chloe!”

“Hi Lex. Are you excited about the baby?” Chloe was positively bubbling with enthuaism.

“Yes, I am, Chloe. Are you excited about being an aunt?”

“Uh huh. I’m gonna love it. Uncle Lionel!” Chloe turned and ran to Lionel, hugging him around the knees.

“And who do we have here?” Lionel smiled as he lifted her up and kissed her cheek.

“It tickles!” Lionel smiled and let her down.

“And how are you, Madeline?”

“I’m doing all right, Lionel. And how are you?”

“I am great. We’re finally going to be a family. Any day now, Lex will have a younger brother, and we’ll get down to the business of living.”

“And how’re things at Luthorcorp?”

“OK, everything is going well.”

“Look, Lionel. I hate to ask, but Gabe is sorely in need of work, and. . .”

“I’m not in the charity business, Madeline. This is serious work. What kind of qualifications does Gabe have to work in the corporate world? He was a plant manager for Dupont before getting fired.”

“Lionel, we just don’t like depending on you for money, that’s all. We’d like to be independent.”

“I know, but there are no job openings at Luthorcorp for anyone with Gabe’s qualifications. But, tell you what, I’ll keep an ear to the ground.” Lionel smirked at her and went into Lillian’s room. Lex took Chloe’s hand and led her into the room, as well, leaving Madeline outside.

“You coming, Aunt Madeline?”

“What? Oh, yes, thank you, Alexander.” Madeline smiled as she followed Lex into the room.

“You bastard, I’ll make sure you pay for this!” she whispered under her breath.

“Did you say something, Aunt?”

“No, dear. Nothing at all.”

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“I’ve decided to do it.” Lex said, walking into Lionel’s office.

“Do ‘it’? What are we referring to, Lex?” Lionel asked, turning to face his son.

“Submit to a full battery of mental exams, and submit to physcological counseling.”

“Oh, and what convinced you to change your mind?”

“Not what, who. Jonathan Kent did. He told me it might actually be a good idea, and not simply another power play between you and I.”

“I see he gives very good advice. Must run in the family, Martha was a valued advisor. And Clark, Clark always seems to be in the right place at the right time. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, son? You’ve been spending a considerable amount of time with the Kents lately.” Lionel smirked and peered closely at Lex. Lex maintained a neutral expression.

“No, Dad. I don’t know anything about Clark, other then the fact he’s going to get himself killed one day trying to play hero. Luck eventually does run out, even Clark’s. And my time spent with the Kents is my business, not yours. They happen to be very important to me.”

“So important that you had to blow off our. . .mutual appointment last night?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dad. I wasn’t with the Kents last night, I was busy.”

“I see. Well, Lex, I’m glad you changed your mind, or, rather, that Jonathan changed it for you. I’ll have to be sure to call and thank him.” Lionel smiled as he turned back to his work.

“Dad. I’m not crazy, my years in Smallville haven’t made me crazy.”

“Crazy? Oh, no, Lex, of course not. But, it’ll. . .be, um, good to have that in writing, now won't it?”

“Yes, Dad.” Lex turned to leave.

“Lex, when you’re rich, you’re eccentric, not crazy. By the way, who is the doctor?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“Ah, yes, of course. Well, when you do decide, Lex, be sure to let me know.”

“It’s on top of my to do list. Bye, Dad.” Lex walked out of the office, having succeeded in giving Lionel no answers.

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“Lex, what brings you by during the afternoon? Clark’s at school.” Jonathan asked, from on top of the barn roof.

“I thought we told you not to be up there, Jonathan.” Lex smirked as he got out of his Porsche.

“Only in the rain, Lex.”

“Um, I, I um, I decided to submit to the mental tests and physcological sessions. I’d like to, um, thank you, for, you know, talking some sense into me last night.”

“Lex, I didn’t exactly say you had to submit to anything. I just pointed out that a lot of negative stuff has happened to you in the recent past, and it may be prudent to make sure it’s left no lasting scars on you.” Lex nodded at that.

“WOW! Clark, that’s the most fun I’ve ever had!” Chloe’s voice chimed. Lex looked around, but didn’t see her, nor Clark. Then somebody tapped him on the shoulder, but when he turned around, no one was there. It suddenly dawned on him.

“Clark, that’s not funny.” He yelled out.

“No, but the look on your face was.” Pete grinned. Clark reappeared, in the drivers seat of the Porsche.

“Hey, hey, Clark, be careful. The last time you were in one of my cars. . .”

“Yeah, I know.” Clark got out and walked over to him.

“So, Lex, what brings you by?”

“I wanted to thank your Dad for something. And to ask you if you’re ready to go to the wood depot, and pick up the wood for the fences.”

“Lex, I just got home from school, give me about. . .10 seconds.” Clark zipped into the house, and came back in new clothes.

“Lets hit it, Lex.” Clark smiled.

“Clark, take the checkbook from the house, you pay for half, understand?” Jonathan said.

“Mr. Kent, wait a second. You don’t have to. . .” Lex started.

“Clark, if Lex doesn’t let you pay for half, you don’t buy any, understand? And I want proof, son. I want to see that money disappear from my bank account, OK, son?”

“OK, Dad.” Clark sighed, zipping back into the house.

“Mr. Kent. . .”

“Lex, please. When have I ever accepted handouts, especially from a Luthor? No, no, it has nothing to do with you. Mostly your father, and I know you’re not him, but it goes back to me just NOT accepting anything from anyone. It’s nothing personal, son, but you have to admit, most of your money is. . .tainted.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. However, it won't be, Jonathan, one day, I promise you, none of it will be.”

“I hope you’re right, Lex.” Clark zipped back, and had a signed check in his pocket.

“OK, Dad, I got it. Lets go, Lex.” Clark walked over to the truck, and got into the drivers seat. Lex guardedly got into the passanger seat, and belted up.

“Whoa! You drive like a maniac in the Porsche, but you don’t trust me in my truck?” Clark asked incredulousy.

“Yes?” Lex guessed. Clark smacked him upside the head.

“Wrong answer.” Clark backed down the driveway, and then headed for town.

“Clark, this truck doesn’t have enough room in it to haul all the wood you’ll need. Stop by the mansion.”

“Lex, the mansions in the other direction. You could’ve said something sooner. Tell you what, what do you need me to get? I’ll run there and grab it.”

“While I have no doubt you could literally grab a truck and bring it here, I thought the point was not showing off your powers.” Lex got another smack for that one.

“Dummy.”

“That’s Mr. Clean! No, wait, dammit!” Clark was beside himself with laughter.

“Mr. Clean? Lemme guess, Pete was talking to you?”

“Anyway, Lex, I can get the keys and bring the truck back here. Where are they?”

“In the garage.” Clark nodded, got out, looked around, and then took off for the mansion.

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The twin trucks pulled into the Kent Farm, and Lex got out of the lead truck, and started to unload the wood.

“Here, Lex, let me give you a hand with that.” Jonathan said, walking outside and handing Lex a pair of gloves.

“Anyone around?” Clark asked his Dad.

“No, son.” Clark shrugged, and picked up the truck, then carried it into the barn.

“SHOWOFF!” Lex yelled. Clark smirked at him from the loft window, then zipped back down, and brought the other truck into the barn, in similar fashion.

“Mr. Kent, where’s the kryptonite?” Lex smiled.

“Barn.” Lex smirked back and went into the barn, and went to work unloading the wood. With Clark’s. . .speedy work, it took about a half hour.

“Lex, did Clark pay for half?” Jonathan asked when they were done.

“Yes, he did. Much to my chagrin.” Lex said. And Clark had, too. Despite several warnings, threats, and protests. Apparently, now that Lex knew, Clark couldn’t be threatened with any violence.

“Good.”

“Well, I’d love to stay, but, I’ve already spent far more time here then I thought I would. I’m going to go home, there’s someone I’m supposed to be meeting there.”

“Bye, Lex, thanks for everything.” Jonathan said.

“See ya, Lex. Catch ya tomorrow?”

“Uhm, maybe, Clark. Bye, Jonathan.”

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“Alexander, if only you'd stop goofing around, and pay some attention, you may stay in this university.” Headmaster Williams said, during yet another visit with Lex.

“Mr. Williams, I don’t want to be here anymore then you want me here. My father only stuck me here as a convenient place to exile me. I’m sure once I graduate, he’ll exile me someplace else.”

“Nevertheless, while you are here, I expect you to be on your best behavior, and that does not include moonlighting at night clubs. Now, I’m assigning you to an older student, in the hopes that you can learn by example. Let me see. . .” Williams scanned down his roster.

“Your new friend is going to be. . .Bruce Wayne. Let me call his room and get him down here.”

‘Great, just what I need. To be a pet to some other rich kid who behaves’ Lex thought to himself. A few seconds later, the door opened, and a rather smart looking boy of 14 or 15 walked into the office.

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Williams?”

“Yes, Bruce, please take a seat.” Bruce sat down opposite Lex, looking at him. Lex, in turned, studied Bruce.

“I called you here because Lex here has become. . .something of a problem, and instead of simply expelling him like other schools have done, I’ve chosen to try and fix whatever problems exist within young Mr. Luthor here. I know you’ve. . .risen above your own demons, Bruce, I was hoping you’d show Lex ‘the light’ as it were.”

“Uhh, I really can't. I wouldn’t know how to interact with someone of such high class as the son of Lionel Luthor. I’d be spending all my time licking his boots, and not teaching him anything.”

“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t we, Bruce?”

“Yes, sir. I am.” Williams rolled his eyes.

“Look, just try. That’s all I’m asking, is that you try.”

“OK, I guess it wouldn’t hurt. Come on, Lex. You can come do some meditation with me.” Bruce said, getting up. Lex scoffed.

“Meditation? You’ve got to be kidding me.” They walked out of the office.

“Now, Bruce, I know you think you’re going to babysit me, but I don’t think so. I know this nice club I’m going to go hit. If you want to come, you’re welcome to, but don’t think you’re going to be cramping my style.”

“No, Lex, you’re coming up to my room. No clubbing, we’re going to meditate. Just try it for today, if you don’t like it. . .”

“You’ll leave me alone?”

“Deal.” Bruce smirked, intending to do no such thing.

“OK, Lex, cross your legs like this and sit straight.” Bruce said, once they’d gotten into his room. Lex copied Bruce’s position, and waited.

“So now what?”

“So, now, you sit, and empty your mind. This will cleanse you, Lex. It will serve as a healing process for anything that you’ve been stressing over. Trust me, it's. . .done wonders for me.” Lex closed his eyes and took a deep breath, surprised that he was still around for this.

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Lex put down The Science Behind Your Mind, and looked at the cover. Claire Foster, one of the world’s most reknowned psycologists, had written the book.

“Theres someone who couldn’t be bought by any amount of money. Someone who is very ethical.” Lex said out loud, getting up and putting the book back in his bookshelf. Then he headed out to the garage, and revved up his blue Audi. He felt like driving something a bit more conservative today, anyway. He sped off for Smallville High. Once he parked, he got out smirking, knowing Chloe wouldn’t be expecting this. Lex confidently walked through the halls of SVHS and into the Torch office without knocking. His jaw dropped, though he’d deny that later, as he walked in on Chloe and Clark violently making out.

“Hrmph. . .” Lex coughed. Nothing.

“Guys. . .I need some help with something.”

“Go ‘way, Lex.” Chloe called. She went back to her. . .rousing game of tonsil hockey, until she registered who had interrupted. It was like a lightbulb went off in her head, and Lex tried his level best to not burst out lauhging as she again turned her head to face him. She had the cutest expression on her face, a mix of shock and ‘yes I did steal from the cookie jar, but it’s all mine!’

“LEX!” she exclaimed, pushing Clark off her.

“Yes, Ms. Sullivan?” Lex looked highly amused. Clark shot him a look.

“You have something to add, Mr. Kent?”

“Only you’re dying tonight at dinner, so . . .”

“I assume this doesn’t have anything to do with a certain raven haired girl and her actions in your barn?” Lex asked Clark, suddenly serious.

“It might. But we’ve decided to just see where this goes. No secrets, no lies, a honest to god relationship. It’s so easy when she. . .knows me.” Clark said, pointing to Chloe.

“Yes, well, I’ll um. . .certainly be happy to help in any way I can. Does Lana know?”

“No, but after the fiasco last year with Clark and Lana dating, we’re going to tell her. Today at the Talon. Not sure what we’re telling her, but we’ll tell her something. So, what can I do for you?” Chloe grinned. Clark coughed as a memory of Chloe seductively sucking a lollipop came floating into his mind. She’d said the exact same thing, he remembered.

“That may be fun.” Clark smiled to himself.

“What?” Chloe and Lex asked together.

“Nothing.” Clark said quickly. Chloe arched an eyebrow.

“Anyway, Chloe. I need you to find me the contact information for . . . this person.” Lex pulled the book from his jacket.

“Claire Foster. A psychiatrist? Why? I thought you’d decided to tell your father to shove it.”

“Change of heart.”

“Lex, your father would only find some way of exploiting her.”

“Clark, she’s written books, she doesn’t need the money.”

“I still think you should be careful. Chloe, add a full background check into your search. Lets see what she’s got floating around her closet.” Lex nodded, and closed the door.

“You’re worried about. . .me slipping while I’m on the couch?”

“N. . .y. . .sort of. Not on purpose, of course, but it could slip out. It’s a big burden, Lex, something that isn't easy to handle.”

“Clark, believe me when I say this. I am glad you told me, not for my knowing, though it did answer a lot of questions. But for you, it's easy to see the change in you. You’re way more relaxed around us, more confident. A little burden is a small price to pay for that.”

“I echo that, Clark. I’m glad you told us. Oh, here it is. Dr. Claire Foster. 67125 West 90th Street, Metropolis, Kansas. Phone number (372)-389-1287. Complete background search will take. . .a week to 10 days.”

“Well, the search isn't important, is it? It's just to assuage Clark’s conscience. Thank you, Chloe. I knew coming here would be the right idea. I’ll see you both tonight at Clark’s for dinner?”

“No, I have to arrange this place. It’s a complete mess.”

“Yes, she’ll be there.” Clark grinned boyishly. He pointed to the door, and then quickly zipped around the room, cleaning everything. Chloe stood and watched breathlessly as the office became spotless in seconds.

“Someone’s coming.” Lex called. Clark came to a stop by the couch, grinned once, and fell onto it.

“It’s just Lana.” Chloe said, glancing out the door.

“Can't risk opening the door and letting anyone else see in. I’ll take this chance to take my leave of you. See you both tonight.”

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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 16, Part 3
****************

Two hours later, Lex was still sitting cross-legged on the floor, deep in thought, while Bruce moved on to flexing and conditioning his body.

“My father thinks I murdered my baby brother.” Lex whispered, finally opening his eyes and looking up.

“I see. And did you kill your baby brother?” Bruce pursed his lips and looked at Lex.

“No. But. . .I had to take the blame for it. It was the only way. . .the only thing I could do. . .”

“Who’re you protecting?” Lex shook his head.

“Lex, this is obviously chewing on your soul. You need to let go. Once more, who are you protecting?”

“My mother. She did it. I walked into the room, I saw her, Bruce. I saw her, she’d killed my brother, she’d killed him! She killed Julian! JULIAN!” Lex screamed as he got to his feet, grabbing Bruce by his shirt. Bruce gently took Lex’s hands and coaxed them into letting him go. He never let go, though, knowing Lex needed the physical contact at the moment.

“Lex, why did you need to protect her?”

“I need her love. Lionel wouldn’t give it to me, either way, whether he thought I did it, or if he knew Mom did it. If he knew what Mom did, he'd kill her, or pump her full of drugs and send her to a looney bin. Either way, he wouldn’t love me. At least now, Mom can love me.” Lex looked into Bruce’s eyes, pleading for some sort of. . .vindication. Of acceptance, that what he did was right, justified.

“I'm not God, Lex. I can't judge. You made a decision, whether right or wrong, it's not up to me. I can understand it, from what I've heard of Lionel, but...umm...my parents. . .”

“What about your parents, Bruce?”

“You know the basics, Lex, you’ve got to have heard. If I were Lionel, I'd want to um, know the truth. Take it from me, Lex, he needs to know. Now, what that means for you, you'll have to figure out on your own. I can just tell you how he would feel.”

“I can't, not now. My father would consider it weak of me to have protected Mom in the first place. And he still won't love me, he was so overjoyed when Julian was born. I. . .I’m his sole remaining heir, Bruce. He wouldn’t hurt me, but Mom. . .Mom would be in danger.”

"Lex, I know. . .this must be difficult for you, but you. . ." Bruce looked at Lex, seeing him for the first time as someone other then Lionel's son, seeing him as an individual. Bruce reached out and put his hand on Lex's forehead, sending him into a trance-like state.

"Forget, Lex. Forget that your Mom killed Julian. You did it, but you didn't mean to, it's in the past. Move forward." Bruce repeated that over and over, like a mantra.

“Bruce? What happened?”

“We were talking about how you. . .accidently smothered Julian and you went into a trance-like state. You just came out of it. I was about to call the nurse.”

“Oh, well, um, thanks, Bruce, for talking with me today. It made a lot of sense, what you said. I’ll be sure to come visit when I need to.” Lex walked out of the room, somehow feeling like something important was changed within him.

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“Thank you for coming, doctor. Please sit down.” Lex said, offering a seat to Dr. Foster.

“Thank you, Lex. It’s not often patients as. . .reputed as you are come knocking on my door.”

“Well, it's not often they ever realize they have a problem that needs fixing. Shall we discuss pay?”

“Well, my going rate is usually $1000 a session, but. . .”

“Well, I’m sure Luthorcorp insurance would love to cover it. I’m going through them for this, anyway.”

“Very well, Lex. Then who should I send the bill to once we’re done here?” Lex dug through his files and got her the info for Luthorcorp.

“Before you go, doctor, I'm sure you understand the need for confidentiality. I would be revealing things that are deeply personal, even hurtful.”

“That's the point of therapy, Lex. To regain control, let the bad feelings go, and start recovering from the traumas of the past.” Dr. Foster said.

“Then tomorrow, 10 AM.” Lex shook Claire’s hand, and she left. Lex sat down behind his desk and sighed.

“The things I do for you, Dad.” He whispered to himself. He figured Jonathan would like to know what psychiatrist he was using, so he got up and headed for the garage. He got into one of his faster cars, the Lamborghini, and sped off for the farm. Once he arrived, he saw Jonathan and Clark hauling wood to one of the spots where the fence needed to be fixed, and Chloe and Lana bringing the tools out to them.

“Mr. Kent’s putting everyone to work, apparently.” He got out of the car and slipped off the shades.

“Even boy billionaires, Lex. Get the power saw for me, please.” Jonathan walked back, heading back into the barn. Lex turned an amused look to Jonathan and saluted, smiling a bit. He got the power saw and walked back towards what seemed to be the main staging area. Clark smirked at him and zipped back into the barn, emerging a short while later with a stack of wood. He was normally walking back, when a voice stopped all activity.

“I see my son is making himself useful. Pity he won't do the same at Luthorcorp.”

“Mr. Luthor, what are you doing here?” Chloe asked. She was the only one without anything in her arms to distract her.

“I wanted to see with my own eyes how Lex was spending his days. Doing manual labor at a farm did not make it on my list. Lex, you are above this, son, you’re a Luthor.”

“No, Dad, I’m not above this. This is enjoyable, it's invigorating.”

“Clark, aren’t your arms getting tired just standing there with that pile of wood?”

“I was raised on a farm, Mr. Luthor, I can handle more then this without breaking a sweat.”

“I see. Well, Lex, when you are done demeaning yourself with these commonfolk, I’d like to talk to you.”

“I’m sorry, Dad, but I’m booked solid until the end of the day. If you’d like, I can schedule you an appointment.” Lionel laughed mirthlessly.

“Oh, Lex, I thought we’d moved on from these games. Very well, son, I will drop by the mansion tonight for dinner. I have some. . .interesting things to discuss. This. . .work, among them. Good day.” Lionel got back into his limo and soon was a speck in the distance.

“YOU IDIOT!” Lex turned to face his friend.

“How was I supposed to know he'd be here?” Clark dropped the wood with the rest of the pile, and turned a hard look at Lex.

“Don’t you think you went overboard with the stack, anyway, Clark? Jeesh, at least carry a reasonable amount for a farmhand. You had to lug the whole damn thing out here in one trip, didn’t you.”

“And what would you have me do? Hide myself even when I’m on my own property? I didn’t anticipate his visit. You, on the other hand, should’ve.”

“So now it’s my job to keep tabs on his movements?”

“Lex, Clark, that is enough! Stop it, both of you. Clark, Lex is right, you shouldn’t be carrying that much, son. By all means, use what you’ve got, but you’ve got to anticipate anyone other then the family coming onto the farm. Carry enough so that it can be explained away by your being raised on a farm. And Lex, lay off Clark. Before this week, he wasn’t used to this much freedom. So excuse him for slipping once in a while. No, I know, Lex, I know a slip in front of Lionel could be devastating, but, son, give Clark a break.”

“Mr. Kent, I know that, but a slip up COULDN’T be devastating, it WILL be. My father would spare no cost, no effort, to find out what makes Clark tick, and close up examination would be the best way. So I’d suggest, Clark, for a little while, laying low. Please, just until this sudden infatuation my father has with my association with your family dies down.”

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“I hear you haven’t been nearly the terror you were prior to our little chat.” Bruce called, walking closer to Lex.

“I guess you opened my mind to some new ideas. Plus I’ve been a little better at sneaking out.” Lex grinned.

“I’m sure that doesn’t hurt. What’ve you decided on our. . .sessions?”

“I could get to enjoying them, Bruce.” Lex said, steering them towards his room.

“Ah, I only meditate in my room. Comfort of the home enviroment, all that jazz.” Bruce said, leading them further down the hall.

“Come to think of it, why don’t we work out a bit?” Bruce asked, going into his closet and retreiving a pair of rapiers and tossing one to Lex, who expertly caught it.

“You’re downfall awaits, sir.” Lex quipped, leading the way to the fencing suite.

“Why don’t you do more of that, Lex?”

“Of. . .what?”

“Joking, having some fun, some non-club related fun.”

“Dad frowns on that type of behavior.” They reached the fencing suite a short while later, and assumed their positions.

“En guard!” Bruce said, holding the sword upright in front of him. Lex did the same, and a moment later, Bruce thrust at him, Lex easily parried. Lex then counter-thrust at Bruce, but Bruce parried and managed to score a hit on Lex’s shoulder.

“Want me to tell you your problem?” Bruce offered.

“Keep going.” Lex growled. He wasn’t going to let someone beat him at fencing! Bruce feigned a thrust down low, and then went up top, but Lex backed away, and managed to score on Bruce’s arm.

“Tied up.” Bruce said, assuming a neutral position again. Lex mimicked him, and then he launched the attack. Bruce countered the thrust, twisted Lex’s sword around, but couldn’t get Lex to drop it. Lex thrust low, then high, and got a hit on Bruce’s shoulder.

“Easy, Lex, that’s close to a head shot. No penalty, but mind your hits up there.”

“Sorry, Bruce. My father and I fence no holes barred. All right, two to one, going to. . .10?”

“10 it is.” Bruce said, leading the next attack. After a combined 10 more points, Bruce was ahead, 9 to 4. Bruce quickly defended against Lex’s oncoming assault, and easily scored a hit on his left wrist, ending the game. Later, as they were cooling off with bottles of water, Bruce clued Lex in.

“Do you want to know why you lost, Lex?”

“Because I did not anticipate such a high level of competition.”

“No, Lex. You were too aggressive, blantantly so. From the very beginning, you had attack, attack, attack on your mind. Had you played a defensive match, you may have one. Have you ever seen Star Wars?”

“Umm. . .no. I haven’t.”

“Well, then, there goes my analogy. Just remember, Lex, darkness, dark emotions, anger, revenge, bitterness, they’re quick to join you in a fight, but unchecked, they could consume you.”

“OK, Bruce, I’ll remember that. I’ve got. . .a class to get to.”

“Lex, I had fun today. We should do it again, real soon.”

“Anytime. Oh, and Bruce? When 900 years old you reach, look as good, you will not.” Lex shot him a geniune smile and ran from the room, leaving Bruce looking stunned.

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“Hey Lex.” Clark smiled as he walked into the mansion. He'd been right, having his friends in on his secret did kill a lot of the tension between them. There was no better evidence of that then the mansion, which was frequented by both himself, and his parents.

“Clark, hey. I’ll be with you in a second.” Lex finished typing on his laptop, shut it down, and closed it.

“Business related?” Clark asked.

“Just planning how to take over the world, Pinky.” Lex grinned. Clark rolled his eyes.

“Funny, Lex, funny. You should do more of that, Lex. Joke around more, you have a unique sense of wit.”

“I thought it was funny, if I say so, myself. As for more joking around, my father frowned on that while I grew up, so I don’t do much. Did you need something?”

“Well, yeah, I needed some advice, but. . .” Clark quickly x-rayed the room, and saw it was clean.

“But. . .ah.” Lex looked at Clark with a questioning glare. Clark nodded.

“So what's up?”

“Well, I went down to the Kawatche Caves yesterday, and ever since, I’ve been having flashbacks to 1961, from when my father was here in Smallville.”

“You. . .Your FATHER? As in Jor-El!?!?” Lex’s voice uncharacteristically rose a notch, and he stumbled back into his seat.

“Yeah, Lex, Jor-El. In 1961, in Smallville. He saved Lana’s aunt from a . . . mugger.”

“Apparently he’s not the heartless bast*ard you think he is, Clark.”

“Or he wasn’t a heartless bast*ard before he left. Who knows what life on Krypton was like? What it did to a person?”

“Well, who was the mugger, Clark? I assume that’s the reason you came here.”

“I hope to hell, Lex, that those cave drawings aren’t set in stone, pardon the pun, because you can see right through me.”

“Like you can't do the same!”

“Anyway, Lex, you’re right. I did come here because of the mugger. His name was. . .Lachlan Luthor.”

“My grandfather? Clark, I appreciate you coming down here, but my grandfather never visited Smallville. Even if he did, I assure you, he wasn’t a petty criminal.”

“I know what I saw, Lex. I swear to you, it was Lachlan Luthor. He was even arrested for the crime.”

“OK, Clark, I can ask my father about it, it won't be a problem. Is that all?.” Clark moved to the pool table and smirked back at Lex.

“Ah, so you wanted to get your ass kicked at pool again. Sure, Clark, rack em up, and I’ll be right with you.” As Clark touched the table, he was sent reeling into a catatonic state. About 10 minutes later, he came out of it, and looked around quickly, summing up where he was.

“That doesn’t make any. . .” he began.

“Clark! Son, Lex called, said you were catatonic. Everything OK?”

“Yeah, yeah, I feel great. Just. . .” Clark looked down in confusion at the pool table.

“You got a memory from this? That’s not possible.” Jonathan looked at the pool table, and then back at Clark.

“Actually, Jonathan, it may be possible. Before my father shipped this mansion here, there was nothing but woods on this site. And if Jor-El had touched a tree or something on his way away, or whatever, then. . .” Clark whirled on Lex.

“What was the memory, son?” Clark’s attention diverted from Lex to Jonathan.

“Joe was running through the woods. He was trying to avoid using his powers in front of anyone, especially the police. I don’t know where he was headed, though, the memory cut out before that part.” Clark once again turned to Lex.

“What else did you buy in Smallville?”

“Uhh. . .the table.” Lex pointed to his table. Clark touched it, with no result.

“Any furniture, Lex?” Jonathan asked.

“Yeah, yeah, um, all the chairs in this room, actually.” Clark quickly supersped around, but did not encounter any more memories.

“That’s all that was bought in Smallville, Clark. Everything else was acqured in Metropolis.”

“OK, well, in that case. . .Lex, we’ll get out of your house. We’re trying to solve a 40 year old murder mystery. Never easy, especially, in this manner.” Jonathan smiled.

“Sure, I understand. I’ll be over to help with the fence tomorrow, if that’s all right.”

“Sure, Lex, the more the merrier. Come on, Clark.” They slowly walked out of Lex’s study.

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“Congratulations, Lex. That was an excellent presentation. The board was impressed. It was smoke and mirrors, but skillfully done. I look forward to working together more often in the future, once you fully complete your psychological examinations.” Lionel picked up a bottle of champagne that had been chilling on the table.

“What can I say? I guess the deception gene runs in deep in the heart of the family. My examinations should be completed in a matter of days.”

“And the day was off to such a sweet start. Um, deception, huh? You think I've been deceiving you about something?” Lionel laughed and handed a glass of champagne to Lex.

“You tell me. You've always described Grandfather Lachlan as a hardworking entrepreneur who came from Scottish nobility.”

“What are you driving at, Lex. I don’t have time this morning for games.”

“Maybe you could explain why a Lachlan Luthor was arrested in 1961 for petty robbery in Smallville. Does that sound like a game to you?”

“Not all entrepreneurs can have the luxury of being both successful and honest.”

“hy would you go to such lengths to hide our past?”

“When I was young and trying hard to get a foothold in the world of overachieving ivy-leaguers, I quickly found that confessing to the fact that I was born and bred in a place like Suicide Slums wasn't gonna win anybody over at a cocktail party. Neither was the fact my father was a petty criminal.” Lionel sat on the couch.

“So you took the liberty of rewriting our family history?” Lex took a seat next to his father and looked at him.

“That's right. Why should I have to pay for the sins of my father?” Lionel smirked at Lex, knowing Lex was thinking the same thing. Like father, like son, as the saying goes.

“Sounds familiar. Is the, uh, memorial in our family plot even real or do I have grandparents wandering around Suicide Slum?” Lex said, deadly serious.

“No, no, they. . .they both died in a tenement fire. . . . . . .The only reason I'm alive is I was moonlighting at the. . .at a print shop when it happened. Ever since then I've, um, buried myself in work. Consciously.” Lionel sounded sincere, and troubled, but Lex knew better then to take Lionel at face value. Lionel smiled through his sadness as Lex eyed him suspiciously.

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“Hello?” Lex answered his phone.

“Hi, am I speaking to Lex Luthor?” a mans voice, sounded middle-aged, full of authority.

“That depends on who this is, and how you got this number.”

“I understand, Mr. Luthor, you’re used to playing games. Well, let me assure you, this is no game. I am retired Detective Mason, from Metropolis PD. I'd like a face to face.”

“Just because you’re a retired police officer from Metropolis doesn’t grant you face time, Mr. Mason.”

“Are you interested in why a. . .Chloe Sullivan is doing some rather unusual research into your family history? Including a very in depth background search into your father.”

“When can you meet me?”

“I thought so. I can be in Smallville in three and a half hours. You live in that hideous castle, don’t you?”

“Unfortunately, Mr. Mason, the Luthor ancesteral home is my dwelling.”

“I’ll be there in three and a half hours, don’t miss me.” Mason hung up.

“Chloe, what are you doing?” Lex whispered to himself. Why would she be digging around Lionel’s past? What could she hope to find? He had time to go to the school and find out, so that’s precisely what he did. A short while later, after a pit stop at the Talon, he strode into the Torch offices and looked around. He saw Chloe comtemplating the Wall of Weird.

“It’s not often you get all your questions answered in such fascinating circumstances, is it?” Lex asked. Chloe started a bit, but not much. They were becoming almost as good of friends as himself and Clark.

“No, no, definitely not. What can I do for you today, Mr. Luthor?”

“Back to playing games, Ms. Sullivan?” Lex smirked at her, and offered the coffee.

“I come in peace.”

“Of that, I am certain.”

“OK, Chloe, right down to business. Why are you doing research into my fathers past? Especially obscure childhood medical records?”

“It’s for a story, Lex. I want to do a full expose on the man behind the money. And I want it to be very through.

“The mark of a good reporter. And you are a good reporter, Chloe. So good, apparently, that my father pulled strings to make you the youngest columnist in the history of the Daily Planet.”

“What do you want, Lex?” Chloe asked, sighing. Lex was fiercely protective of all his friends, but most especially, Clark. If he found out about the deal. . .he’d go beserk.

“I'm just curious. I'm wondering why a high school reporter is digging so deeply into my father's past. Maybe I'll just ask him about it at dinner tonight.” He turned and headed for the door.

“Go ahead. Since the only way you could've found out about those records is if you looked into them yourself.” She smiled, thinking she had him. She was mistaken.

“At least I'm prepared for what I might find. I'm not so sure you realize what you've gotten yourself into. But, it’s totally up to you, Chlo. I’m not going to pressure you one way or the other. Have a nice day. I’ll tell Dad you said hello.” Lex smirked as he left.

“I so don’t like playing my friends like that, but I need answers, and subtle threats combined with Dad’s own. . .reputation will get me the answers I need.” Lex thought to himself, speeding back towards the mansion.

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“I see you’ve been hanging out with the boring one, Lex. What's the matter, losing your fun factor?” one of the few people he could call a friend, Oliver Queen, walked up and took a seat next to him on the common.

“Bruce isn't all that bad, Olly, just misunderstood. Come on, you know what he’s been through, cut him a break.”

“Thank you, Lex. Oliver hasn’t changed his mind in the two years I’ve known him, he isn’t likely to change it now.” Bruce walked by, glaring at Oliver.

“Look, Bruce. . .I. . .it’s just, you never have any fun, man. You’re too serious. You gotta learn to relax once in a while, kick back, enjoy life. You’re way too uptight.” Oliver said.

“That happens to be what's happened to me, Oliver. You are too fun loving, you don’t think enough about anything, and it’s a miracle you’re even still here. But, until today, I didn’t let you know what I thought. You see, Oliver, there is a thing called courtesy, and I extended that to you. Until you insulted me just now, I wasn’t going to insult you. But, even I have limits. So, be warned, and don’t cross them again.” Bruce marched off. Lex turned an evil eye on Oliver.

“See what you did? Why can't you be a bit more sensitive?” Lex bit off every word, before turning on his heel and marching after Bruce.

“Wait!” Lex called, running after Bruce who stopped and angrily turned to Lex.

“What do you want? Come to twist the knife in a little deeper, Luthor? Come to tell me he’s right? Well, you know what? I really couldn’t give a damn what he or anyone else thinks about me. Why don’t you go back to your friend Oliver and let him show you how to become even more of a royal screw up then you are now?”

“No, Bruce. You’re my friend, and friends don’t turn on other friends, no matter what anyone says. You’re my friend, Oliver is my friend. That does not mean I believe him over you, and it does not mean I believe you over him. I do, however, prefer both your companies equally.

“I can live with that, Lex, but only if I never have to see him again.”

“Sorry, Bruce, friends also try smoothing over relationships amongst each other. Might I suggest one night, just ONE, of going to Atlantis? Just to hang out, the three of us. What do you say?”

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“Thank you for coming all the way out here, Mr. Mason.”

“With what I’ve found out, combined with what I already knew, you'd better be thanking me a lot more, later.” Detective Mason took a seat, uninvited, next to the fireplace. Lex raised an eyebrow and sank into his own chair.

“What can you possibly do for me?” Lex wondered.

“You’ve been putting out fliers for information regarding your . . . family tenement, I believe. The one in Suicide Slums?”

“Yes, I have. My father told me my grandparents died in a tenement fire, and I just wanted to know how the fire started, and any other pertinent information.” Mason laughed out loud as Lex mentioned a ‘fire’.

“First of all, take a look at this.”

“The Edgecliff Condos. They're owned by LuthorCorp, but I'm missing the connection to my grandparents.”

“Well, before the condos and the coffee houses, this was the worst part of Suicide Slum. That high rise. . .stands on the site of the tenement your grandparents died in.”

“So what my father's told me is true. They died in a fire.”

“Sure, Lex, it was a fire. If you call an explosion that blows the windows out of two city blocks a fire, then, sure, yeah.”

“Sounds like you have your doubts.”

“I was a detective in that precinct. Back in those days, when they told you to drop a case you did it. The slum lords controlled City Hall. Well, I'm retired now. It doesn't really matter. I think you'll find my original report enlightening.” Mason tossed an envelope across to Lex. Lex pulled the report out of the envelope and looked it over. Then he took a long look at Mason.

“You’re telling me that there was what. . .a bomb planted in my grandparents apartment?”

“All the evidence points to that, Lex. Your grandparents were murdered in cold blood. For sure the slum lord was in on it, but he’s dead now, so we can't nail him. The question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to find out who else was in on this?” Mason got up and smiled at Lex, who was still staring at the report in his hands.

“I have to get back home, Lex. But I . . . hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Don’t call me again, this is as far as my help goes.”

“Thank you.” Lex murmured, still engrossed by the report. He got up and escorted Mason to the door, staring after him in wonder once the car left.

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“Lex, ah. . .I’m not too sure about this. . .um. . .pardon me!” Bruce stammered as he walked into Atlantis. As he did, a sexy blonde ran into him, totally on purpose.

“Hey, Emily. My friend’s not into the whole club scene, we’re here to meet a friend. Nice to see you, though.” Lex smirked at her, kissing her and moving on.

“Lex, she’s like, in her 20s!”

“That’s where the thrill is, Bruce. Come on, I thought you were here to have some fun.”

“OK, Lex, but I’m not going to be some bimbo’s date.” Bruce picked his way through the crowd and smiled as he recognized a few people from Excelsior. It seemed far more people then he thought came here to take the edge off.

“Hey, Brucey, I didn’t think you’d make it.” Oliver said, turning and smirking at the pair, before ordering another drink.

“First of all, don’t ever call me Brucey again, and second, when I say I’m going to do something, I will do it.”

“OK, so you’re here, now what?” Oliver asked.

“Now, we try and work out this problem you seem to have with me.”

“I don’t seem to have a problem, I DO have a problem. You’re way too uptight, Bruce. Uptight and overbearing. If you’re not going to have fun, don’t ruin other peoples!” Oliver pointed to Lex, knowing he'd get backed up.

“Don’t look at me. I kind of like having Bruce as my friend. He balances out your friendship very nicely.” Lex smiled at them both.

“As for my not being able to have fun, let me take care of that.” Bruce smirked and walked out onto the dance floor. A few seconds later, Alice DJs “Better Off Alone” started playing throughout the club, and Bruce appeared in the center of the dance floor, and started doing a complex dance. Twisting in and out, he appeared to be a fully trained dancer, every move he made was fluid, as a well oiled machine.

“When did he learn to. . .” Oliver stared, slackjawed.

“I have no idea, but it’s amazing. Look at that!” 5 minutes later, Bruce returned, and Oliver wordlessly handed him a drink.

“Well? Still think I can't have any fun?”

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“Sir, your father is here for dinner.” One of Lex’s butlers announced, shortly afterwards, Lionel strode into the office.

“Hello, son, no hobknobbing at the Kent farm tonight?”

“Nice to see you, Dad. No, I decided they could get along without me for one night. Besides, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Lex got up and walked out of his office, into the dining room. Lionel immediately sat down at the head of the table, and Lex sighed on the inside, before sitting down as far away as he could.

“Now, son, I thought we’d ended these games once and for all. Come sit here.”

“Yes, Dad.” Lex moved to sit next to Lionel.

“So, Lex, what is the meaning of this sudden interest in the Kents? You’ve been spending days at the farm, Clark Kent has been spending the afternoon here, what is your motive?”

“They're just friends of mine, Dad. You know that.”

“Luthors don’t have friends, Lex. Perhaps the Kents should know about, your, um, devotion to their son. Some would consider it to be. . .a bit on the paranoid side.” Lionel smirked darkly as he looked across at Lex.

“For your information, DAD, I closed the investigation on Clark a long time ago.”

“I’m sure you have son. Obsessions are always a dangerous game, Lex. Follow them too long, and you may fall pray to their allure. The danger, Lex, is in losing touch with reality.”

“Like, um, the reality that your, uh, parents were really not the victims of an unfortunate accident? The explosion originated in your family's apartment. There were traces of ammonium nitrate, Dad. Your parents' death was no accident.” Lionel looks up sharply at Lex, his face fallen, everything about him says he was just crushed by Lex’s revelation.

“I've always suspected this. I. . .oh. . .I knew my father had enemies, but uh. . .I never thought. . .this. . .”

“That's not what you told the police. You told them that you didn’t know who would want your parents dead, and that you just thought it was an accidental fire.”

“I was young, but never naive. I knew automatically that whoever did it would be watching me. So I lied, I knew I couldn’t do anything about it, so I let it go.” Lex silently contemplated this. He looks across the table at Lionel, seeing weakness, but not jumping on it, as he’s been taught to do.

“So you knew they were murdered. It's not like you to pass up a chance at revenge. Expecially when it was you know, your parents.”

“I had no resources. I couldn't pursue it.”

“Then. What about the last 30 years?”

“I couldn't bring them back. There was nothing I could do so... I chose to move on, forget about it.”

“But you can't, can you?”

“No. I owe you a thank you, son. Your grandparents were murdered. They deserve justice. Oh, I was such a fool. I always thought their murder could stay buried in the past.” Lex looked intensely into Lionel's eyes and put his hands on Lionel's shoulders.

“We both know that's not gonna happen until we find out who did this.”

“You let me take care of that, Lex. I promise you, son, I will not rest until your grandparents deaths are avenged.”

“Dad, I think I could help you.”

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Tejesh
Moved In
Chapter 16, Part IV
*****************

“It’s time!” Lionel yelled, rushing into Lillian’s hospital room. Lex stood up and smiled, he'd been sitting in that damned hospital chair for the past 5 hours, waiting. He turned around and shook Chloe awake.

“The baby will be here soon!” he told her, smiling.

“Oh. Well, whyd you wake me up?”

“Don’t you wanna see the baby?”

“I guess.” She got up and followed him to the window. They watched as Lionel held Lillian’s hand and as Lillian pushed hard, and a few minutes later, they were rewarded as a cry could be heard, the baby was born!

“What’s it's name?” Chloe asked.

“I don’t know. Dad hasn’t told us yet, what he wants for boy, and what he wants for girl.”

“Hey, Lex, Chloe, come on in here and meet your new brother and cousin.” Lionel called out, walking to the door and opening it, with the baby in his arms.

“What's his name, Uncle Lionel?”

“Julian, Julian Augustus Luthor.” Lionel carefully placed Julian in Lex’s arms, and the baby quieted, and cooed up at Lex. Lex smiled back and tickled under Julian’s chin.

“Hush little baby... don't say a word... I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird... and if that mocking bird don't sing... I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring... If that diamond ring turns brass... I'm gonna buy you...a looking glass.” Lex smiled down at Julian, who was fast asleep in his arms.

“You’re a natural, son.” Lionel smiled at Lex, and taking Julian, deposited him in Lillian’s arms.

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“OK, so you can dance, Bruce. You’re still uptight a lot of the time.” Oliver said, after Bruce cooled down.

“And even though you have shown you can be calm and collected, you’re a wild partier.” Bruce shot back.

“But each of us have qualities the other likes, so why don’t we try and live with those?” Lex asked.

“I suppose I could do that. . .if Oliver tried harder to be less. . .disruptive all the time.”

“And I suppose I could learn to like Bruce, so long as he doesn’t try to calm me down, and try and interest me in his hobby.”

“You mean the meditating? I tried that, and it really worked for me!”

“No, I mean Bruce is unusally fascinated by bats. He’s like, got a room at the Wayne Manor devoted to bats.”

“Bats?” Lex turned to Bruce.

“Well, they're fascinating creatures. Totally blind, but able to function using sonar pulses. Night creatures who don’t come out during the day. I just really am interested by them.”

“Well, um, that’s interesting to know, Bruce. So, while we’re here, what do you say we have some fun?” Lex smiled as he got up and headed out to the dance floor, Oliver following, and Bruce sitting back and watching. After one quick dance, Lex returned, slumped over, and ordered a drink.

“Having morals is one thing, but forgetting to live a little is something entirely different, Mr. Wayne.” Bruce turned to face the bartender.

“What if I’ve forgotten how to live?”

“I think you haven’t forgotten, I just think you like to let people think that. Your little. . .display earlier, on the dance floor? Young Mr. Luthor’s been coming here for a couple months, he’s probably one of the best dancers I’ve seen, and you put him to shame in 5 minutes. That proves you know how to live, it just, you’ve buried that part of yourself deep down. Let it out, Mr. Wayne. As they say, you only live once.”

“And you weren’t hitting on clichés until that last sentence, pity.” Bruce smiled to soften the effect of the barb.

“See? That’s what I mean, that’s funny. Do some more of that.” Bruce looked comtemplative.

“That’s funny, cause I told Lex that this afternoon.”

“Well, Mr. Wayne, practice what you preach, and you'll be OK.”

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“Lex, son, why didn’t you tell me you were using Claire Foster as your psychiatrist?”

“How did you find out?” Lex had been called into Lionel’s office for a meeting, but little did he know Lionel had been digging around into Lex’s own life.

“I have my ways, Lex. Friend of a friend and all of that. So, why didn’t you let me know? These games, son, they do little to inspire confidence.”

“Well, Dad, you started the games, I’m just playing by the rules.”

“Secrets may be a part of the Kent family, Lex, but Luthors don’t have any. I expect you to tell me such things are who your psychiatrist is.”

“Why, Dad, so you can pay her off and have her turn me into one of your mindless yes drones?”

“No, son, Lex. I would never do that, I. . .what benefit would I have if you were just another one of the employees? You’re my heir, Lex, you will be running the company when I am gone. Luthorcorp gains nothing if you are just another employee.”

“Well, then, Dad, I guess I have nothing to worry about, do I? And since we don’t have secrets, tell me again why you want me to submit to a psychiatrist? Is it really for my own good, or for your own twisted agenda?” Lionel moved closer and put his arms on Lex’s shoulder, intensely staring into Lex’s eyes.

“Oh, Lex, despite my. . .ruthless reputation, I would never play with my own flesh and blood, not like that.”

“You haven’t answered my question, Dad, why do you want me on the couch?”

“I just want to, um, ensure that Luthorcorp is getting the complete Lex Luthor. Free of any and all burdens, anything that may be weighing on your mind. You’ve, um, had a very rough time in Smallville, I want to, uh, make sure that it hasn’t diminished your bright future. Desiree Atkins, Helen Bryce, Clark Kent’s secrecy, the hostility you must have endured, it takes a toll, Lex, and I want to . . . give you the opportunity to vent in front of a professional.”

“OK, Dad. I appreciate the concern. Is that all?”

“Yes, son. I just, uhm, wanted to let you know I agree wholeheartedly with your choice of psychiatrist. Claire Foster is highly recommended, accredited, she’s written a couple of highly regarded books, she’ll um, clear up any problems you may have.”

“I’m sure she will, Dad.” Lex turned and walked out of the room, missing the calculating smirk on Lionel’s face.

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Lex walked into his study and saw Chloe nervously chewing on her bottom lip.

“Lex, I was thinking about what you said, and I. . .I need your help.” Lex walked around behind his desk, and looked intensely at Chloe.

“All right, you’ve have the floor. But I’m interested to know why you didn’t go to Clark with this. Considering he is virtually. . .invincible.” Chloe quickly glanced around the room, in a vain attempt to search for surveilance devices.

“Don’t worry, I check this room throughly, everyday. Nobody could plant anything in here, not since the disaster last year.

“He’s your father, Lex, so I’m coming to you. If you’d rather, I can go elsewhere.”

“No, Chloe, I was just curious why you picked me over Clark. Please, continue. How did you get entangled in this web?”

“It all started with the Wall of Weird. Your dad was interested in the effects of the meteor rocks. He wanted me to start feeding him information about the more bizarre incidents.” Lex pondered this for a couple of minutes, before nodding.

“It's always been an obsession of his. But I can't imagine that's the extent of your arrangement.” Lex got up and headed over to his bar, and Chloe followed. Lex poured himself a generous drink of scotch.

“He wanted me to spy on a friend.”

“Who?” he asked dangerously. There was only one person who Lionel would remotely have interest in, and if Chloe said his name, a whole different game would be unfolded.

“Does it matter?” Chloe cringed, her nightmare of revealing the deal was coming to pass. Lex would tell Clark, Clark would tell Jonathan, and she’d be practically ostracized from the Kent family. Lex sipped his drink, waiting for Chloe to respond.

“Clark.” She whispered, finally.

“WHAT??? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Does Clark know? Did you? HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO TRUST YOU?”

“ I. . .I didn’t, Lex, not at first. But. . .Lionel Luthor can be very. . .persistent, and he. . .he threatened me, threatened to fire my Dad, so I. . .so I started feeding him information, all useless, nothing incriminating. Nothing to do with his secret, I would never do that. Clark is my friend, and I told him that.”

“Are you still working for my father, Chloe?” Lex sighed as he sat back down in his chair, rubbing his temples. What in the hell was he supposed to do now? Clark and Jonathan would definitely need to know this, but where would that leave Chloe?

“No, I. . .I’ve been trying to get out of that deal ever since I made it. So I. . .I figured that in order to get out of my agreement with him that I had to find something on your father. You know, something damaging enough so that I could blackmail Lionel Luthor.” Lex raised an eyebrow and smirked at Chloe.

“First of all, Clark and Jonathan are going to hear this from your lips as soon as we’re done here, and secondly, that was a very dangerous decision. I. . .I would say I’m proud of you, but you shouldn’t have been in that situation to begin with! What made you go to my father, of all people?”

“I know, Lex, and believe me, I don’t know what possessed me to do that. I guess. . .I guess that when I saw Clark and Lana . . . together in his barn, I . . . I snapped. That was right after we had a talk about secrets, and being honest, and he hadn’t told me, so I . . . I wanted to hurt him like he’d hurt me.” Lex leaned forward in his seat.

“I'll protect you, Chloe. You have my word. On two conditions, number one, you tell Clark and Jonathan yourself, and number two, I need to know what you found out about my father.”

“Have you ever heard of a man named Morgan Edge?” Chloe slid a file across the coffee table to Lex.

“Before he was killed, he was the biggest crime lord in Metropolis.” Lex opened the file and saw a newspaper article with a picture of Morgan Edge. The headline said “Morgan Edge - Metropolis Crime Lord Missing, Believed Dead.”

“What have you found out, Chloe?”

“Your father used to run with a pretty tough crowd in Metropolis, Lex. Including Morgan Edge. In fact, Morgan was Lionel’s closest childhood friend.” Lex again thought over the facts, and came to a startling conclusion. One he kept to himself, for now.

“OK, Chloe, thank you. Now, we’re going to take a nice drive out to the Kent Farm, and you’re going to confess your deal to them.” Lex got up and headed for the doors, and Chloe meekly followed.

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“Jonathan! We’ve got a slight problem.” Lex called out, as he walked into the barn. Chloe, he noticed, was hanging back, clearly afraid of what Clark and Jonathan might do.

“Hey, Lex, how’re you? What's the problem?” Jonathan walked into the barn from behind them, startling Chloe.

“Well, actually, Mr. Kent, uhm, I have the problem. Clark needs to be here, though.”

“CLARK! We need you in the barn!” Jonathan yelled. A second later, Clark came whoosing out of the house, and stopped as he entered the barn.

“What's up, Chloe, Lex?”

“Um, I . . . Clark, I didn’t mean to, but. . .”

“Whoa, Chloe, it’s OK, just tell me what you did. Did you let my secret slip?”

“No, Clark, I . . . it’s worse. Oh, it’s so much worse. I’m so sorry, I’ll understand if you never want to speak to me again.” Clark, clearly puzzled, turned to Lex, and raised an eyebrow.

“It’s her news to tell. I’m not bailing her out.”

“Remember when you and Lana were making out last spring? Just before you took off for Metropolis?” Clark closed his eyes and looked away, guilt and shame written all over his face. He nodded silently.

“You aren’t the only one who regrets what happened back then, Clark, believe me.”

“What did you do?” Jonathan asked, staring intently at her.

“I. . .I went to Lionel Luthor. He. . .he wanted me to research Clark, his background, his family history, everything. Lionel said Clark was. . .special, somehow.”

“You said no, right?” Jonathan’s eyes went wide as he thought of all the ramifications of letting Chloe in on the secret.

“No. I said yes.” It was as if the barn itself came crashing down around them, as Jonathan drew in a breath, and Clark just stood, rooted to the spot, sure his life was over.

“I didn’t tell him anything! I swear. And I wouldn’t! Ever. Clark, you’re my best friend, you have to believe me. I’ve been trying to get out of it ever since. You told me yourself, Clark, that everybody has their weak moments, you were at yours in Metropolis, under the red kryptonite, and I was at mine when Lionel approached me. We both regret it, and I’m trying to get out of my deal. I promise. I would never betray your trust.”

“You already have! I feel like I don’t even know you anymore!” Clark spun on her quickly.

“You didn’t know what you were doing, I grant you that, but you still do NOT betray your so called best friend to someone like LIONEL LUTHOR!” Jonathan yelled, standing still, restraining himself from throwing her off the farm forever.

“Chloe, it's. . .it’s not enough that you didn’t tell him anything. By accepting the deal, you let Lionel sink his claws into you, and he’s going to scratch and claw you until theres nothing left. That’s just the way he works.” Clark said, looking Chloe in the eye. Lex raised an eyebrow, Clark was smarter then he let on, if he knew how people like his father operated.

“So what do we do now, Dad?”

“I don’t know, Clark. This is what happens when you let people like the Luthors into your family.” Jonathan said, not paying attention to who was in the barn. He quickly remembered, though, and glanced at Lex, and saw a flicker of pain on his face, before it disappeared.

“Lex. . .I, I didn’t mean you. You’re different. I’m sorry, son. It just, it slipped out.”

“No, you’re right, Jonathan. People like my father can't be trusted. I’ve always tried to distance myself from the Luthor name, so, you know, it. . .it didn’t hurt. You were just speaking your mind. Forget about it.”

“You still haven’t answered Clark’s question, Mr. Kent, what are you going to do?” Chloe asked, sighing as she spoke. This was all her fault.

“Chloe, I just, I think it’d be best if you left for the rest of today. You can call your Dad to come pick you up, or something.” Jonathan said, turning to Lex and Clark.

“I think I should leave, as well. My father has been asking too many questions about why I hang around here, as it is. Besides, I’m Chloe’s ride, so I should get her home. Jonathan, Clark, why don’t you come by the mansion later so we can. . .discuss this at greater length?” Lex walked out of the barn, Chloe followed, again, meekly.

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“OK, Lex, so what’s the game plan?” Jonathan asked, sitting down by the fireplace. They’d been at the mansion for an hour, just shooting the breeze, but now, they got down to business.

“Dad’s always been fascinated by Clark, ever since the adoption. Ever since your two paths crossed for the first time. I did some checking, and Metropolis United Charities only handled two adoptions, Clark’s, and Lucas’. I don’t know what you gave him back, Jonathan, but it had to be something. That’s not the point, though. Ever since then, Dad’s kept up with you, Clark. All the saves, the lack of any revelant medical history, it's all in his files. Last year, for some reason, probably your fascination with the Kawatche Caves, he got more intrigued, and decided to try and hire someone to spy on you. Who better then a high school journalist with a penchant for the truth, at any cost? So he did. It’s not really Chloe’s fault, as she said, Dad took advantage of a moment of weakness. You, more so then anybody, can understand that.”

“The question remains, Lex, what are we going to do?” Clark asked.

“I don’t think there is anything you can do. You have a savior’s complex, Clark, and I’ve tried warning you that it’ll get you in trouble sooner or later. And now, it has, to an extent. I suggest you keep up appearances, and keep doing whatever it is you normally do. I’ll try and find out how much Dad knows. Chloe isn't going to be giving him any information, because she’s trying to get out of the deal, so she clearly realized her mistake, almost as soon as she made the deal. We know, now, the ramifications of keeping this secret, and we know what's at stake. So don’t worry, I doubt Dad will be able to buy anyone else off.”

“I don’t like just sitting around waiting for men in black to come take my son away.”

“That isn't going to happen, Jonathan. I promise you that, I’ll warn you before anything like that could happen.”

“I think Lex is right, Dad. Don’t let Lionel know we’re on to his game, just go about life as normal, and if something happens, we’ll deal with it. We should almost be thanking Chloe for letting us know how far Lionel is in his pursuit of me.”

“I still don’t like it, but I don’t see what else we can do. Thank you, Lex. Please keep us informed of anything you find. You hanging around, Clark?”

“No, I think I should come home. Lex, I’ll see you later. Lets go, Dad.”

“Bye, Jonathan, Clark.

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Lex roared onto the Kent farm, just in time to see someone get off the back of a truck, and waddle/walk over to where Jonathan and Clark were standing. He quickly ran out of his car to see what the problem was.

“I didn't off-road my car for laughs, Mr. Kent. I swerved to miss your son. Look, I'll make this easy on you. I need a local who knows the territory to ferry me around. You loan me Clark for a couple days, we'll call it even.”

“What seems to be the problem here?” Lex smiled as he walked up to the group.

“Lex Luthor? What the hell are you doing here?”

“Perry? I should be asking you that. Why are you in Smallville? Come to grill me on my father some more? Perhaps some noble fact-finding mission?”

“Whoa, wait a second, you two obviously know each other, but from where?” Jonathan looked back and forth between Lex and Perry.

“Metropolis. I was 16, and Mr. White here came to me looking for information on my father. Barged right into Excelsior Prep and started questioning me. It look an hour until school security managed to escort him away.”

“You were a legit source, Lex.”

“I was only 16, and all you wanted was dirt on my father. For what, I still don’t know.”

“Seems your father is still keeping secrets, Lex. Some that he can't even share with his son.”

“Look around Smallville all you want, but I better not hear stories of you strong-arming any of my friends, or you’re going to find yourself on a one way bus to hell. Do I make myself clear?” Lex strode right into Perry’s face, glaring down at him.

“Don’t worry, Alex, I won't bother with my old habits.”

“See that you don’t.” Lex turned on his heel and walked away. A second later, all that remained was a cloud of dust.

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Lex was quietly resting his head on his desk, just trying to keep up with all of the past few days events. Clark had revealed his secret to him, albeit, under strange circumstances. Red kryptonite induced criminal behavior had forced Lex to take drastic measures to bring Clark home. Then, with his prodding, Clark had told the girls, and together, they’d defeated a powerful mutant. To top it off, Chloe revealed her own secret, a devil deal with his father, who was bent on figuring out the very secret he was now a part of. Oh, what Lionel wouldn’t give to know that morsel of information. The sound of a throat clearing caused him to wearily lift his head up and look at whoever interrupted his little midday nap.

“Lana. What can I do for you?”

“Lex... I'm sorry. I'm interrupting.”

“No, no. It's quite all right. The past few days have been a bit. . .strange. I was just trying to come to grips with all of it.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I. . .I freaked out so badly on Clark. I wouldn’t blame him if he hates me.”

“I wouldn’t call it hate, exactly. He’s not. . .enamored by you anymore, that’s a given. But hate? Clark? Not possible. If you flat out asked him, he probably doesn’t even hate my father. But you didn’t come all this way to talk about Clark, did you?”

“No, um, this tabloid television reporter came by the Talon today, and he wanted to do an interview with me about the meteor shower.”

“A succinct "no comment" didn't dissuade him?”

“Not really. He said he was gonna come back tomorrow, this time with a camera crew.”

“And you don't want that.”

“I've spent the last 14 years trying to put that day behind me, and in an instant he brought it all back. I know it's a lot to ask, but I was hoping that you might be able to do something.” Lex took a look at Lana, and then turned away, taking a seat next to the fireplace.

“I'm surprised you didn't go to Clark with this.”

“Clark's with him.”

“It’s Perry White? Lana, he’s very. . .persuasive, trust me. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you anymore.” Lana gave him a small smile, and she exhaled.

“Don’t worry, Lana, Mr. White is going to be long gone by tomorrow.”

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“Well, where do you think he went? I think it's time Mr. White left Smallville, for good. Strong-arming Clark, bringing up old traumas for Lana, probably hassling Chloe, the man is nothing but a nuisance!”

“Clark said Perry was totally drunk when he rescued Perry from his car. I’m guessing he’s at a bar? The Wild Coyote, maybe?”

“Thanks, Martha, Jonathan. I’ll take care of this.”

“Lex. . .no threats.”

“Who me? I’ll just escort him to our friendly local bus stop.” Lex grinned and headed for his car. He gunned off the farm, and sped off to the Coyote.

“I don't get you, kid. I strong-armed your parents, picked on your girlfriend, and ticked off your lady editor. And still, here you are trying to play the hero.” Lex heard, as he walked into the bar.

“Sometimes Clark's faith in his fellow man outweighs his common sense.”

“Lex?”

“It's all right, Clark. I'll deal with Mr. White from here.”

“I may have underestimated you, kid. I thought Lex was talking with your father at the farm, and it turns out you’re friends? That’s impressive.”

“Clark doesn't have anything to do with this.”

“Look, Lex, if this is your old man's idea, tell him I got the message back in Metropolis. I have no intention of revisiting the past.”

“This isn't about my father, White, it's about you. It's about you going after my friends when I specifically gave you a warning not to. It's about what happens to people when they don’t heed my warnings.”

“Lex, don't you think you're overreacting?”

“Considering the way he went after Lana, I thought you'd admire my restraint. Let's go.”

“Thanks for the ride, kid.” Perry and Lex left the bar, leaving Clark confused as to what just happened. Lex and Perry drive down the road. Day. Lex pulls over at the bus stop, and they both get out of the car.

“You know, this "get out of dodge" routine is pretty heavy-handed, even for a Luthor.”

“So is ambushing a teenage girl for a sound bite. Of course, using people always came easy to you.”

“You know, our one and only encounter was years ago. I don’t see why you’re still harboring a grudge against me.”

“Even in boarding school, I was good at sniffing out reporters, but you played the "just a friendly conversation" card remarkably well. As I recall it was a full 10 minutes before I told you to go to hell.”

“I was just doing my job, and you were a legitimate source. Lionel Luthor’s only son, and I had to follow up, mark of a good reporter.”

“I was 16 and you were scrounging for dirt on my father.”

“That's what this is really about, isn't it? Your father's secrets. Come on, Lex, aren’t you in the least bit interested in what I had on him?”

“If you really had anything on him, it would have come out then. Personally, I think you’re bluffing, just to get cash out of me, or my father.”

“If you actually believe that, I almost feel sorry for you. Lex, crossing the path of Lionel Luthor doesn’t exactly lend itself to furthering ones career. He pulled so many strings, and so fast, it made my head spin. He ruined my career, so I’m stuck on the “Bigfoot Beat” as Ms. Sullivan put it.”

“You know, Perry, self-pity is probably the worst emotion man can have. If it's as big as you’re making it sound, surely the government could protect you. Anyway, none of that is my concern. What is, however, is getting you out of town. Just make sure you're on the four o'clock bus.” Lex grabbed Perry's bag from the car and tossed it onto the ground. Then he got into the car and sped away, leaving Perry alone on the side of the road.

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“Well, Perry White is no longer going to be a problem.” Lex announced, walking up Clark and Jonathan.

“What did you do?” Jonathan asked, as Clark grunted and tried to lift the tractor.

“I um. . .Clark? What’s wrong?” Lex asked, distracted. Clark shouldn’t be having any problems lifting a tractor, anymore then he would have lifting a piece of paper.

“I don’t know, Lex.” Clark looked at his Dad.

“I. . .OK, you’re going to hate me for this. I did. . .some thinking and then some research. I, um, first of all, you know there’s a massive explosion on the sun, right?”

“Yeah, Lex, I was watching the news on it this morning. A comet hit the sun, causing the worst solar flares in like, a couple centuries.”

“Not only that, Clark. Communications glitches are occuring all over Earth, satellite transmissions are being lost. Cell phones aren’t working, a lot of very high-tech equipment is getting short circuited rather quickly, much to everyone’s dismay.” Jonathan looked at Lex.

“Get on with it, Lex. I don’t see where you’re going with this.” Lex looked around quickly, before turning to Clark.

“Your powers come from the sun, Clark. That’s why you can run so fast, why you can lift mostly anything. And. . .think about it. Anything weird happen today?”

“Like ending up in Utah?” Jonathan smirked.

“Utah?”

“My superspeed malfunctioned.” Clark said, turning back to the tractor. He flexed, grabbed the metal casing, and tugged. The tractor shot into the air, disappearing from sight a few seconds later.

“Uhh. . .Clark?” Lex, for once, didn’t have anything to say.

“That’s a goner!” Clark shouted, in his best Vin Skully imitation.

“That is not funny, son.”

“Maybe you should. . .you know, go, um, check where it landed?” Lex stammered, still staring into the sky.

“Uh. . .sure. OK.” Clark supersped out.

“Lex. LEX! We need to get out there as well. Just in case anyone is out there, we’ll need to do damage control.” Jonathan tugged on Lex’s arm, and Lex came around, running to his Porsche. Jonathan slid across the roof and slid in through the passenger side window.

“Someone’s been hitting the Dukes of Hazzard DVD sets a bit too hard.” Lex shifted into reverse and backed quickly across the farm. Once he hit the driveway, he shifted into drive and shot out.

“Bo Duke is my hero.”

“I bet.” Lex turned right, and came across a scene he’d much rather have not. Clark was standing on County Highway 54, staring at Perry White, who was staring at the tractor.

“I bet Clark didn’t think of slowly down and jogging, just in case.” Lex whispered, getting out. Jonathan slid out the window, spun on the window frame, and walked over to Clark.

“Uh, son, did you catch the thieves?”

“Mr. Kent, are you telling me the tractor was being stolen? That’s how it ended up scattered over two miles of Highway 54?” Sheriff Adams asked, staring right at Clark.

“Yeah.”

“It fell from the sky!” Perry said.

“And last night you were begging the nurses to keep the pink elephants out of your room.”

“Jonathan, I’ll replace this tractor, don’t worry about going through the insurance company.” Lex said, walking over to them.

“Clark, why don’t we get on home, son. We’ve got some. . .work to do. Lex, thank you for all your help today.” Jonathan led Clark across the road, walking towards the farm.

“It’s a long walk, what are you to do, run?” Perry asked.

“A little walk never hurt anyone.” Jonathan shot back.

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“Mr. Kent, I think we’ve got a problem.” Chloe said as she walked up the barn steps. Pete was right behind her.

“And I know why your powers have been. . .going whack.” Pete announced.

“All right. Chloe, yours first.” Jonathan answered.

“Perry White’s not backing down. And now he’s interested in Clark.”

“Why me? Why couldn’t it have been a meteor freak?”

“I don’t know, Clark. Maybe because you walked through a bunch of high-voltage lines, ripped off Perry’s door and frisbeed it, and then supersped him across the road.” Jonathan answered.

“Anyway, I tried to throw him off the scent, but he’s living up to his nickname. And I know the last thing we need is Perry the Pit Bull getting an interest in Clark.”

“What are we going to do?” Clark asked.

“Nothing. Go about life as normal. As long as you don’t use your powers for the next little while, everything should die down. Pete?”

“The solar flare’s are responsible for Clark’s going whacky.”

“Lex proposed that theory, but isn't that a bit. . .far-fetched?”

“Not when you think it through. I’m sure Baldy did, but just to reiterate. Communication glitches, overloaded circuit boards, sound familiar?”

“Well, um, yeah, actually. I did kind of go. . .overboard in the speed department.”

“Whoa, wait a second. YOU caused the tractor shower? Oh, that’s hilarious, Clark!” Chloe started laughing. Clark glared at her.

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A/N: I've added a boatload of early pre-Smallville Lex scenes, and they were FUN to do. As were the AU S3 scenes. As always, thanks for reading :)
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clarkfan
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Great update..........more please
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Lor1513
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Gotta Love That Good Old Smallville Feeling <3
great update :clap: :clap:
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SamwiseAtHeart
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Bo Kent Fan
Awesome update, I can't wait for the next part :D
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Tejesh
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First things first. *cries at SamwiseAtHeart's banner in the siggy* I was so crying during that scene in Vengenance. OK, onto the show.
Integro, Part V
*************

“So, you wanted a bit more face time with your celebrity patient.” Lex yelled, walking into his office.

“No, Lex, I’m only doing my duty and reporting facts.” Claire Foster replied, turning to face him.

“My mental health has never been better! We’ve spent five sessions going over it!”

“Not exactly. We spent five sessions discussing your art collection, your interior decorating, anything but what we needed to discuss.”

“We’ve been over this, Doctor.”

“We haven't even scratched the surface. This control freak thing might fool your father, but did you really think you could snow me? Lex, please. . .if you don’t let your demons out, they will consume you.”

“Get out, Doctor!”

“But Lex. . .”

“GET OUT! NOW!”

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Lex locked his Porsche and strode down Main Street, trying to get Claire Foster and Lionel Luthor out of his head. For all he knew, they were working together to make sure he was turned into another mindless minion of his father’s. He heard Perry’s voice coming from the Talon, so he walked inside, and saw Lana and Perry leaving together.

“Ms. Lang, I thought you wanted no part of Perry White.”

“I don’t. That’s why I’m taking him to the bus stop.”

“Be careful, Lana. Perry’s as good as my father is at playing people.” Lex walked deeper into the Talon, and ordered a vanilla latte with double expresso. He took his cup and headed back to his car. He knew he wouldn’t really be able to put Lionel behind him, so he roared off towards Luthorcorp, to go have a chat with the b******. Once he arrived, he stormed into Lionel’s office.

“Hello, son. What brings you to Metropolis? Your farmer friends get tired of association with a Luthor?”

“No, Dad. I have something to talk to you about.” Lex steeled his eyes and looked at Lionel, as he finally swivelled his chair and looked at Lex, with his own steely gaze.

“Well, Lex? Time is money, and you’re wasting a lot of both.”

“I know you’re controlling Claire Foster. She refuses to sign off on my medical release. It doesn’t take a genius to know why.” Lionel got up and walked around his desk. He put his arms on Lex’s shoulders.

“Son, I have nothing to do with that. These. . .conspiracy theories, Lex, they're going to get you into trouble, son. I’m not the cause of any troubles you may be having, and I’m sincerely trying to help you overcome any. This idea that I’m responsible, Lex. It’s delusional, son. I just want to help you.” Lex batted his father’s arms down.

“NO! All you want to do is destroy what I’ve accomplished in Smallville! What's the matter, Dad? Upset because I’m not out clubbing all night, raising hell and womanizing? I’m not living up to the Luthor name, is that it?”

“No, Lex, no. I only want what's best for you. You’ve got to trust Claire Foster, I haven’t influenced her judgement in any way. Lex, please.”

“Why should I trust you?” Lex turned and walked out of the office.

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Lex zoomed back to Smallville, and parked at the Talon, walking inside, then stopped, seeing Chloe, Clark, Perry, and some woman along with her son sitting together.

“Clark? Is Perry still giving you trouble?” Lex walked over and happened to glance at Clark’s hands. They were raw and had blood on them. Lex’s own blood went cold as he glanced into Clark’s face.

“Clark, can I see you for a second, please?”

“Um, OK. Excuse me, Mrs. Olsen.”

“Mommy, why is his head bald?”

“Jimmy Olsen! You do not ask that type of question!” Sarah was mortified.

“No, it’s quite all right. I had an. . .accident when I was younger. But it’s OK, Jimmy. I think I look pretty cool.” Lex smiled at the young boy, before turning and walking with Clark. Clark made some frustrated hand gestures.

“I’m sorry, Lex.”

“Sorry for wh. . .Clark, if you’re apologizing for what I think you are, just stop now! You didn’t have anything to do with it, it's not your fault, and you have to stop looking at your arrival here as a curse. It was a blessing. Without you, a lot of us wouldn’t be around today.”

“Still, Lex. . .it’s partially my fault.” Lex sighed in frustration. Maybe a kryptonite beating would help?

“Get. It. Through. Your. Thick. Head. You. Are. Not. Responsible. For. Anything. That. Happened. During. The. Meteor. Shower.”

“OK, what did you want to see me about?”

“How can your hands be bleeding?”

“My um. . .” Clark leaned in close to Lex.

“My powers gave out again. It’s a long story, but my hands got cut.”

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. It’s just a cut.”

“It's just a cut for me. For you, I don’t know what it is. Go wash your hands, Clark. Don’t let anyone get a chance at getting a hold of your blood.” Lex pushed Clark towards the bathroom.

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“So, anyway. Jimmy was sitting there, in his birthday suit, covered in whipped cream, with strawberries. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he wanted to be a human banana split. Where he gets it, I’ll never understand.” Sarah Olsen grinned, staring at Jimmy as he hid his face.

“Mine is better.” Gabe Sullivan smiled, walking forward from where he was standing, silently observing the group. He winked as he towards Chloe.

“Oh no, Dad. Don’t you dare. I’ll hurt you before I let you do anything like that!”

“I’ll hold her back, Mr. Sullivan.” Clark grinned as he pulled his girlfriend into his lap. Lex raised a questioning look to Clark, which he replied to with a smile.

“Anyway. Chloe was about. . .three, I’d say. And she must've seen me tinkering around underneath the hood of my car, because when I left, she padded outside. She’s always had this insatiable curiousity, it’s like. . .she was born to learn the truth. So she climbs up onto my workbench, and starts fiddling around under the hood. I go out there maybe 10 minutes later, and I find her, holding a wrench, wearing her orange overalls, covered in oil and grease.” Gabe smirked as Chloe turned into Clark’s chest.

“Well, I’m not sure I have one rivalling Gabe’s, but I’m sure we could come up with something.” Jonathan said, leading Martha into the Talon.

“This is a regular parents night out.” Lex smirked, nodding in greeting at the Kents.

“And who do we have here?” Jonathan smiled at Jimmy.

“Jimmy Olsen!”

“And I’m his mother, the one responsible for embarassing Chloe, and now apparently, your son. My names Sarah Olsen.” She smiled.

“Don’t worry, Clark embarasses himself enough. Now it’s our turn.” Martha smirked back.

“We’d bought Clark a little. . .um, car.” Jonathan started.

“It was a 1969 Dodge Charger, Jonathan! He wanted to give Clark an appreciation of his favorite TV show.”

“You bought Clark a ride in version of the General Lee?” Lex asked, staring in shock at Jonathan.

“Wait, what’s a General Lee?” Chloe asked. Lex groaned as he imagined a long explanation from Jonathan forthcoming. He wasn’t disappointed.

“The General Lee, Chloe, is the single most coveted car in TV lore. There were these two cousins in Hazzard County, the Dukes, hence the name of the TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard. And they drove a signature 1969 Dodge Charger with an 01 painted on the doors, which didn’t work, and a Confederate flag on the top.” Chloe returned his expectant look with a blank one. Jonathan shrugged and continued.

“Anyway, Clark had this car. He was about. . .5 or 6, and he. . .I’d, of course, shown him the show, old tapes I had. And one day I walk out of the house, and see Clark slide across the roof of his car, into the driver’s seat, yell YEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWW, and the poor car fell apart. All four tires suddenly fell off the car, and there Clark is, sitting in the General, with the cutest “oh no” look on his face. It took him weeks to get over the loss of the General.” Lex just fell out laughing at that point, having sat through two amusing stories already, this one was just over the top. Chloe was giggling on Clark’s lap, and Clark was just shooting everyone a look that said revenge wasn’t far behind. Lex gave one final laugh before clearing his throat.

“Well, guys, this has been um, really enlightening, but I need to get back to the mansion.” Lex got up, smiling at everyone before he left. He certainly had a deeper appreciation and understanding of his friends, perhaps more of one then he wanted, but it was fun. And he needed that every now and then.

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A week had passed, and surprisingly, no meteor freaks had cropped up, no visits from his father, Claire Foster had disappeared, and everything was about as close to normal as it could ever get in Smallville. He smiled as he stepped onto the Kent Farm. The replacement fence was coming along just fine, with everyone working together, the fence was almost completed.

“JONATHAN!!!! COME QUICK!” Martha yelled from the house. Lex turned and ran towards the house, meeting Jonathan coming out of the barn. Pete and Chloe were hot on their heels.

“What, Martha?” Jonathan huffed, leaning on the doorframe. Martha thrust the phone into Jonathan’s hands. Lex leaned as close as he could.

“Mr. Kent, it’s Clark. He. . .he’s blind!” Lana’s voice could be heard. Lex turned and had a wondering look as he regarded Chloe and Pete.

“Well, Lex?” Pete asked.

“Yeah, what’s going on?”

“Clark um, that is. . .he’s um, blind. Don’t ask me how, or why, but he is.” Lex looked at Jonathan as he hung up.

“I can get us there in 10 seconds.”

“I, um, Lex, I appreciate that, but um, Lana’s bringing him home. She didn’t want to go into too many details, but um, I gather Clark tried to be the hero again, but something went wrong.”

“I have a. . .discreet doctor I could call.”

“NO! Under no circumstances do I want anyone examining Clark.” Jonathan yelled.

“Thank you, Lex, but you. . .you understand what is at stake.” Martha tried smoothing over Jonathan’s outburst.

“Of course. I was just offering. We can't do much until they get here.”

“Here they are. With Lana doing a good impression of you, Lex.” Pete said, as he charged outside. Lana skidded to a stop, got out and ran around to the passenger side.

“Step out slowly, Clark. Pete and I will get you into the house.”

“P. . .Pete? He’s here?”

“Yeah, buddy. We all are. Chloe, Lex, and your parents.” Pete took one of Clark’s arms, and Lana took the other. Lex opened the door for them, and they led Clark into the living room, and he sat down.

“What happened, son?” Clark reached out, trying to feel where he was. Anyone could see he was scared.

“You’re in the living room, Clark. Sitting on the couch directly in front of the island when you stand up in the kitchen facing in here. To your left is Chloe, and I'm to your right.” Lex said, dropping a hand onto Clark’s leg, reassuring him.

“I was. . .I was trying to stop this guy, he. . .he was emitting this high pitched squeal, I think he’s another mutant. Anyway, I. . .another guy ran in with a gun, I shot heat vision at the gun, but. . .it hit some green kryptonite jewelry, and bounced back into my eyes. That’s when. . .I couldn’t see.”

“Son, what. . .how. . .”

“I don’t think it’s permanent.” Lex announced after a few moments of thinking.

“Neither do I.” Clark said.

“How can you two say that? Clark is BLIND. His powers have hurt him. You don’t know anymore then I do what's going to happen next.” Jonathan was furious.

“It's the same thing as kryptonite exposure, so we have to assume that his eyes will get better, the same as he usually does.”

“Lex, that’s a flawed way of thinking, because Clark doesn’t respond the way you think he will.”

“Perhaps. I don’t know what we can do, our hands are tied.”

“Lets um, give this the night, and see where we stand tomorrow. Maybe it's only temporary.” Martha said, smiling.

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“Lex, I see you are refusing further conseuling sessions with Claire Foster. Why must you insist on playing games, son?”

“Because games are all I’m good at, Dad.” Lex smirked up as he swivelled around.

“How can you expect to get better if you don’t admit you have a problem?” Lionel looked intensely into Lex’s eyes, sitting down across from him.

“Simple, Dad. There is nothing wrong with me. So therefore, no problem, no cure needed.” Lex’s phone rang, and he smirked as he answered it, knowing it would tick off Lionel.

“Hey, Lex, it’s Pete. Listen, I need you to come pick Clark up at the school.” Pete’s voice came through the line.

“Pete? Um, yeah, sure. I have to wrap up a business meeting, but I can be there in 5 minutes. Meet me outside the front door.” Lex clicked off the phone.

“I have to go, Dad. Something urgent just came up.”

“Something um, involving Clark Kent? Perhaps regarding his blindness?”

“Clark’s blind? I didn’t know that. Pete just invited me to the high school. We’re working on our. . .rocky relationship, another thing I can thank you for. You sold out half the town, Dad. And you have me stuck here spinning and running PR.”

“The mark of a true champion of the people is turning disaster into prosperity, Lex. Half of Italy despised the Caesar’s rule, but Julius turned all of the public sentiment around.”

“Right before he was killed, as I recall. By his best friend. Not exactly a fairy tale ending, Dad. Sounds familiar.” Lex walked out of the room.

“LEX! Not every story has a happy ending, son. Sometimes, through despair, a true hero is born.”

“I hope so.” Lex whispered to himself.

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“Here, Clark, let me help.” Lex pushed Clark’s head down, and Clark ambled into the car, with Pete following. Lex headed back to the driver’s seat, and took off.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know, Lex. All of a sudden, I could hear everything, it was like someone put giant amplifiers in my ears. It was so loud.”

“Amplified hearing? When a human body loses a sense, other senses step up and compensate. Perhaps the. . .the same thing is happening to you. It certainly would make sense.”

“Clark needs a friend, not a scientist, Lex.”

“No, no, it’s all right Pete. I need to know why this is happening, so I can control it.”

“Well, here we are. If you could help Clark out of the car, I’ll go tell Jonathan what's going on.” Lex got out of the car and ran up the steps and into the kitchen. He stopped short when he saw his father standing and talking to Jonathan and Martha.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” Lex asked, signalling behind his back for Pete to take Clark someplace else.

“Since you were apparently kept in the dark about young Clark’s blindness, I was offering any assistance the Kents might need.”

“I’m sure you were, Dad. I’m sure you have noble aspirations, but Mr. And Mrs. Kent have refused my aid on numerous occasions, and I’m a friend of the family. I hardly think they’ll take you up on any offer you might have.”

“As you said, Lex, I sent you here to see how tough you were in the face of adversity. Olive brances, I believe you called them. I’m just offering one to the Kents.”

“Thank you, but I believe our family can perservere through any difficulties without any assistance from the Luthors. I’ll thank you to keep away from my family.”

“That’s a. . .shame, Jonathan. I recall that we had. . .mutually profitable business dealings in the past. I had hoped to. . .rekindle that relationship. If you change your mind, I’m sure you know where to contact me. Good day.” Lionel spun on his heel and walked stiffly to his limo. It pulled out and soon disappeared from sight. Lex let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Lex, son. I. . .I didn’t mean anything by the comment. . .”

“I know you didn’t. I am fully confident you have full confidence in me. What was he doing here?” Lex turned and looked out the window.

“Exactly what he said he was. Offering assistance.” Martha said.

“Speaking of, we need some.” Lex said. He walked outside and headed for the barn.

“Lex!” Pete called from the tool shed, leading Clark out.

“Pete? What did you go in there for?”

“Everyone knows Clark feels most at home in the barn, so I didn’t want any chance of your Dad finding him.”

“Good thinking, Pete. We better go inside now.”

“I can't. I need to get back to school.” Lex tossed Pete the keys to the Porsche.

“Make sure you take good car of it.”

“I can't take this, Lex.”

“Sure you can, unless you want to walk to the high school.” Lex turned and walked into the house. A few seconds later, the sound of the powerful engine revving up could be heard, and the Porsche sped off.

“Clark filled us in on what happened. And what you think is happening.”

“I see.”

“I happen to agree with you. What are we going to do?”

“I’m still here.” Clark said, smiling slightly.

“We know honey, but. . .what do you want to do, Clark?”

“Go on with life as normal.”

“Have you had another burst of the . . . amplified hearing, son?”

“Not since school.”

“That’s a good sign.” Lex thought aloud.

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“Clark?” Lex asked, looking at his friend. They’d relocated to the barn, and a little while later, Judge Abby Ross, Pete’s Mom, had shown up.

“Shhhh. . .” Clark said, tilting his head towards the house.

“Pete’s been kidnapped, and I’m sitting here blinder then a bat! I have to do something.” Clark said, getting up and immediately tripping over his foot locker.

“Now, let that be a lesson to you, Clark. You might be damn well invunerable, but when you can't see, you CAN'T SEE!” Lex said, helping Clark up.

“I need to do something, Lex.”

“Well, since your body has given you superior hearing, why don’t you try controlling it?”

“All right, Lex. How do you suppose I do that, when I don’t know what sets it off in the first place?”

“Concentration. I’ll start up a bunch of machines in here, and then you can try picking one out.”

“OK. Take me downstairs.” Lex led Clark down the steps, and told him to stand still while he went and turning on the equipment. A few moments later, Jonathan walked into the barn, holding his ears.

“What is going on in here? LEX? CLARK??”

“We’re trying to control my hearing!”

“WHAT?” Lex and Jonathan shut down all the machines, and Clark repeated himself.

“Is it true, Jonathan? Has Pete been kidnapped?”

“Yeah, how did you know. . .you heard, Clark?”

“Yeah, Dad. I need to do something.”

“OK, well, lets crank everything back up. Lex, if you would, please.” Jonathan waited, and then he started to whisper. After a few minutes, Clark smiled as he heard his father. Jonathan signalled Lex to shut it all down again.

“I’m going to take Clark into town, Lex, see if we can't find anymore clues about the initial robbery. Do you want to come with us?”

“No, I want to go check up on my father’s sudden new found infatuation with your family. See how dangerous it is. But I’d appreciate a ride to the mansion.”

“Anytime, Lex.”
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“So, Dad, why exactly are you interested in the Kents? And why this sudden infatuation?” Lex burst into Lionel’s office.

“Hello, Lex. How are you feeling, son?”

“Stop avoiding the question.”

“Your friends intrigue me, Lex. Especially Clark Kent. He seems to be present at many of Smallville’s most dangerous scenes, and emerges without any semblance of injury. Your eyes may be closed to him, but mine are not. Clark Kent is different, and I fully intend to find out why.”

“Dad, trust me, you’re barking up the wrong tree with Clark. I had him fully and throughly investigated for the better part of two and a half years. He is hiding no skeletons, of that, I’m certain. He’s just got a savior’s complex that will end up getting him killed one day.”

“I’m sure you investigated your best friend quite throughly, Lex. Allow me the same luxury.”

“You’re wasting your time, and your money, Dad. Clark Kent is nothing special. There is nothing to be gained by looking into his family.” Lex turned and walked out of the office.

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“Clark? What the hell happened? The last time I saw you, you were blind, and without Pete.” Lex walked into the barn and stared at the group of friends.

“It’s a long story, Lex. Where have you been?”

“Checking up on my father’s activities. He apparently thinks you’re special.”

“I wonder why.” Pete glared at Chloe and Lex.

“That’s not fair, especially after Lex helped me save you.”

“Anyway, my father will do anything to get closer to you guys, especially you, Chloe, since technically, you still work for him.”

“Not for much longer. I’m not giving him anything on Clark.”

“Good!” Pete exclaimed.

“I need to go talk to your parents, Clark, are they in the house?”

“Yeah.”

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“So that’s what Dad said. Now what the hell are we going to do about it?” Lex finished his tale and sat down.

“Try and stay one step ahead of him. Which should be easier with you on our side.” Jonathan answered.

“Not so easy, Mr. Kent. My father doesn’t usually trust me, and rigth now, especially.”

“Well, Lex, all you can do is try.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Kent.” Lex smiled at them and then left.

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“Mr. Kent? I have some new information on my fat. . .JONATHAN!!!” Lex yelled, running to the man as he lay on the ground, gasping for breath. Lex flipped him over and checked for a pulse. It was there, but weak.

“Hang on, Jonathan. CLARK!! CLARK!! I NEED YOU IN THE BARN!” Lex yelled, running to the doors. Clark supersped in a second later.

“What's wrong, Lex? DAD? What happened, Lex?” Clark ran to his father and picked him up.

“I walked in and found him, Clark.”

“I’m taking him to the hospital.” Clark supersped out, faster then Lex had seen him ever before. Lex took a moment to compose himself, then ran into the house.

“Martha?” Lex yelled, running from room to room.

“Yes, Lex?” she came up from the basement.

“Jonathan’s suffered a heart attack, Clark just sped him to the hospital. Lets go.” Lex delievered his news straightforward, and then ran out to the Porsche. Martha followed him out after leaving a note for any of Clark’s friend who may stop by. Lex peeled out the second she got into the car, and sped off for the hospital. Upon arrival, he immediately strode to the front desk.

“I’m Lex Luthor, a personal friend of Jonathan Kent. I want him moved as soon as possible to the best private room. I’ll be flying specialists in from Metropolis within the hour, they’ll be taking charge of Mr. Kent’s visit here. What room is he in?”

“Yes, Mr. Luthor. Jonathan Kent is in room. . .34, down the hall, take a left, and it should be the seventh door on the left.”

“Thank you.” Lex turned and led Martha to Jonathan’s room.

“Clark?” Martha whispered, seeing her son sitting next to Jonathan’s bed. Lex took the opportunity to step out of the room and walk back down the hall. What the hell had caused a healthy man to suddenly suffer a heart attack? He turned a corner, and saw his father standing by the elevator doors.

“Lex, son. I just heard the tragic news. How is Jonathan?”

“He’s a fighter, Dad, he’ll pull through.”

“He did look pale at the tail end of our conversation earlier today.” Lionel smirked. Lex surged forward and grabbing Lionel by the collar, slammed him up against the wall.

“You arrogant bas*ard! What the hell did you say to him?”

“I just told him that eventually, every secret is revealed, and it would be a matter of time before I learned Clark’s. Now, why would that cause a heart attack, son, unless Clark has a secret to be revealed?”

“This is NOT another anonymous entity for you to play with, Dad. This is my friend, and my friend’s family. God help you if Jonathan suffers any lasting effects from this. . .you’ll see firsthand just how good of a job you did raising me. Now get the hell out of here. I’ll make sure you can't get in to visit Jonathan.” Lex slammed Lionel against the wall once more before striding back down the hall. He turned once, and saw Lionel staring after him, a calculating look on his father’s face.

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“Mrs. Kent?” Chloe whispered as she peeked into Jonathan’s room.

“No, Chloe, she’s not here. I’m glad you came by, though.” Lex responded, walking towards the door. He moved through it and smiled gently.

“She went home to get some rest, and Clark is running the farm in Jonathan’s absense.”

“How is he?”

“As far as heart attacks go, this one was comparatively mild. He should be on his feet in a week, max.”

“Well, that’s good, at least. Some good news. Do they know what caused it?”

“An, um, unusual amount of stress. No doubt brought on by my father.”

“And me, by extension.”

“Don’t we have enough self-guilt resonating from Clark, Ms. Sullivan? You probably didn’t help matters, but you weren’t a principle factor.”

“Lex? How is Mr. Kent doing?” Lana asked, as she and Pete came into view. Lex’s eyebrow rose as he saw them touching hands, but he didn’t say anything.

“Jonathan is a fighter, Lana. He’ll pull through. Right now, they're keeping him here for observation. He should be on his feet within a week.”

“That’s good. How are Clark and Mrs. Kent handling this?”

“I don’t know! I don’t have all the damn answers! Why don’t you go ask them how they’re handling this?” Lex stormed down the hall and out of sight. He walked into the men’s room, and splashed cool water on his face.

“Why did you blow up at them, Lex?” he wondered to himself.

“Because they were being annoying with the questions, when they could go to the source.” He answered himself. He quickly dried his face and walked out and back down the hall.

“Um, Lana, Pete. I’d like to, um, apologize, for my outburst. I don’t know what came over me.” Lana put an arm on Lex’s back, and rubbed it once.

“You’re stressed, worried and feeling sort of guilty, Lex. You’re allowed, you know. We are your friends.” She smiled at him.

“Perhaps. Thanks for understanding. I need to get back to Metropolis, find out what else my father has up his sleeves.” Lex once more walked away.

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“Lex? I got your message, but I don’t know why you want to see me. Or why you didn’t simply come out to the farm.” Clark said, walking into Lex’s study.

“Because, Clark, I have something I want to tell you. A couple of things, actually. First, I want to offer you any assistance you may need to get your father back on his feet. Hired help at the farm, anything along those lines.”

“Lex, are you feeling all right? Hired help?”

“I didn’t know how you felt about single-handedly doing all of the chores a farm requires.”

“Lex.” Clark smiled as he spun in a circle, x-raying the room. His eyes widened as he spied a couple of bugs. He walked over to the wall, and nodded his head at the picture.

“Clark, I haven’t shown you my new art collection, have I? It’s a collection of Da Vinci’s and Michaelango’s. Aren’t you in a art class of some sort?”

“Actually, I have to do a historical paper on the medival and Renassance art styles of Europe, Lex, so you have good timing.” Clark said, walking out of the room with Lex leading. They walked into another room, and it actually had paintings in it. Clark slowly x-rayed this room, and found it to be totally clean.

“I thought you were kidding about the artwork, Lex.”

“No, I bought this stuff over the past several weeks.”

“It’ll really help out on the paper, Lex. Do you mind if I bring Chloe and Lana by? Pete’s going to Metropolis to check out some museums.”

“You were serious about the paper? Sure, Clark, anytime you want to come by, just, um, ask. Now, where did you find those bugs?”

“Behind the painting of. . .um, your mother. And inside the bookcase, right by the um, secret safe.”

“Those two were the only ones?”

“I didn’t stick around to look for anymore.”

“Well, you know I don’t like using you, Clark, but you’re better then any professional team I could find. Would you, um, mind, checking for. . .more?”

“Of course not, Lex. I’d be glad to.” Clark smiled as he looked at Lex. Lex nodded, and they moved back into the study. Clark made a show of it, in case any cameras were planted, and together, he and Lex discovered 12 separate surveilance devices. After Lex destroyed all the cameras, Clark melted the rest using his heat vision, and then they disposed of the mess.

“Clark, I’d check out any place where you normally hang out, including your locker. And I’ll get a team to go over the rest of the mansion. Be careful, Clark.”

“I’ll have to tell Mom, Lex. He’ll want to talk to you, as well.”

“Well, might as well go face the music. At least she’s semi-in my corner, and has been for longer.”

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“I’ve been saying this way more then usual to your parents, but. . .it’s effective. Martha! We have a problem!” Lex smirked as he pulled the Porsche up to the Kent farm and got out.

“Lex, Clark? What's the matter?” Martha came out from the barn, and took off her gloves.

“We think Lionel might have bugged the house. I’m going to go check right now. I suggest you remain outside.” Clark said, as he walked into the house.

“Why would Lionel do something like this, Lex?”

“To learn Clark’s secret.” Martha just nodded, and looked towards the house.

“The house is clean, Mom.” Clark announced, walking towards them.

“Good. I can't believe Lionel would resort to. . .out and out illegal eavesdropping to find out Clark’s secret.”

“Believe me, Martha, that’s not as far as he would go. But, have Clark x-ray the house everyday, just in case. If you don’t mind, I’ll have him go over the rest of the mansion.”

“Of course, Lex, anything to . . . ensure the mansion is. . .ear free. Clark, I’ll have to tell Dad eventually, but right now. . .I’d like it if you kept it quiet.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t going to tell him, Mom.”

“Clark, um, why don’t you go check out the barn?” Martha said. Clark nodded and walked into the barn.

“Lex, you’ll need to be careful where you mention Clark’s secret. And make sure the others know that, too, all right? We’ll have to check out Jonathan’s hospital room. Damn Lionel!”

“I’ll relay the message, Mrs. Kent. And don’t worry, I’ll try keeping you one step ahead of my dear father.” Lex turned and headed for his Porsche.

“Lex.” Lex turned around.

“Thank you, Lex. I’m proud to have you in this family.”

“Thank you, Martha. It means a lot to me being a part of this family.” Lex smiled as he slipped behind the wheel and peeled out.

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“Are you certain, Detective Mason? We can't afford to make any mistakes, not at this stage of the game!” Lex said, walking down a corridor in the mansion.

“Absoultely, Lex. All the evidence points to the fact that Lionel Luthor and Morgan Edge conspired together, with the slum lord, to blow your grandparents tenement, and split the insurance money. But something much more substantial is going to be needed, if we intend to go after someone as powerful as Lionel.”

“So what do you suggest? I don’t think, um, confronting him is going to do any good.” Lex rubbed the back of his neck, wincing at the discomfort, and then walked to his bar, and poured a generous helping of scotch.

“Ah, but we won't have to, Lex. I’ve been doing my homework, the same as you. And I found something very interesting that you should look into.” Mason handed Lex a file folder, and then took a seat by the fireplace. Lex drained his scotch and then looked at the file.

“Morgan Edge is alive? I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but he died a couple of months ago, during a firefight at the Metropolis Docks.”

“He didn’t, Lex. He survived, and went underground. The latest reports I have from my friends is that he’s gotten some plastic surgery, voice alteration therapy. No one would recognize him, even if he showed up.”

“So we’re in the same position, Mason. What good is Edge being alive, if no one can recognize him, or get anywhere close to him?”

“I have it from a good source that Edge was. . .thinking of hiring one of Metropolis’s most dangerous criminals. This kid, he was bullet-proof, Lex. He went by the code name of Kal. Now, if one of us could locate Kal, and convince him to work with us. . .we may draw Edge out.”

“Absoultely not! I will not work with any felons! That is simply not ethical.”

“Sometimes, Lex, you need to bend the rules to land a big fish.” Lex pondered this for a few minutes, before shaking his head.

“No, I can't compromise my integrity, not even for this. I’m sorry, but we’ll have to find Edge some other way.”

“I’m glad you said that, Lex.” Mason slipped a hand into his pocket, and threw an envelope in Lex’s direction. Lex reached out and snared it. Upon opening it, he found a piece of paper with an address on it.

“What's this?”

“That’s where my source says Edge is recovering from his plastic surgery. I doubt he’ll stay in one place too long, so you’d better hurry.” Mason got up and headed for the door.

“Why the cloak and dagger?”

“I had to be sure you weren’t your father’s son.”

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