"Echo" (A Friendship Story)

[Tral]

Title: "Echo" (A friendship story)
Author: Tral
Pairing: None*
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: (if needed): Mild violence
Spoilers: (when applicable): All Seasons
Time Line: Aflter Episode 915 “Conspiracy”
Short summary: Clark is reminded of a long lost friendship.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the story concept.

"Echo"

Chapter One

The blackened pillars of snow and crystal scattered among the obelisks of light eerily reminded Clark Kent of the past year’s events. The darkened pillars were reminiscent of the black shirt, pants and overcoat he wore now. The light of his fortress reminded him of his family crest, spray painted in white on the shirt he adorned. Clark had spoken to Zod atop the Daily Planet only a week before. The conversation reminded him of his biological fathers dieing wish; “Save Zod.” Clark could hear the words echo in his head. He had done as his father had asked, he had saved Zod’s life, despite the threat he knew the pre-war criminal Zod posed to the people of Earth. Saving Zod’s life brought back memories of the ones he had lost on his journey to becoming a hero, in a fit of nostalgia he decided to visit the fortress, if for no other reason than to be alone for a time.

“Hello Kal-El.”

Clark’s biological father’s booming voice echoed through the vastness of the fortress.

“Hello father,” Clark replied simply.

Clark stood in silence for a moment, unsure what exactly he should be doing, unsure what to say.

“I had anticipated that this fortress could be place for you to escape the Earthly concerns which weigh upon you, my son. Though you have never come for that reason before now,” interjected the artificial voice of Jor-El.

Clark had become accustom to the disembodied voice of his biological father knowing more about his feelings than even Clark knew.

“Your thoughts are no secret to me, Kal-El. Your focus is on the Kandorian’s. You question if you are capable of protecting the people of Earth and the refuges of our world.”

“I don’t know that I can,” Clark admitted.

“Three of our people died…” Clarks voice trailed.

“I don’t know that I can protect all of them. I don’t know that I can protect them from the people of Earth.”

Clarks voice was full of doubt. Doubt was something he hadn’t had to deal with in a while. Since he had begun his training here, in the fortress, months before, he had gained a new found confidence in his choices, in his resolve. Reverting back for a moment, revealing his deepest concerns, was uncharacteristic for him now.

“I sent you to this planet to protect you, my son. But I anticipated that you would not be able to remain complacent. With the strengths provided you by the Yellow sun I knew your destiny would be far greater than that of my own. That destiny is to protect the human race. To protect them from harm, and on occasion to protect them from themselves,” Jor-El replied.

“They are a flawed race, my son. But they can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be.” Jor-El adds.

“I know… I just don’t know that I have the strength father,” Clark replied, his voice unsure.

“Be mindful of your emotions, my son, they will betray you.” Jor-El replied strongly.

“You are stronger than you can possibly imagine Kal-El. These people only lack the light to show them the path to their own greatness, a light you can provide.” Jor-El’s voice was more soothing, even parental, than Clark was used to.

“But can I really be that light and be Clark Kent at the same time?”

“I anticipated this too, my son. Live as one of them, Kal-El, to discover where your strength and your powers are needed. But always remember your true heritage, and your ultimate destiny.”

Clark exhaled, nodding his head. He took in a deep breath before asking;

“My focus has been on protecting the Kandorian’s. Do I pay to much attention to them, to what they need? Sacrificing my mission here in the process?”

“No, my son. They may be able to show you something of Krypton I cannot. Be mindful and cautious of their intent and when the time comes remind yourself of your destiny on this planet. You have grown much Kal-El, when the time comes you will not need me to remind you.”

Clark pondered the odd paternal feel to his artificial father voice. He sat, perching himself on a pedestal of ice and crystal. He thought about the seemingly wise words imparted to him. It reminded him of the pep talks Coach Kwiggly would give just before a critical football game back in high shcool, though the Coach thought every game was critical. Clark had always had what Chloe called “an overly developed since of guilt.” He was confident in his own abilities; being able to lift tractors with ease, or leaping tall building in a single bound had become as normal as breathing, but he always had this loneliness inside of him. He had been told many times that his faith in humanity was is greatest strength… and his greatest weakness. He even remembered a time, when they had been friends, Lex had actually told Clark he reminded him “…that there were truly good people in the world…”

Lex. Clark hadn’t thought of Lex in a while, though locked in the back of his mind was the insinuation from Doctor Fate a few months earlier that Lex Luthor was alive. Between the Kandorian’s and living his split life as Clark and the Blur he had pushed those thoughts aside. Clark couldn’t help but to wonder how Lex could be alive. Oliver had seen to it that Lex would never hurt anyone else. After Lex had ripped Lana away from him Clark had wanted to do it himself, but Lana had stopped him and reminded him of his own humanity, the good within him. Despite that, in the moment that Lexs’ unmarked, white, semi-truck had been enveloped in red and yellow flames Clark had sighed in relief, though he despised even that after the fact. He had been so angry with Oliver, but he wasn’t sure until later whether it was that Clark had been angry that Oliver had killed Lex or that he had done it before Clark himself had the opportunity.

Clark had finally come to some level of peace about it. He had forgiven Oliver for killing Lex, Oliver after all was best at punishing himself, wishing suicide as a release. Clark however had not quite forgiven himself for the hate he had harbored, and in some ways still did.

“It seems like this fortress is doing exactly what you wanted it to, father.” Clark said aloud, smirking half heartedly.

There was no answer.

“Thank you, father,” Clark added as he stood.

“I will be here to guide you my son, for all the days of your life.” Jor-El replied.

Clark turned and in a blur of movement left his Fortress of Solitude.

* * *

Clark had lost track of time while in the fortress, it was late in the night now at the Kent Farm. The lights of the farmhouse patio spread illuminating rays on his front yard. Clark slowed to a normal speed. He decided not to bolt into his living room, instead he took in the sights and sounds of the Kansas farmland, breathing in its cool calm air. He stood just inside the picket fence that surrounded the front of his home. Walking up the steps to his house, he entered. Checking to make sure their were no uninvited guests, Clark blurred around, changing quickly into a white t-shirt and some jeans. He was too awake and alive with thought to simply sleep. He decided to grab some orange juice from the fridge. Unsealing the cap he had the urge to drink it straight from the carton as he had as a young man. He heard the faint voice of his mother in his head, reminding him to use a glass. He turned quickly to the cabinet next to the kitchen window, plucking a glass cup from the shelf he sat it down on the counter and pored the orange liquid into its neat container. Clark took a few gulps, then pulled the drink away from his lips. He let out a refreshing exhale as he did so. He faced the window now, looking out at the barn he had spent so much of his time in as a youth. He noticed a bit of rustling activity in the barn. He guess Mr. Hubbard must have been using it to house his horses. Clark always had enjoyed the calming, almost therapeutic nature of caring for the livestock on his families century old farm. He decided to go out and brush down the horses as a way of unwinding.

After collecting the brushes and combs Clark made his way into the barn. He found locked in their stable two horses, both brown and tall, each were well fed but lean and muscular. He began the task for brushing the first horse. Clark took great care as he gently pulled burs and other plant parts from the beasts fine fur and mane. He was done with the first horse when he heard something thud against the wall of his barn.

Clark sat the brush down on a post near the horse, making his way into the middle of the barn. He looked both directions and saw nothing. The sound came again, this time further away than the last. It was definitely coming from out side. It seemed to be closer to the barn door now. Clark began to walk over to the open door.

“Anyone there?” Clark asking into the darkness.

Clark notice the light that hung over the barn door was out. He made a mental note to fix that.

Suddenly the darkened visage of a man limped into the doorway. The shadowy figure leaned on the inside of the door jam for support.

Clark could tell whoever it was must have been injured. Whoever it was must have used the side of the barn as a crutch to find his way inside, Clark thought to himself.

“Are you okay?” Clark said, making his way to the darkened figure.

“Clar--k” the shadow tried to speak, its voice was scratchy and unfamiliar.

Hearing his name Clark picked up his stride.

The darkened visage began to limp using its left leg toward Clark. Clark noticed that the persons right foot seemed detached from his ankle, the foot remain limp.

Finally, like curtains unveiling a play the barns light hit the mans face peeling back the mysterious stranger.

Clark's eyes widened, his mouth agape. His jaw instantly recovered from the surprise and began to tense up. The muscles along his jawbone flared as he bit down hard. He felt an odd surge of adrenalin, even his heart began to race a little. Standing straighter than before, Clark took half a step back. He simply stared sharply at the man standing in his barn.

Staring back at him were familiar blue eyes weighed down with physical pain.

Clark could barely suspend his disbelief, Lex Luthor stood before him- in his barn of all places. Clark didn’t let his guard down for a second, but examined Lex for any sign of a weapon or more importantly Kryptonite.

At first glance Clark noticed nothing of any danger to him. Clark took an X-ray image of Lex, he noticed nothing out of the ordinary, other than the fact that Lex was standing in front of him. Looking at Lex for a moment he noticed a cut above his right eye and a few scratches along his jaw. He wore some sort of grey scrubs. His feet were uncovered and bloody.

“Clark… Clark please. Help me.” Lex said finally, each word and breath seemed to cause agonizing pain.

Clark didn’t say anything, he was speechless. As he readied a response Lexs’ legs buckled underneath him, suddenly he collapsed smacking the dirt hard. Clark could hardly believe it- Lex Luthor was laying unconscious on the floor of his barn. Questions like; “How?” and “Why?” popped into his head.

Clark, almost involuntarily, found himself rushing over to Lexs’ seemingly lifeless body. Cautiously Clark rolled Lex over, holding his head up from the ground.

Lexs’ eyes flickered, as he gained consciousness for a second.

With a strained breath Lex called out…

“Clark…”

Writers Note: Please do comment, it helps me in the creative process.

[Tral]

"Echo"

Chapter Two

Clark stood in his front room looking at the unconscious Lex Luthor who he had laid out on his couch. Clark had a strong urge to call Chloe but he already knew what she would say and he didn’t feel like hearing her critical condemnation. He had considered calling an ambulance, or even better the sheriff but that too would have brought up some uncomfortable questions and scrutiny. Clark decided instead to go with the ‘wait and see’ approach. Clark blurred around collecting any first aid stuff he could find. He grabbed the bandages from his bathroom, some anti-bacterial ointment and a bottle of peroxide from his parents bathroom, and first aid dressing from the closet. He noticed an ankle brace there, he wondered who had ever needed one, he knew for sure he never did. He dismissed the oddity quickly as he heard groggy groaning from the front room. Clark walked calmly over to the couch just as Lex began to wake from his unintentional sleep.

“Clark?” Lex said, his eyes open and scanning the Kent home.

“Lex” Clark said simply, moving into Lex’s line of vision.

Using his arms Lex propped himself up, resting his back on the arm of the couch. It took a few seconds for Lex to snap out of whatever daze he was in.

“What are you doing here, Lex?” Clark demanded.

“I wasn’t sure where else to go…” replied Lex.

“I couldn’t go back to the mansion. My calls are probably being monitored,” he added.

Lex looked down at his bloody and bruised feet.

“And as you can see I don’t exactly have my Porsche to get around.,” replied Lex, trying to inject some humor.

Clark looked blankly at Lex, un-amused. He sat all of the first aid equipment on the coffee table next to the couch.

“Here. Clean yourself up”

Lex looked at Clark oddly, he noticed immediately Clark’s standoffishness.

Lex wrapped his ankle first, as it was the part of him most in pain. Then he realized each time he took in a breath a stabbing pain pierced his midsection. Lex had enough experience with broken ribs to know exactly what those felt like. He also knew there wasn’t a whole lot that could be done to fix them except take a few aspirin and wrap his chest.

Clark looked on, not offering any help as Lex continued to deal with his various wounds. Lex dabbed a piece of fabric into the peroxide. He let out hisses of pain as he dabbed the fabric against the scratches and scrapes that riddled his body. Removing his shirt Lex, noticed a huge bruise on the right side of his ribcage and a large gash on the left side. Lex covered one of the gauze in ointment, sucking in a painful breath of air as it hit the open sore. He used his other hand to begin the process of wrapping his chest. Lex looked up as if to ask for help. Clark ignored the nonverbal call.

“Any ideas on how to get out of this mess?” asked Lex as he continued wrapping his chest.

“Yeah, a few…” replied Clark.

“Oh? Care to enlighten me?” Lex replied sarcastically as he placed the last bandage on the cut above his right eye.

“We’re going to county lock up to talk with the sheriff,” Clark said, turning, trying to remember where he had put is keys.

“I don’t think she’s going to be able to help us Clark.”

Clark turned to face Lex.

“Help you?” he shot, “I had a better idea.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I call it turning yourself in,” Clark replied

“Turn myself in for what?” Lex asked, genuinely confused.

Clark tensed up.

“I’m not falling for whatever lies you’ve got cooked up this time, Lex. I don’t care what you know about me, I’m taking you down to the sheriff if I have to drag you,” Clark’s voice was dark and firm.

Clark knew that in reality the sheriff would only be able to hold Lex for a short time. At least that would give Clark the time he needed to figure out what was going on, and collect evidence- for what he wasn’t sure. It wasn’t a well thought out plan, but it was all he had at the moment.

Lex shook his head, in defiance. Lex grabbed the grey scrub shirt that lay on his legs and put it back on. He unsteadily stood and limped over to Clark, the two stood face to face now.

“Clark… I haven’t told anyone what I saw. And I’m not going to.”

Clark instantly grabbed Lex up by his scrubs backing him into the wall just behind the couch. The picture frames nailed to the wall bounced and rocked as Lex’s body slammed against its hard wooden surface with a thud.

“I don’t know what game your playing but I’m not going to be one of your pawns!” Clark exclaimed, his nostrils flared involuntarily.

Lex quickly grabbed at Clarks fisted hands and tried to pull them apart to no avail.

“Clark! I came here because you’re the only person I can trust, the only person who can help me…”

Clark scanned Lex, his eyes darted back and forth. He saw something he hadn’t seen from Lex in a long time, truth.

“What are you talking about?” Clark demanded.

Realizing he couldn’t do anything about the vice-grip Clark had him in, Lex stopped trying to pry Clarks powerful hands from his shirt.

Clark suddenly released Lex and took a few steps back.

“I just escaped that hellhole my father had me in…” Lex began.

“Father?” Clark interrupted.

Lex looked at him peculiarly.

“You were there, Clark. At Bell Reve- he had me committed a month ago. You tried to bail me out but we were jumped,” Lex paused “After you were hit by that car and brushed it off like it was nothing I thought you were invincible,” he added.

Clark didn’t say anything, if Lex was telling the truth then he had lost over 6 years worth of memories, and for him, he and Clark were still at the height of their friendship. But even that theory didn’t make sense. Lex had lost those particular memories long ago… unless Lex had found a way to recover them. But none of this explained how Lex could have blown up then come back to life. Strange things happened in Smallville all the time but this one took the cake.

Lex continued;

“They took you away. By the time I recovered you were gone. I tried to go after them but the Bell Reve guards caught me. Next thing I know I’m waking up in some vat of green liquid at Summerholt. Apparently I wasn’t supposed to wake up in the middle of the process. I surprised two of the technicians and sneaked my way out. I hitchhiked from Metropolis to as close to here as I could get. I walked for miles after that. I knew I would be safer here than anywhere else. The medication they had me on must have been laced with something because the longer I was awake the clearer everything got.”

Clark shook his head.

“You expect me to believe that?”

“Maybe I would have fallen for this 6 years ago- but not today,” Clark added.

“6 years? Now I’m lost,” Lex replied.

A look of horror flashed across Lex’s face, he stepped back.

“My father got to you…” he whispered.

Clark shook his head; “No Lex.”

“Why don’t you remember then?” Lex said backing up again as he slammed into a small table.

Clark tried to calm him down.

“I do remember, just a little differently.”

“What?” Lex replied.

“Your father had you under go electro shock therapy so that you would forget that he killed his parents. In the process you forgot everything that happened at Bell Reve and with Morgan Edge. You forgot about my abilities, all of it. That was 6 years ago.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!” Lex yelled.

“What’s the date?” Lex demanding in a panic.

“March… 2010” Clark replied.

“Your telling me I’ve lost, what? Six years?” Lex was angry, incensed, even frightened.

The two men stood in an odd silence. Lex tried to remember, his eyes flickered back and forth trying to grasp at strings of a memory that weren’t even there.

Clark heard something. He focused, realizing that a car was driving up to the farmhouse. He wondered who would be driving in at Nine o’clock, and today of all days.

“Someone’s coming,” Clark said, turning to look out the window.

He saw a red Punch Bug rolling into his driveway.

“Chloe,” Clark whispered audibly, “Stay here,” he said looking back at Lex.

Lex looked back at him blankly as Clark walked away.

Lex was alone now in the Kent home dealing with the new reality he found himself in. He wasn’t sure if Clark was telling him the truth. But then again why would Clark leave him alone if he was in on some plot to make him feel crazy. Lex turned and sat back down on the couch. He noticed a black laptop sitting next to the used first aid wrappers. He opened it, feeling lucky that Clark didn’t have it password protected.

* * *


Clark stepped out onto his porch, he strolled casually down the steps to meet Chloe who had just made her way out of her red compact car.

“Chloe? Its kinda late for a pit stop,” Clark said casually.

“So now I have to make an appointment to talk with the almighty ‘Blur’?” Chloe said half jokingly.

“That’s not what I meant- just didn’t expect you,” Clark said noticeably blocking her view of his house.

Chloe got the hint that Clark didn’t want her bothering him. But why, she asked herself?

“Do you have Lois in there?” she said smirking., “Are you two…?” Chloe added suggestively.

Clark started to shake his head ‘no‘, then he realized that might be the cover he needed to get her to leave him alone.

“Got me,” Clark confessed, adding a small laugh.

Chloe smiled widely.

“Well… I guess we can talk about this tomorrow. Come by the Watchtower?” Chloe replied.

“Clark--”

Clark froze, he closed his eyes wishing he hadn’t left Lex alone. Clark turned around revealing Lex standing right behind him. Chloe’s mouth dropped open.

“Oh my god,” Chloe blurted as she looked at Lex.

She put the pieces together quickly and redirected her penetrating stare toward Clark who now stood between the two. Without needing to say a word Clark knew Chloe was chewing him out, he prepared for the uncomfortable conversation he wouldn’t be able to avoid having with her later. Keeping secrets had become a hallmark of their friendship lately and Clark knew adding a lie into the mix wasn’t going to help anything, especially one as big as Lex being alive.

“Chloe, its good to see you,” Lex said happily as he approached her, for what reason Chloe wasn’t sure.

She wasn’t about to find out and backed away instantly.

“What the hell is going on?” Chloe blasted.

Lex stiffened, Clark moved in between the two.

“He just wandered into the barn. We’re still putting it all together.” Clark tried at an explanation.

“Puppies ‘just wander in’, not dead corporate evil doers.” Chloe rebutted harshly.

Lex maneuvered around Clarks massive frame.

“I know this must be hard but I don’t remember anything that’s happened the past six years. I don’t remember taking over Luthor Corp, or the explosion-” Lex tried to explain.

Clark turned to face Lex who seemed to know more about the past than he was letting on.

“You left your computer on, Clark. I just used Google to do a little refresher. I don’t know how any of this is possible.”

“Pufft, I’m sure…” Chloe hissed sarcastically.

“How about we figure out what’s going on before we jump the gun on this one,” Clark rebutted.

Chloe grabbed Clark’s arm pulling him far enough away from Lex so that he couldn’t hear.

“I cant believe you lied to me! You’ve got Dr. Evil himself in your house and you… what? Weren’t going to tell me?”

“I was Chloe… but we haven’t exactly been seeing eye to eye lately. I wanted to get the basics before coming to you,” Clark replied.

Chloe huffed.

“You trust him?” Chloe asked.

Clark turned to look at Lex for moment, then quickly turned back to Chloe.

“Not for a second. But he’s here and I want to know how.”

Clark notably increased the volume of his voice, looking at no one in particular he said; “How about be go inside and start from square one.”

Chloe shook her head, walking toward the house. Clark and Lex looked on as she power walked into the Kent house. Clark followed after but was intercepted when Lex grabbed his shoulder. Clark quickly turned looking down suspiciously at Lex’s hand then up at Lex.

Noticing Clark’s discomfort at being touched Lex let go of his shoulder.
“Why was she so angry? For that matter why did you want to turn me over to the sheriff,” Lex asked.

“Lets just say, Lex, a simple Google surch doesn’t cover everything that’s happened in the past six years,” Clark said coolly.

Clark noticed concern in Lex’s eyes, his face seemed beaten up, more than just the cuts and bruises. It seemed weighed down with sadness. Clark swept the sympathy he felt aside, to many times had his sympathy been used as a weapon against him.

“I want to know everything Clark- everything I’ve missed. I want to know why when the both of you first saw me the look I got back was…” Lex paused, “A look of fear.”



Writers Note: Please feel free to comment, it helps with the creative process!

[Tral]

"Echo"

Chapter Three

“So let me get this straight; you don’t remember anything?” Chloe asked staring Lex down from across the island in the Kent kitchen.

Clark stood, arms folded, looking on as the two titans fought it out, locked in an epic battle of wits.

“No…” Lex began. “I remember everything up to Belle Reve. I remember Clark trying to break me out then waking up at Summerholt.”

Chloe rolled her eye’s looking at Clark.

“You believe this?”

Clark shrugged.

“That’s enough!” Lex shouted.

“I’ve been patient, and answered all your damn questions; but the two of you have been going through this good cop bad cop routine for two hours now and were no closer to figuring out why I cant remember the past six years.”

Chloe eyed Lex sharply he simply ignored her. Lex turned to Clark looking for some assurance, all he saw was an odd indifference.

“Maybe I made a mistake coming here. Id rather take my chances with my father in the mansion.” Lex said walking to the door.

Clark quickly intercepted him, holding out a stiff arm.

“Lex you cant do that…”

“And why not?” Lex and Chloe said simultaneously.

Clark shot Chloe a disappointed look and turned back to Lex.

“If you really don’t remember anything than you have no idea what your walking into. And if there is the slightest chance your being truthful I cant just let you walk into Tess Mercers lions den.”

“Tess who?” Lex asked.

“She’s the go-to-girl you put in charge of Luthor Corp in the event of your death. She’s been in power for two years now.” Chloe answered.

“What about my father?” Lex responded.

Clark tried to answer, “Lex there are some things that are going to take time to--”

“You killed him.” Chloe said abruptly.

Clark eyed Chloe, she wasn’t helping, in fact she might have been making the situation even worse.

“Say I believe this pile of Luthor crap he’s feeding us, Clark, that doesn’t mean I’m going to shield him from the truth.” Chloe shot back.

“What?!” Lex replied.

“Chloe can we talk for second?” Clark said through his teeth.

Clark nodded his head in the direction of the front room.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m doing want you wont Clark, I’m getting at the truth behind the return of the prodigal son of Luthor Crop. I mean really, you don’t find it a little odd that Lex Luthor would show up in your barn asking for help, when the last time you saw each other he triedto blow you up with a Kryptonite bomb! I’m sorry Clark but I’m not willing to trust him.”

“Then trust me!” Clark said harshly, “You used to be able to do that,” he added.

Chloe shook her head.

“Fine.” Chloe said simply.

“Clark, Chloe,” Lex interrupted.

Both of them turned “What?” they said in unison.

Clark inhaled deeply.

“I think our first step is to investigate what Summerhot has been up to these past few years.” Clark asserted.

“Yeah. I can hack into their database and see what projects they’ve been running since they fell off our radar,” Chloe added, reaching for Clark’s laptop.

“You really should lock this you know.” Chloe said.

“Clark,” Lex said calling him over.

“Did I really…” Lex gulped anxiously.

“Lex, if your telling the truth then right now’s not the best time for a history lesson.”

“If?”

Clark came closer to Lex well within what would be considered personal space. Clark looked Lex squarely in the eyes.

“I want to believe you, I want to believe that something of the man I knew is alive,” Clark said.

“Its me…..” Lex said softly.

“Got something.” Chloe announced.

Clark and Lex turned to Chloe who now stood with the laptop in her hand.

Clark scanned the screen, puzzled at its display.

“These are Summerholt finical statements, how does that help us?” Lex asked.

“You of all people should know that if you follow the money far enough you can usually find some sort of motivation. I was looking for any large payments to the institute in the months before your supposed death.” Chloe said.

“It looks like Summerholt received a huge payment five months before you came to the fortress…” Clark blurted.

“Fortress?”

Clark inhaled.

“Another history lesson I have to wait for?” Lex replied irritated.

“Something like that.”

“Wait, their not the only Luthor Corp subsidiary that received a sudden bonus at that time,” Chloe added.

“Metron Pharmaceuticals received a huge R&D increase around the same time.” Clark replied.

“Metron? What would a Pharmaceuticals subsidiary have to do with this?” Lex asked

Clark and Chloe looked at one another, not sure if they should say anything.

“We’ve been gathering evidence for a while now that their not just making pills at Metron…” Chloe replied.

“We think that they have been cloning people…” Clark said.

“A few years back you went on a cloning spree…” Chloe added.

Lex’s face drooped in a silent shock.

“I could be….a… a clone?”

“The question is, how do the two things connect?” Chloe added.

“There is only one way to know for sure.” Clark said turning to leave.

Chloe instantly reacted.

“Clark,” Chloe replied.

Clark turned around slowly.

“Last time you went to Summerhot they dipped you in a pool of kryptonite that nearly killed you.” Chloe objected.

“Kyrptonite?” Lex inquired.

Clark and Chloe ignored him from more than one reason.

“I can be careful,” Clark said

“I am coming with you.” Chloe replied.

“Its to dangerous.”

“I’ll go,” Lex replied.

“Ha! If you’re going I sure as hell am too. I’m not letting you out of my site.” Chloe said.

“Looks like we’re all going then…” Clark said unenthusiastically.


* * *

Clark had changed into his dark overcoat and wore a black shirt. He decided not to adorn his familial crest in front of Lex to prevent him from asking any more prying questions.

The back alleys of Metropolis were dark and damp. Chloe, Lex and Clark walked through these darkened city streets until they came to a large reinforced locked door marked “Metron” Lex was the first person to the door. He grabbed the handle attached and pulled with no results. Chloe rolled her eyes.

“Rookie,” she said turning to Clark.

Clark shook his head, grabbed the door handle and extricated the large steel door as if it were tissue paper.

“I see what you mean…” Lex replied.

The trio walked inside one after the other they came into a long dark corridor. Chloe reached into the bag she brought with her plucking a flashlight from its recesses. Chloe clicked the switch on the long cylindrical device, from it burst a long ray of light.

“Let there be light,” said Chloe smirking.

Lex, Clark and Chloe walked down the corridor for what seemed like forever. Clark would sporadically scan the hallway or a door with his X-ray vision, he found nothing of any real importance.

“Maybe we’re in the wrong place,” Lex said.

Clark thought for a moment. Then it hit him, Lex had a habit of burying his secrets, including illegal cloning facilities. Clark kicked himself for not thinking about it sooner. He looked down at the floor and focused., suddenly the room around him switched to a bluish hue. He saw something, looking harder he realized that deep beneath the ground were a series of tunnels. He looked around and noticed a long shaft which extended from the floor they were on all the way down to the tunnels. Clark looked up at Lex and Chloe, his vision returned to normal.

“There he said.” Clark looked in the direction of the shaft he’d seen.

Clark made his way through the maze of corridors with Chloe and Lex close behind until he came to metallic wall.

“There’s nothing there Clark,” Lex stated impatiently.

Clark x-rayed the wall, discovering an elevator nestled inside the long shaft. Clark squinted his eyes and suddenly a the wall began to glow hot, after only a few seconds the wall melted away and an opening big enough for him to step inside the elevator room gaped in the once solid wall.

“Uh… what just happened?” Lex asked dumbfounded.

Chloe rolled her eyes again, stepping into the small room she clicked the only button on the wall. The elevator doors opened and she walked inside.

“Well don’t just stand there,” she said.

Clark and Lex followed her inside then they realized their were no floor keys, in their place a was a small rectangular screen a little bit bigger than a thumb. Lex took in a deep breath, he approached the pad and pressed his thumb to it. The elevator doors shut quickly and it began the journey downward.

When the doors opened again Clark, Lex and Chloe found themselves in another world. The corridors were a bright white, immaculately clean. Clark’s dark overcoat was out of place in the bright underworld they had just stepped into.

“We’re not in Kansas anymore…” Chloe blurted whimsically.

Clark x-rayed his surroundings, he noticed a catacomb of rooms branching off from the main corridor, all but a few of them were empty, the rest seemed to have boxes in them, save one room at the far end of the hallway. He tried to look through the door but couldn’t.

“Lead,” Clark spoke.

“One of the rooms is covered in lead?” Chloe asked.

“Yeah,” he responded.

“We should be careful then, who knows what he has up his sleeve” Chloe said nodding in the direction of Lex.

Lex simply ignored the barb, he was much more interested in what was in that room.

The trio walked along the length of the corridor to a door with another thumb pad lock. Clark side stepped Lex and Chloe and prepared to rip the door apart. Before had the chance the door suddenly opened. Clark reacted cautiously. Lex cleared his throat, lifting his thumb from the key pad.

“Your not the only one who can open doors, Clark,” Lex smirked as he made is way into the room.

Clark’s large arm intercepted Lex before he could enter.

“It could be dangerous. I’ll go in first,” he said.

“Why do I get the feeling its not my safety your really worried about,” Lex replied.

Clark ignored the all to familiar jab and simply walked into the room, Chloe and Lex followed him in.

The room was large, white like the rest of the facility, clean. There were a dozen large, human sized clear cylindrical tubes. Three smaller, skinnier Plexiglas tubes ran independently down each side of the larger tubes.

Suddenly the large blast door slammed shut.

“Hello Clark” a synthesized voice blasted from somewhere above them.

“Or is it, Kal-El?” the voice added.

The smaller Plexiglas tubes rapidly filled with a greenish goop. Clark could feel the sickness instantly. He fell to his knees, panting, beads of sweat collected on his brow.

“Clark!” Chloe yelped as she ran to Clark’s side.

“What’s happening to him?” Lex asked in a panic.

Chloe glared at Lex.

“You!” She spat, gritting her teeth.

“I see you have found one of my wayward investments,” the camouflaged voice spoke.

“You can stop hiding Lex. I know its you!” Clark replied, between painful breaths.

The room went silent for a second.

“Very good, Clark.” Lex’s voice replied.

“It looks like your time at the Daily Planet hasn’t been wasted. Lois and Chloe have been teaching you a few things about investigative journalism.” Lex’s disembodied voice added.

“What the hell is going on!” Lex yelled.

“You’ve done exactly as planned,” Lex’s voice replied.

Clark realized this had been the plan all along. Lex had once again used his sympathy and caring for others against him.

Lex noticed the look of betrayal on Clark’s face.

Lex shook his head.

“No. I didn’t know about this. I promise- you have to believe me...” Lex pleaded.

“Shut up!” Chloe yelled, pulling a silver gun from her bag pointing it at Lex.

Lex put his hands up.

“Chloe… Your not a murder.”

“No, Lex. But you are. Clark might not be able to take a life to protect his own, but I will do anything to protect him,” Chloe replied.

“Chloe…” Clark forced his lips open.

“Open the door!” Chloe yelled.

“Okay, okay….” Lex said submissively.

Lex and Chloe circled one another, Lex still had his hands up. The two came a full 180 degrees the thumb pad was now right behind Lex.

Lex pressed his finger against the pad… nothing. The door didn’t budge.

“Open the door!“ Chloe demanded.

“Calm down!” Lex yelled.

Chloe shook her head readying her gun.

Clark drifted in and out of unconsciousness. The sound of a gunshot vibrated in his ears. He felt the warm thickness of blood splatter on his face.

[MozartRequiem]

WOW. This is absolutely amazing. I am super, super impressed and HOOKED to this story. It's beautifully written. Please, please continue writing it. I hope you have an update ASAP!

[disciples of zod]

WOOT!! more plz!

~K

[Tral]

Thanks for the comments, I am glad you like it so far. I’m not 100% pleased with this section but I cant find where best to tweak it.

Here it goes:

"Echo"

Chapter Four

Chloe and Lex looked at each other in shocked horror. Specklets of blood hit Lex’s face. His hands reacted by trying to wipe the blood off which only smeared it in long streaks across his face. Chloe grimaced as she look down at herself. Tangled in fabric was blood and sinew from a sizable whole just under her right shoulder. The wound steadily leaked thick crimson blood. Chloe looked up at Lex, puzzled. The gun in her hand fell to the floor clanking as it came to a resting spot at Lex’s feet. Within seconds Chloe fell to her knees, hitting the white surface so hard you could hear the impact. Resting on her knees for a fraction of a moment she quickly doubled over and fell, laying paralyzed on the floor.

Chloe’s fall revealed a door which had been hidden seamlessly in the whitewash of the room. Lex looked on stunned at a reflection of himself standing behind where Chloe had been. The reflection of Lex had a long silver gun in his hand. This Lex was dressed in a black suit, he rested the smoking gun to his side and began walking toward his counterpart. He stepped over Chloe’s seemingly lifeless body, dodging the pool of blood now forming near her head.

“Hello… me,” Lex said whimsically.

“What have you done?” Lex asked in horror to his other self.

“What have I done?” Lex replied.

“YOU did exactly what you were meant to,” the gun wielding Lex rebutted.

Lex looked down, horrified at Chloe bleeding out on the floor.

The other Lex noticed his counterparts glare and looked back briefly at Chloe.

“Oh that? She can be really annoying, not to mention she was going to kill you,” Lex blurted.

The suited Lex sifted his attention to Clark. He sidestepped his other self and now stood looking down at Clark’s large, unconscious body. He lifted his gun readying to shoot.

“Finally…” Lex said, darkly.

“Stop!” the other Lex yelled.

Lex turned around to face himself, a flash of intrigue crossed his face. Both Lex’s were now armed, one pointing the gun at the other. The darker Lex responded in kind by pointing his own gun at his mirror image.

“Well isn’t this interesting,” darker Lex replied.

“I’m not going to let you hurt him. Put your gun down,” Lex demanded.

“Come on now. Would you put your gun down?” Lex asked sarcastically.

“No. I guess I wouldn’t,” Lex conceded.

Lex smirked knowingly.

“I don’t think you would really kill me to save his life,” Lex said confidently .

“I know you,” he whispered.

“You have so many questions. Questions only I can answer,” he added.

Lex lowered Chloe’s gun a little.

“You cant trust Clark Kent, but I am you and you are me- and if you cant trust yourself…”

“I’m not you.” Lex said defiantly.

“I wouldn’t shoot Chloe. Or kill our father,” Lex added.

“Oh get off your high horse. Do you remember that tornado? From your perspective it wasn’t so long ago.”

Lex looked oddly pensive.

“You were going to let our father die then. But we were to weak to do it, so later when it had to be done and we had grown up we didn’t hesitate, we didn’t debate about morality, we did what had to be done. We did what he would have done,” Lex said harshly.

“What have I become…” Lex replied in horror.

The other Lex rolled his eyes.

“I’m not going to let you hurt Clark.” Lex said resolved. He repositioned his gun aiming it directly at his mirror self.

“He lied to us! Everyday! Every time we asked, every strange thing that’s happened! That was him!” the darker Lex replied.

“Did you ever stop and think how many times he probably saved us!? How many times we were on the edge of dying that we somehow miraculously survived? How many times was he there saving us?” Lex countered.

“That’s not important. He lied about being our friend and he lied to us every single day. You are so soft and weak you don’t see it! Clark Kent could have been our greatest ally but he turned his back on us!”

“You are insane!” Lex yelled. “Clark has trusted me so far with is secret. He’s helped me find this place and he‘s helping me get some answers.”

“You really think he doesn’t have an ulterior motive?”

“I’m not that far gone, of course he does. And I know he doesn’t trust me, but from what I’ve seen about what we’ve been up to these past few years, he has no reason to.”

Lex laughed half heartedly.

“The only reason he is being honest with you, is because you already know his secret. We recovered those memories and implanted them in you specifically to do this assignment. We released you so that you would bring him here and we could finally crush him. He did exactly as we knew he would. He is using you to find me, and to bring us all down. If you didn’t know anything he wouldn’t care and he would keep you in the dark. He would have turned you over to the authorities hours ago.” Lex replied.

Clark had been right, Lex had betrayed him, maybe not intentionally but he existed only as bait to trap Clark. Lex also knew what his counterpart was saying was the truth. He knew Clark would never trust him fully. What his counterpart was saying struck a cord with Lex. Trust was something Clark had only shown him in small increments even before now. But Lex himself had been dishonest, he after all had an ongoing investigation on Clark. It was clear that the investigation had bore fruit, a sour, dark fruit Lex wanted nothing more to do with.

“Maybe but this is our chance to do it right,” Lex replied simply.

“Damn,” Lex said coolly. “I had really hoped to talk you out of this… Clones are so expensive.” The darker Lex began to pull the trigger.

“Good thing I don’t have to worry about that.”

The gun shot filled the room. The darker Lex fell back onto the floor, he lay bleeding from a small head wound next to Clark. A pool of blood began to quickly form. Lex dropped his gun and rushed over to Chloe. He checked for a pulse, to his relief she still had one. He then shifted his attention to Clark. Lex lightly smacked Clark’s face.

“Clark! Clark wake up.”

Lex started to sake Clark, trying to wake him from whatever had a hold on him.

Clark opened his eyes slightly.

“…the meteor rock…” Clark uttered painfully,

Lex looked around, realizing the green goop looked a lot like the Smallville meteor rock. He wondered how Clark could be effected by something as innocuous as a rock. He pushed aside his curiosity and grabbed Clark’s large hands. Clark was heavier than Lex had expected, his deadweight forced Lex to strain as he pulled him. Clark’s motionless body slid across the sleek surface of the floor. Just as Lex hand finally pulled Clark’s body through the threshold of the doorway he tripped and fell onto his back.

Clark’s eye’s began opening, he blinked a few times. Looking down at his feet he could see Chloe bleeding on the floor. He also noticed Lex laying on his back bleeding from his head.

“Chloe…” Clark called out.

“I’ll get her,” Lex said standing up.

Just as Lex was at the door a huge flash of light filled his surroundings. A painful stinging pierced Lex’s eyes and he was blinded by the light. His hands instantly went to cover his eyes. A few seconds later his vision returned in a blur of light and dark spots. Shapes hadn’t begun to form yet but he could tell that everything was dark, the lights had gone out. The darkness lingered for a moment as Lex rubbed his eyes, which seemed to help a little. Then the lights flickered a bit then came back on, the sudden brightness stung forced Lex’s eyelids to squint.

When his vision was finally normal he turned to tend to Chloe. In his horror, neither his dead counterpart nor Chloe Sullivan remain. All that was left of them were two crimson pools of blood.

Clark stumbled to his feet, the effects of the Kryptonite dissipated slowly. As he saw Lex looking down at the pools of blood. Clarks face drooped, in despair. Suddenly despair gave way to an uncontrollable anger.

Clark picked Lex up by the neck, lifting him in the air, and slammed him against the wall. Lex instinctively grabbed for Clark’s hands.

“What have you done with Chloe!?” The intensity of Clark’s rage could be seen in the tensed muscles of his face and the fire in his eyes.

“Clark…” Lex pleaded as he gasped for air.

“Tell me!”

“I… I can’t breathe.”

Clark’s jaw tightened and flexed as he bit down hard. Clark dropped Lex, and took a step back. Lex slid down the wall landing on the floor. He rubbed his neck, trying to sooth the pain.

“You have to believe me I tried to stop him,” Lex pleaded, coming to his feet.

“I don’t have to believe anything you say,” Clark rebutted harshly.

“I didn’t know this was going to happen. Chloe was alive then there was that flash and the lights went out,” replied Lex.

Clark turned his back to Lex, pacing a little trying to figure out what his next move was going to be. He knew he shouldn’t have brought Chloe along or even Lex for that matter. He always seemed to be placing the people he most cared about in danger. Then there was Lex; how truthful was he being?

“I know that from your perspective we’re not exactly on the best of terms, Clark… But I…” Lex gulped.

He didn’t like feeling dependant.

“But no one else can help me,” Lex added.

“What makes you think I still want to help you?” Clark shot back.

“Because we can help each other. Together we can find Chloe and maybe figure out how the hell all this happened,” Lex replied.

“And how are you going to do that?” Clark replied harshly.

Lex tried to explain; “Clark think about it. Whatever that light was it somehow moved Chloe and that other Lex, at the same time the power went out. Which means-”

“Which means the power grid was drained to do it,” Clark interrupted.

“And if we pinpoint where the power drain originated we can find where Chloe is most likely being held,” Lex added.

Clark knew The Watchtower had the technology to do it, but without Chloe it was almost useless.

“Clark. When I was in control of Lex Corp I built a safe house. I kept it secret from everyone, even my father.”

“How does that help us?” Clark asked impatiently.

“Its connected to the Luthor Corp mainframe. Luthor Corp had just won a bid with the City to modernize the city’s utility IT systems.”

“You think you could hack into the system?”

“No, but the City almost never changes their administrative passwords. I bet even 6 years later the password I have would still work.”

Clark eyed Lex sharply.

Lex let out a sigh.

“I know you don’t trust me Clark, and from what I can tell you have no reason to- but I want to make things right between us.”

Clark thought for a moment before speaking.

“You’ve said that to before, Lex,” replied Clark.

“It’ll be different, this time,” Lex replied.


* * *

Lex’s safe house resided in a forest far outside the Metropolis city limits. Nestled in-between huge oak trees a small concrete structure rose from the ground. It was ominous in its boxed simplicity, it resembled a bunker more than anything else. The visible parts of the house hid most of the structure which was buried under the ground. Despite being anything but opulent outside the inside of the house was luxurious. Clark had come to expect extravagance from the Luthor’s but this safe house was truly the lap of luxury .

Lex and Clark walked into the house as Lex described its feather The whole structure was lined in lead, iron and a carbon composite to protect against a nuclear blast and the subsequent fall out. On the inside mahogany accented every surface. There were no windows, but large LCD screens displayed visages of the outside world. Lex tapped on one of the many screens which revealed to him that no one had entered the house since its construction over 6 years earlier. The house could be locked down and lowered into the earth for even more protection. Lex even said there was enough food in the stores for a year long stay. All of this was intriguing and most definitely ornate but Clark wasn’t interested in any of it. When Lex finally came to the main living space and tapped one of the LCD screens there he pulled up what brought both of them to the safe house. Displayed was a schematic not only of the power transmission network for Metropolis, but telecommunications, water and even traffic.

“What was all this for?” Clark asked in wonder.

“The house is here to protect me… All the extras are here to help me protect myself or in this case protect the people close to me,” Lex replied.

Clark was taken aback by Lex’s response. It was emotional, revealing even. This wasn’t the Lex he remembered, or had even known. Something profound had changed, because even at the height of their friendship Lex was never this open. Clark couldn’t dismiss it. He learned, even before their friendship had imploded that Lex’s openness was often a distraction from something sinister.

Lex pulled up a window which read; “The City of Metropolis: Utilities and Transmission.” under that were two spaces, one for a password and another for a user name. Lex tapped the open spaces and brought up a touch screen keyboard. He entered the username “Tess Mercer”

“Tess?” Clark asked puzzled.

“Well if she is CEO of Luthor Corp now the username would be her’s. I’ll just use the password I already know.”

Lex tapped the keyboard and typed his password, seven small dots disguised the true password.

Lex pressed enter, the program processed for a moment. A red indictor window popped up labeled “Incorrect Password.”

Clark groaned inaudibly, becoming even more on edge. He couldn’t see through any of the walls, for all he knew the room could be filled with Kryptonite, this could all have been another of Lex’s traps and he wouldn’t even know it.

“Lex,” Clark said impatiently.

“It knew this was possible,” Lex admitted.

“Really? You could have brought me in on that,” Clark remarked.

“Maybe, but its not important anymore,” Lex said ominously,

Clark could feel the adrenalin pumping through his veins, he was expecting Lex to spring a trap at any moment.

“What?” Clark replied readying himself.

Lex turned around to see Clarks changed demeanor. Lex’s face expressed a hint of disappointment.

“You think this is a trap?” Lex replied rhetorically.

“Its not important Clark, because the safe house network has a built in decryption algorithm. I’ll just set it to task and we’ll wait.” Lex tired to explain.

Lex tapped the console and a seven digit screen popped up, numbers and letters flashed within them every fraction of a second as the cipher tried to find the correct combination.

Lex turned and sat in one of the padded brown chairs in the room. Clark paced back and forth seeming to be patrolling the room.

“You know even Roman centurions sat and relaxed before the dawn of a great battle.” Lex broke the silence.

“How long is this going to take?” Clark replied bluntly.

“No more than thirty minutes,“ Lex replied, returning the room to silence.

They remained silent long enough that two of the seven digits had already been discovered. Even so the questions Lex had weren’t going away and this may have been the only time he would have Clark alone to get them.

“Clark?”

“Lex?”

“I get the impression something happened between us. You said that the other me didn’t remember Morgan Edge or your secret. But there is more, isn’t there?” Lex asked, his eyes pleading for the answers.

Clark took in a deep breath.

“Yeah, a lot more,” Clark said simply.

“Tell me. I have to know.”

Clark walked closer to Lex, far enough away to be comfortable but close enough to make his point.

“I don’t need details Clark, just… just something to help me understand.”

“You were obsessed Lex. You had me under investigation.”

“So you discovered it?” Lex replied, finally able to look Clark in the eye.

Clark nodded.

“I forgave you for that, after a while, but our friendship was never the same. And it didn’t end there. You were so obsessed that you crossed the line,” Clark began.

Lex listen intently.

“You wanted to test me, to expose my powers.” Clark replied, memories of Lana, and his father came flooding back, he pushed them aside and continued;

“You put Lana and my parents in danger to prove your theories about me. You released inmates from Belle Reve that attacked them. They demanded I steal something from one of your warehouses, all the while you watched waiting for me to show off my powers. What you didn’t know is that at the time my abilities had been taken away, they could have been killed. That was the last straw.”

Lex took in a disappointed breath and looked down at the floor.

“Later we sort-of teamed up to save some people that were very important to me. I realized then that I might have given up on you to soon or at the very least had something to do with the way things ended up…”

“Sort-of teamed up?” Lex smirked.

“It’s a long story,” replied Clark.

“I always knew you were keeping something from me, something deep and powerful. I wanted so much to know what it was. I realize now that maybe it wasn’t for the right reasons,” Lex replied.

“I have this darkness inside of me, Clark. Your friendship keeps it at bay, you remind me-”

“…that there are truly good people in the world,” Clark finished.

Lex was taken aback for a moment.

“You said that to me once. I always thought that was something you just said to try and smooth things over,” Clark admitted.

“I think you under estimate how few friends I have. I could count them on one hand. I know that right now you don’t trust me but you’re the only true friend I‘ve ever had,” Lex replied.

Another two digits were filled now and again the room went silent.

Clark wasn’t prepared to trust Lex, but everything he said struck at the humanity Clark retained in abundance. He saw in this Lex an earlier time when they had not been enemies, when he would seek advice about Lana from him, or Lex would cap off one of Clark’s impromptu high school parties with some grand display that would cement him as the best party thrower in Lowell County. It was hard to deny that they had once been friends, almost like brothers from two different worlds. Clark pondered the irony in that.

“What are you doing now, Clark? I mean your not in high school anymore. With your abilities; by now, you could be richer than I am… err… was.”

“Well-” Clark started.

“Let me guess? A farmer? No, no. Law enforcement?” Lex interrupted

Clark let a small smirk break through.

“With your abilities you could do anything, but I bet you do something great with them. Others would amass power or wealth, but you don’t do you?” Lex asked, already knowing the answer.

Clark let down his guard for a moment.

“No, I use them to help people, people who need saving,” Clark replied.

“I should have known. How many times were you there saving Lana, or Chloe or I?” Lex asked, not really expecting an answer.

“That doesn’t really matter…”Clark said trying to brush off the uncomfortable praise.

“It does. You’ve grown up into more than just a man, Clark, your some sort of…” Lex paused to searched for the right words, “…some sort of Superman…” he added

Clark’s attention wandered as the cipher filled in the final digits. Lex noticed the change in attention and turned in his chair to see the password. Lex stood and tapped the screen, inserting the password.

A new screen displaying a strange overlay of Metropolis popped up on the screen. Lex tapped the controls a few more times. A time laps image of power consumption played. Clark and Lex looked on as second by second sections of the city’s power blinked out, until finally there was only one block with power. A large red indicator dot blinked at the address.

“That’s an empty lot on Fifteenth,” Clark said puzzled.

“Apparently not, because that’s where the power drain originated,” Lex replied.

“Then lets go,” Clark insisted.

“Wait, Clark,” said Lex, “It could be another trap, we’ll need some kind of back up.”

“I know. That’s why we’re not going there yet.” Clark said.

“I don’t understand.”

“I have some friends who have done this kind of thing before, they can help,” Clark explained.

“Let me guess? Super friends?” Lex replied smartly.

Clark unexpectedly let slip a laughed.

“Something like that,” Clark replied.

Lex smirked walking a few feet forward. He suddenly stopped and the smirk gave way to a grimace. Lex’s eyes darted back and forth, his breathing became labored.

“Lex? Are you okay?”

Lex’s eyes began to roll into the back of his head, he started to slowly fall back as a powerful tremble started at his hands, traveling its way like a wave all the way up to his head. Clark blurred in quickly and caught Lex who had begun to seize and shake in his arms.

“Lex… Lex…” Clark tried to snap him out of it.

Effortlessly Clark through Lex over his shoulders, trying his best not to let Lex hurt himself. Clark blurred out of sight and within seconds was on the second floor of The Watchtower where Clark lay the convulsing Lex on one of the beds.

[disciples of zod]

Hmmm....this is...interesting. more soon?

~K

[MozartRequiem]

Hey, so sorry it's taken so long to reply (it's been a busy month).

But this is amazing! Please do not stop writing. Like I said, I'm hooked.

Some things I absolutely loved:

1.) The Good Lex vs. Evil Lex dialog, very reminiscent of "Onyx" and I loved the dark humor in there.

2.) The shock of the Evil Lex being shot! Didn't see that coming...

3.) Lex's "safehouse" being reminiscent of Gene Hackman's Lex's lair in the Richard Donner Superman films (was this nod intentional?)

4.) The dialog between Good Lex and Clark at the end. I LOVE that Lex coins the phrase "Super man". I think you could go further with that and have him be referencing Nietzche's concept of "The Superman". Very spot on and in-character, and a really ironic way for the phrase to be coined.

5.) The ending of this chapter: very suspenseful, I want more!

Keep writing. Very good work.

[Tral]

Hello!

I have been on an amazingly long busy streak lately. HOWEVER I have written about 25% of the next chapter and will be working this week to post, maybe by Wednesday.

I'm sorry for the long wait, like I said super busy lately but I have new found inspiration and some extra time so I will get back to it.

Requiem, I'm glad you liked my last update. When I wrote the outline of this story I had just come off of a Superman Movie marathon. Richard Donner's Superman movie was at the top of my mind so yeah the nod to Lex's underground hideout was intentional. You'll also notice some familiar dialogue between Clark and Jor-El because I feel like if Smallville has ever lacked anything it is those iconic moments between those two.

Like I said i'll get back on the horse now that I have time, inspiration and incentive and get a new chapter out by the end of the week.

[Tral]

So here is the next part of the story. Thank you to MozartRequiem, and Disciples of Zod for your comments and thank you to all who do so for reading my story. Enjoy.

"Echo"

Chapter Four

“Lex,” Clark said, trying to get some sort of response.

Lex continued to convulse, his veins pulsed with such force that they were visible even through his skin. Lex’s eyes had fully retreated behind his head, all Clark could see was the milky white of his eyes.

Clark was detached from feeling, in fact he felt nothing at the sight of Lex riving in pain. What made him nervous was the idea that Lex could die before he was able to help Clark find Chloe. This detached overt apathy left a bitter taste in Clark’s mouth, he didn’t like feeling this way about a mans life; even if that man was Lex Luthor. Could he really hate Lex so much he didn’t even care about the pain he was in?

Clark turned and blurred out of The Watchtower, within seconds he was in the waiting room at Metropolis General Hospital. Clark was greeted at the reception desk by a short Asian woman with dark black hair, dressed in blue scrubs.

“How can I help you?” She greeted cheerfully.

“I need to talk to Doctor Emil Hamilton. Its urgent,” Clark replied projecting a calm urgency.

The woman looked at Clark oddly then replied “Let me page him,” the woman picked up a white phone on her desk and dialed a few numbers.

Clark extended his superior hearing; he could hear the receptionist conversing with a man on the other end of the phone.

“I have a man here who needs to speak with Dr. Hamilton, he says its urgent,” said the receptionist.

“Dr. Hamilton is working in the lab. He doesn’t want to be disturbed,” a grumpy male voice replied.

Clark looked away from the receptionist for a moment and noticed a blue sign marked with multiple white arrows and specific sections of the hospital. Clark noticed an arrow which pointed forward the words “Laboratory” were printed right next to it.

Clark blurred away just as the receptionist looked up, her mouth opening to talk but nothing came out. She looked around, she then shrugged to herself and hung up the phone.

Clark stopped midway into a long hallway he noticed two doctors coming from a lab, he realized one of them was Hamilton.

“Dr. Hamilton,” Clark called out.

Dr. Hamilton turned around, a look of surprise crossed his face. He then turned to his colleague handed him a chart and requested a moment alone.

“Clark…” Hamilton replied oddly.

“Doctor I need your help,” Clark replied impatiently.

“Clark I’m at a critical stage in my research. Can this wait a while?”

“No, there is someone I need you to treat.”

Hamilton laughed to himself.

“If someone is hurt bring them to the hospital,” Hamilton replied simply.

“I cant do that,” Clark insisted.

Hamilton was becoming impatient. “Clark I have-”

Clark stepped forward, grabbed Hamilton by the shoulder, blurred out of the hospital and within moments Clark and Hamilton stood on the second floor of the Watchtower, both men looking down at Lex’s still convulsing body.

“Oh my god,” Hamilton exclaimed.

“Chloe has been taken, and he may be the only person who can help us find her,” Clark insisted.

Hamilton got to work, plucking a small flashlight from his white lab coat, flashing into Lex’s unresponsive eyes.

“I see what you mean about not being able to bring your friend to the hospital,” Hamilton remarked,

“Clark go to Chloe’s desk, I put a medical kit in the second drawer…”

Clark blurred from the desk back to the doctor with the kit in hand before Hamilton could even complete the sentence

“… go get it for me-” he finished.

Hamilton opened the kit revealing needles and syringes along with small glass bottles of fluid. Hamilton put together the needle and syringe, then plucked one of the medicine filled bottles from the kit, puncturing it with the needle. Hamilton filled the syringe with medication.

“Clark hold his arms,” Hamilton commanded.

Clark used just enough force to stop Lex’s arms from convulsing. Hamilton quickly inserted the needle and injected the fluid, a few moments passed and finally Lex stopped shaking. Lex’s chest rose and fell in calm successive breaths. Clark let go of Lex’s arms while Hamilton cleaned his medical mess.

Hamilton took another unfilled syringe and stuck Lex for a second time, he began to draw Lex’s dark crimson blood from his still protruding veins.

“I’m going to run some tests and see if we cant shed some light on the situation and maybe tell us why he’s having seizures.” Hamilton stated, anticipating Clark’s question.

“Good…” Clark replied.

“Who else knows about this?”

“I’m not sure, Chloe, myself and now you.”

Hamilton nodded, making his way to the stairs. Traversing them quickly he walked over to the microscope on the other side of the expansive room that made up Watchtower.

Clark stayed with Lex for a moment longer then turned and made his way to Doctor Hamilton’s side.

Hamilton took a small drop of the blood and sat it on sliver of glass then slid it underneath the microscope. The remaining blood, he put in a test tube and slipped into a centrifuge. Hamilton tapped a button on the top of the device which caused mechanical whining noise as the centrifuge began to spin.

“Are you going to tell Oliver?”

“Actually I was hoping to enlist some help from Bart or maybe Victor,” Clark admitted.

Doctor Hamilton furled his brow at Clark’s comment.

“I understand Oliver and Lex have a history, but he would want to help find Chloe,” Hamilton replied.

“I don’t think you realize how much history they have,” Clark said solemnly.

“Your right I don’t. But I can tell you that he’s going to find out one way or the other- hiding it from him isn’t going to help anyone,” replies Hamilton.

“Not to mention I remember Chloe saying yesterday that Victor was off the grid and Bart was on assignment,” Hamilton adds anecdotally.

“There’s no way I could have kept it from him anyway,” Clark conceded to himself.

Hamilton went back to looking at the sample of Lex’s blood under the microscope.

“Interesting,” he blurted.

“He’s got trace amounts of Kryptonite in his blood.”

“What? How?” Clark asked.

“I’m not sure. There are trace amounts. I’ll have to run some more tests to see what exactly the Kryptonite is doing but the substance seems to be imbedded in every cell.”

Clark glanced up at the second floor where Lex lay unconscious.

“So he’s been infected?”

Emil shook his head.

“No not exactly. These concentrations seem to pure, refined even. Meteor infection we’ve seen in the past comes from a less pure form of Kryptonite making its way into the blood stream. This seems…” Doctor Hamilton paused. “… designed for a specific purpose. What?” He asked himself “I won’t know until I can run a few more tests.”

The doors to The Watchtower suddenly opened, the tall blond image of Oliver Queen stood in the doorway.

“Chloe I was wondering…“ Oliver noticed Emil and Clark working near one of the computers with no sign of Chloe.

He looked around for a second.

“...get lunch,” he finished halfheartedly.

Oliver noticed the solemn atmosphere and the concerned look on Clarks face.

“Clark, you look like your dog just got run over. Whats going on?”

Clark wasn’t sure how he was going to approach the situation. He decided for the direct method. He made his way closer to Oliver.

“Chloe’s taken…” Clark began.

“By who!?” Oliver demanded.

Clark took a deep breath.

“Lex.”

Oliver took a small step back, his face expressed bewilderment and anger.

“How… how is that possible?” Oliver managed.

“We’re not sure. But we already have a lead,” Clark replied.

“Oliver Queen?”

Hearing his name come from behind him caused the hair on the back of his neck to stand up, mostly because he recognized the voice. Oliver turned around hoping it was a mistake. He saw him there, drowsy and dazed, propping himself up on the second floor railing. A sudden rush of adrenalin raced through his body, as he felt the anger build up inside, ready to burst.

“You son of a-” Oliver cursed as he ran to the stairway ready to pummel Lex until he told him where Chloe was being held.

Clark quickly intercepted Oliver in a blur of speed.

“Stop.” Clark demanded.

“He’s not the one we’re looking for.”

“What are you talking about?!” Oliver yelled.

“There are at least two, maybe more of them- they seem to be clones.” Clark said in an intentionally calm even tone.

Oliver glared up at Lex.

“I knew you were an egotist Lex, but man… You need therapy!”

“This Lex stumbled into my barn. He, Chloe and I went to investigate a lab where we expected to get to the bottom of this whole situation….” Clark stopped.

“I shouldn’t have taken her with us…” Clark added, the feeling of guilt cut deeply.

Oliver nodded his head.

“Your right!” Oliver yelled.

Clark took Oliver’s condemnation in stride, Oliver couldn’t make him fell any worse than he already did.

Lex slowly made his way down the stairs.

“She didn’t give you much of a choice, Clark. I was there,” Lex added.

Oliver just glared at Lex, mumbling something under his breath.

“The important thing now is to find Chloe. We have an address. Lex and I were on our way here when he suddenly had a seizure. I didn’t think I should take him to a hospital.”

“You mean given he’s supposed to be dead?” Oliver blurted.

Lex suddenly noticed the fortress of flat paneled screens and computers around him.

“Nice club house you have here Clark,” Lex tried a bit of humor.

Emil had been ignoring the banter back and forth- instead he focused on analyzing Lex’s blood on one of the large screens near the front of the Watchtower.

Oliver made his way back to Clark, lowering his voice and leaning in so that Lex couldn’t hear.

“How much does he know?”

“He doesn’t know about Green Arrow, ”Clark assured him.

“He clams to have no memory of the last 6 years. Though somehow he has some memories from something that happened… well, a long time ago. The short of it is he knows about my abilities.”

“What about…” Oliver eyed Clark oddly. “You know?” He added leadingly.

Clark face scrunched, and his eyes narrowed in confusion.

“Your thing…Your being, you know…” Oliver tried again

“No.” Clark almost laughed. Oliver seemed to have a hard time calling him an ‘alien,’ come to think of it Clark wasn’t sure he was comfortable being called that either.

“I guess he must think I’m meteor infected. And I intend for it to stay that way,” Clark replied.

Oliver noticed Lex circling out of the corner of his eye.

“You said you had a lead,” Oliver changed the subject.

“There’s an empty lot on Fifteenth Street, that’s where we should start.”

“Clark, I wouldn’t just assume Chloe is going to be there. I would have anticipated you’d be able to trace the power outage, and that your first stop would be at that lot on Fifteenth.” Lex chimed in.

“Well then I guess the real question is where else would you take her Lex?” Oliver asked hostilely.

“Depends. Does she have anything valuable?” Lex asked.

“Knowledge about The Watchtower… Some secrets,” Oliver eyed Clark.

Suddenly something clicked in Clark, and it made him uneasy.

“If hes doing experiments with meteors rock again….” Clarks stated. “Her meteor ability…”

“Her what?” Oliver and Lex said simultaneously

“She had been infected by meteor rock a few years back. She gained some sort of healing ability. She lost it after being infected by Brainiac. This Lex has been out of the loop for a long time. He might still think she has it.”

“That would be useful,” Emil butted turning to the three men.

“It doesn’t seem like Lex has quite gotten the cloning process down yet. The sample I took from you shows that Kryptonite is being used to keep the cell structure stable. Without it…” Hamilton’s voice trailed.

“…I’ll die.” Lex finished

“He might think Chloe is the key to fixing that problem,” Oliver added.

“Problem is she doesn’t have the ability anymore,” Clark replied.

“Clark we have to get to her before he discovers that. Once she’s lost her value…” Lex didn’t need to finish the sentence. Everyone knew what was at stake.

* * *

Chloe’s sight faded in and out, she couldn’t feel or hear anything. Her eyes would open for brief moments, only long enough to see bright lights shining in her face. Slowly her senses returned. First her sight, her eyelids labored to leave the forced unconsciousness she founds herself in. She could make out more of her surroundings now, juts as her hearing returned she noticed a man dressed in all white with a surgical mask covering his face out of her far peripheral vision. She started to feel again. She instantly noticed she was naked, with only cloth draped over, her covering her chest and lower body. Chloe felt the cold steel restraint holding down her ankles and wrists. She noticed wires coming from her chest, they connected to small sensors stuck to her skin leading down, to someplace she couldn’t see. She tried to follow the wires with her eyes, as she tried to move her head she realized she was paralyzed. On the bright side she noticed her gunshot wound was miraculously gone. She tried to speak, but all that came out was a cracked whine.

“She’s coming around,” an unfamiliar monotone voice announced.

A pair of foot steps inched closer to Chloe, as they did so her heart began to race.

To her horror she recognized the face before her, Lex.

“Can she speak?” Lex turned to ask someone out of Chloe’s vision.

“It’ll take a few minutes for her mouth to rehydrate, but after that she should. We’ve implanted a cortical shunt, she paralyzed from the head down,” the monotone voice replied.

Chloe began to panic at the mans words.

Lex turned back to Chloe, he looked straight down at her.

“Well, guess that means I’ll be able to get a word in,” Lex smirked. “You don’t have to thank me for fixing that little scratch” Lex said, pressing his index finger where the bullet whole had been, “Nothing a little injection cant fix,” he added.

“Its been a long time, Chloe.” Lex said curtly.

“Its probably hard for someone like you to be trapped, separated from your own army of one.”

Chloe tried to talk, but again nothing but unintelligible noise came out.

“Its okay. You don’t have to talk. You see you’re a big part of my plan. Its time for the resurrection of the Luthor Empire and your going to help me.”

“I’ll never help you…” Chloe managed softly, her voice cracked.

“A bit cliché don’t you think?” Lex replied.

“I don’t know what you think you’re going to get out of keeping me here,” Chloe’s voice was gaining strength.

“Secrets Chloe, the secrets you carry that’s all I am interested in,” Lex replied

“You have no idea what your doing. Clark-”

Hearing Clarks name Lex quickly leaned in close to Chloe’s face, the two were only inches apart.

“Say it…” He taunts her.

After brief hesitation

“Clark will never let you get away with this!” Chloe yells.

“WRONG AGAIN!” Lex yells, grabbing Chloe by her shoulders.

“Clark has no idea where you are, and I’ve left enough bread crumbs in the wrong places that he’ll never find us! Your alone here Chloe, your cavalry isn’t rushing in to rescue you, and if you want to survive you’ll do exactly as I say.”

“We’re ready…” the monotone voice announced.

Lex looked away giving a slight nod. He turned back to Chloe, still holding her shoulders, only inches from her face.

“But first, we have a few tests to run. Don’t worry you’ll be able to witness everything. Everything in excruciating detail.” His voice was eerily calm now. “Enjoy…”

Chloe’s eyes widened in horror as she looked into Lex’s eyes, she saw nothing but pure darkness, a smirk crossed his face- he was enjoying watching her fall into dread.

Lex let go of Chloe, standing upright he looked down at her for a moment more then he turned and walked away.

Suddenly the man dressed in white surgical gown stood before her, in his hand was some sort of semicircle metal device. Five metal needles protruded ominously each equally spaced apart. The man attached the odd device to two latches on each side of the head rest where Chloe’s head lay.

Chloe’s eyes began to dart back and forth in panic. Her abdomen rose and fel quicker and quicker, she could hear her own heartbeat as it pumped adrenalin filled blood to every part of her body. Suddenly her eyes began to fill with tear, even if she had been able to move she was so petrified she doubted she’d be able to. She closed her eyes as a tear escaped, she squeezed her eyeleds hard trying to stop the flood that was coming. She wished for nothing more in that moment than to see the dark trench coat, strong features and signature “S” of Clark Kent break through the wall, take out the crazy doctor looking down at her and rip these cold steel restraints off of her. But he didn’t come. She realized no one was coming.

“Clark…” she whispered desperately.

The sound of hydraulics suddenly filled Chloe’s ears as the metal needle just above her right temple began to slowly approach her skull. Chloe yelped as the cool metal struck her skin. As the needle began to burrow in Chloe felt as if her skull was going to crack and splinter. When it didn’t and the next needle, only inches from her temple, begin to fall she could do nothing. Tears began to flow from her eyes, she could do nothing, nothing but scream. Her horrified screams filled the room echoing in the vast expanse of darkness she slid into as she fell into unconsciousness.

* * *

Clark x-rayed all of Summerholt. He zipped around the facility, simply tearing down doors that stood in his way as he went deeper and deeper into the facility. He was careful to destroy any cameras with his heat vision, or simply moved fast enough so that it didn’t even matter.

He had looked over the whole facility, there was nothing. Even in the deep recesses of the building where he knew all to well illegal experiments had once been conducted were now void of anything suspicious. There was no sign of led anywhere in the building, Clark was confident he had scanned every possible location. Feeling defeated he found himself at the far end of the building in an alleyway between Summerholt and some other building.

Clark tapped the earpiece in his right ear.

“Oliver, anything?”

“Clark… I thought we discussed this, anyone could be listening in. Use the code names, man.”

“How about we focus on finding Chloe, Green Arrow.” Clark snapped. “That address on Fifteenth had nothing but an empty warehouse. I even x-rayed the ground around the address- nothing. Any luck and Belle Reve?” He added.

“Nothing, clean as a whistle. Other than the crazies, nothing out of the ordinary,” Oliver replied.

A spark of rage overtook Clark, as he jammed his fist into the side of the building, creating a huge hole where his hand had effortlessly broken the surface.

“Clark?”

“Its nothing.” Clark grunted.

“Lets regroup at Watchtower,” Oliver replied.

Clark blurred away from Summerholt and was in The Watchtower in a flash. Clark noticed Lex sitting at one of the larger computer screens. He was reading news paper articles, The Daily Planet, the Gotham Gazette, the New York Times.

“My father always said that news papers were trash… but it seemed like the best way to get up to speed…” Lex said.

“Well it doesn’t give you the whole picture,” Clark replied

“Maybe not but I can see the markers,”

“Markers?” Clark asked.

“The places where either me my father or Luthor Corp are mentioned- where clearly the whole story isn’t being told.”

“Like this…” Lex tapped the keyboard

A Daily Planet article, popped up titled “Luther Proposal ON HOLD for ex-flame” The byline read “Linda Lake.” A picture of Clark stood between a picture of Lana and Lex, a broken red heart stood as the background.

Clark was taken back by the memory. Oddly he didn’t feel what he thought he would being reminded of something that at the time was crippling, which now seemed like a different life. He knew for sure that he didn’t want to talk about this and definitely not with of all people Lex Luthor.

“I assume this is after the whole endangering-Lana’s-life thing?” Lex asked.

Clark just nodded, in confirmation.

“You never told her your secret. She couldn’t trust you, so she came to me…” Lex replied.

“I don’t really want to talk about this.” Clark said turning to another computer, tapping the keyboard.

Lex turned around.

“Clark have you ever considered that maybe not everyone around you is completely untrustworthy? I mean you lost Lana because of your secret.”

Clark turned to face Lex, staring him down.

“I lost Lana because of YOU Lex. Your appetite for revenge and power tore her away from me, even after she knew my secret. So lets stick to topics you know something about. Like where Chloe is being kept.”

“Clark I already told you I don’t know. Belle Reve, Summerholt, that address on Fifteenth, those are my only leads,” Lex replied.

Clark eyed him suspiciously, he couldn’t tell if Lex was lying really well or telling the truth.

Lex came to a sudden realization, no matter what he did Clark would never trust him again. There was no amount of good will, or helping hand, or truth that would restore them as friends. Lex wasn’t sure what to do with that knowledge.

Oliver came walking into the Watchtower, without a hint of green leather on him, he intended to keep Lex away from his secret.

“Hello Green Arrow.” Lex blurted as Oliver walked in.

Oliver stopped in his tracks, he turned to Clark.

“He didn’t say anything.” Lex interjected. “I mean it doesn’t take a whole lot to connect the dots. You just casually walking into Clarks little hideaway here. Not to mention he has to be getting the money for this place from somewhere. Then the convenience of another crime fighting vigilante in Metropolis who is a little more photogenic than a blurry black blob. I may have been dead, but I’m not stupid.” He added.

“Looks like we need to work on this whole ‘secret identity’ thing,” Oliver conceded, walking more comfortably into Watchtower.

“I take it we there was no sign of Chloe?” Lex asked.

“Nothing. Belle Reve, Summerholt, the warehouse on Fifteenth.” Clark replied.

“We have to tell Lois…” Oliver interjected.

Clark’s stomach wrenched at the thought of telling Lois Chloe was missing. He didn’t want to hurt her, he didn’t want to worry her, and he wasn’t looking forward to the lie he would have to weave when he finally had to tell her.

Oliver could see the trepidation on Clarks face.

“We have to tell her, Clark”

“I know that,” he said simply. “I just want to make sure we’ve covered all our bases before we worry her.”

“She’s stronger than you think…” Oliver said.

Clark ignored Oliver’s jab, he had more important things to worry about.

Everyone’s attention turned to the door as Emil came walking in with a manila folder.

“I have the results of the test.” Emil said as he approached Lex.

Emil handed Lex the folder.

“There are strands of Kryptonite throughout your bloodstream and cell structure. The genetic tests tell us that some of substance has been used to increase the rate at which you age. This has had the unfortunate side effect of causing a malformation in your cell structure, some of your cells are being reinforced by a strange kryptonite cocktail. Because your body needs Kryptonite, in its purest form, if you don’t receive a particular dosage in regular intervals your cell structure will begin to collapse,” Doctor Hamilton explained.

Lex looked down at contents of the folder, from genetic tests, to cell analysis. He didn’t understand it all but he got enough to know it wasn’t looking good.

“The thing is we have the technology now to not only clone someone with a virtually perfect cell structure, with no malformation, but moreover with the proper treatments we can even age a clone rapidly without this Kryptonite cocktail. I don’t know why anyone would do this, especially someone with resources of Lex Luthor…” Emil added.

Lex turned his back looking at the colorful pane glass window.

“Its an insurance policy.” Lex said simply. “If one of his clones gets out of line, or thinks of breaking away, it doesn’t matter. They’ll just wither away and die. Its clean, simple and most of all-”

“Cruel” Clark finished.

Lex turned around to face Clark.

“Exactly.”


* * *


The Fortress of Solitude was in a darkened slumber as the arctic wasteland surrounded it was shrouded in night, the stars and moon served as the only light. A dark figure sped into the fortress.

With the presence of a person within the Fortress, the main crystal console came to life with vibrant white light. Sitting ominously in the background were the darkened pillars of ice and snow. But where the crystalline ice formations were healthy and clear, white light began to shine through, revealing an unexpected guest- Zod.

Zod walked into the fortress in aw of what he saw. His home had reincarnated on this little space of land in the arctic north. Kal-El must have found the stones of knowledge and erected this little piece of Krypton.

“Zod.” The booming voice of Jor-El echoed throughout the fortress with an almost resentful tone.

Zod was shocked to hear the voice of his long dead friend, he noticed a more aged and superior smugness in his voice.

“I should have known Jor-El that you would program yourself into the stones.” Zod snapped. He turned facing a new direction. “Immortality for yourself and your son but not for the rest of our people!” He added.

“The stones did not originally possess my memory. Only after Kal-El‘s ship landed did it imprint upon the stones my consciousness, and only after YOU had sealed the fait of our planet, Zod. Kal-El has been forced to undergo many challenges to test his true nature, tests which you and your soldiers would fail. He has proven that he can responsibly possess these extraordinary powers. You on the other hand would destroy this word.”

“You always have lacked faith in your fellow Kryptonians. Only you would be so morally superior as to condemn us all to a powerless life among these… barbarians.” Zod rebutted.

“Where is the Book or Rao, Jor-El?!” Zod demanded. “I know it was sent here with the stones!”

The weather in the fortress suddenly shifted, wind began to blow with gale force snow flakes flurried around Zod‘s stoic frame.

“The Book of Rao is meant for Kal-El. In your hands you would use it to destroy this world as you did Krypton. Kal-El’s destiny cannot be diverted, he will be guided by the Book of Rao. You will not find it.”

Zod laughed out loud at the words of his old friend.

“Kal-El is becoming more Kryptonian every day. He’s found a family with us. In the end, Jor-El your son will either join us, or be destroyed by us!”

“You are not welcome here, Zod.” The Fortress began to shake, chunks of clear and black ice began to collapse around Zod.

Zod did a quick pass with his x-ray vision around the fortress for the Book of Rao. He found nothing. More bits of ice and crystal fell from the ceiling. To be thorough Zod extended his superior hearing, incase the Book of Rao was giving off a signal. He couldn’t hear the anything of note at first, but something caught his ear, something at the outer range of his Kryptonian hearing.

“Clark has no idea where you are, and I’ve left enough bread crumbs in the wrong places that he’ll never find us. Your alone here Chloe, your cavalry isn’t rushing in to rescue you, and if you want to survive you’ll do exactly as I say.”

“We’re ready…”

“But first, we have a few tests to run. Don’t worry you’ll be able to witness everything. Everything in excruciating detail.”

“Clark…”

Zod was intrigued.

“Goodbye old friend!” Zod yelled, flying from the fortress.

High above the fortress’ icy walls Zod looked around for anything out of the ordinary. The voices had come from somewhere close enough that he should have been able to see it.

“Maybe its underground” he said aloud.

Zod scanned the frozen tundra with his x-ray vision, careful not to miss anything- then he saw it. A small, boxed structure many miles away from the fortress completely snowed over, somewhat tucked underground. For some reason he couldn’t see through the walls. Zod smirked zooming in at lightening speed he tore a whole in the steel wall exposing the warmth of the inside to the bitter cold of the outside. Zod landed effortlessly in a small hallway lined in some sort of metallic insulation. He walked a few feet into the building before five men dressed in black suits surrounded him from both sides, each point a pistol squarely at him.

Zod smirked.

“Stand aside,” Zod ordered.

“Lower your weapons,” a voice in the background commanded.

Lex appeared from behind the line of armed men.

“Hello…” Lex said looking at the whole in the side of his building.

An evil grin flashed on Lex’s face as his security detail moved out of his way. Zod and Lex stood, facing each other. The arctic cold was already taking effect on Lex and his men, their skin turning red under the fierce cold.

“My name is Lex Lurthor. And who the are you?”

“My name is Zod,” he replied simply.

Lex smiled visibly, he could not have asked for anything better.

“Hello Zod, I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Zod cocked his head. This human amused him, he was arrogant and self absorbed. But his audacity intrigued him.

“What could we possibly have to discuss?” Zod asked.

Lex smiled disappeared quickly, being replaced with a look of determination

“Kal-El…”




Please leave any comments or suggestions.

[phoenixnz]

I felt I had to comment. You have set this up very well. This version of Lex is undoubtedly cruel and heartless, creating clones which can be controlled by pure Kryptonite. Which makes it a Catch-22 situation for Clark. The Lex he is trying to help is the Lex who was once his friend, but the very nature of Lex's cellular structure makes him toxic. Who knows what could happen once Lex's cellular structure begins to deteriorate. As for the evil Lex's alliance with Zod, I'm interested to see how you resolve the issue of Zod's phantom form taking over Lex's body from Season six. I have to wonder if this Lex has really descended so low that he would consider an alliance with Clark's enemy, and the threat to the planet.
Please keep writing. This is good stuff. You appear to have thought this out very well and I'm interested in seeing where you go from here.

[Tral]

"Echo"

Chapter Five

Chloe’s surroundings faded in and out, her head felt like it had been pressed in a trash compacter. She let out a soft moan as her eyes labored to open. She could hear the faint beep of a EKG machine, registering her heart beats. At least she was alive. Chloe’s eyes still refused to open all the way, but her hearing had completely returned, she could hear people talking at the far end of the room.

“What?!” Lex yelled.

“I’m sorry, but there is no Kryptonite in her system, Mr. Luthor,” said the doctor.

“That’s not possible,” Lex replied in disbelief. “She had high concentrations the last time we ran similar tests.”

“I don’t know what to tell you Mr. Luthor, something must have extracted it from her system.”

“What could possibly have done-” Lex paused, seeming to realize what could have happened.

Lex glared at Chloe, disgustedly.

“Milton Fine” Lex said under his breath.

“Now that we know she doesn’t have any worth would you like me to dispose of her?” the doctor asked.

“No.” Lex said. “She may not be able to do what we wanted, but she still has a place in our plans.”

Lex turned away from the doctor and moved over to Chloe’s side, as she lay on the metal slab that held her in place.

“Doctor Land tells me that you’ve lost your meteor ability,” said Lex. “That’s unfortunate for you, because if you still had it your life would have been much more pleasant.”

“Even if I had it, I would never have used it to help you…” Chloe managed softly.

“Oh Chloe. We’ve known each other for a long time… Of course you would’ve helped me. After all if you hadn’t I would have killed Clark Kent,” Lex leaned in, whispering in Chloe’s ear; “And we both know how much you care about him…”

“Unfortunately it seems ‘plan A’ has collapsed. But, luckily, I’ve found a new business partner who should be able to set the trap nicely, with you as the bait,” Lex continued.

Lex stood up, looking down at Chloe.

“We’ll be in touch soon.” Lex said whimsically as he turned and left the room.

* * *

Clark stared at the back of Lex’s head for a few moments. Lex hid his fear well, but Clark knew that the devastating news of his impending decay was on the forefront of Lex’s mind. Clark had his own deep concerns about Chloe’s fait and even Lex’s disorder. Hiding their feelings was a trait even Clark couldn’t deny they shared.

Oliver was organizing his various arrows, Hamilton was working away on the computers, Clark however felt he had nothing to do. Hours earlier, after meeting up at Watchtower Clark and Oliver did another sweep of the city. Every Luthor Corp facility in Metropolis was clean, Clark made sure of it. Chloe was nowhere to be found.

In a bout of self-centered concern Clark wondered what would happen as Lex’s cellular structure began to collapse. The only person qualified to answer that was Hamilton. Clark inconspicuously made his way to Hamilton’s side. Emil didn’t even look away from his work as Clark approached.

“Doctor.” Clark said, trying to get his attention.

“Yes,” Hamilton said simply, intently working.

“About the Kryptonite in Lex’s system…” Clark began.

Sensing the question Emil turned to Clark, then looked back at Lex who was still catching up on past news.

“What exactly is going to happen?”

Emil shook his head.

“I cant be sure. Its likely that his internal organs will begin to fail. We’ll begin to see more and more seizers. As the Kryptonite in his system becomes more unstable it may not be safe for you to be around him. His entire body will, at some point, become a walking biomass that emits Green Kryptonite radiation. When that happens it will be no different than you being exposed to one of the meteor rocks.”

Clark let out a faint sigh, he had conflicting feelings about Lex, their past, and his involvement with the disappearance of Chloe. Lex had on so many occasions fooled him into a false sense of trust, which always covered a lie of some sort. Even when they had been friends Lex was not above a bold faced lie. Clark simply couldn’t see how Lex could be any different now than he was six years ago. But still Lex was dieing, and Clark felt, oddly, that he had a duty to help him.

“Is there a cure?” Clark asked.

“I’ve been working on it. But in all actuality this Lex may not be able to survive without injections of the refined Kryptonite. Injections he will need to take for the rest of his life,” Hamilton replied somberly.

“Chloe’s the priority right now. Maybe wherever she’s being held also has information that can help us with Lex,” Clark said.

Clark was startled by the sudden buzz of his phone. Clark dug his hand into his pants pocket pulling out a black smartphone. ‘Lois Lane’ popped up onto the caller ID. Clark took in a deep breath and put the phone to his ear, answering the call.

“Smallville! Where have you been? Its like you just fell off the map,” Lois aggravated voice greeted him.

“Hello Lois,” Clark said with a tinge of annoyance in his voice.

Oliver’s ears perked up at Lois’s name. He looked up at Clark, who knew exactly what Oliver wanted. Clark realized now was the best time to tell her some of what was going on.

“Don’t ‘Hello Lois’ me Clark. You remember that little article we were writing together? You know the one about money laundering by our City Manager?” Lois insisted, knowing very well Clark knew all about it- he was the one who had led her to the story after all.

“I know Lois…” Clarks tone changed. “But I’ve been busy. We need to talk. I’m walking into The Planet now,” Clark said has he blurred into the alley next to The Daily Planet. Clark walked normally the rest of the way into his workplace.

“Okay then… I’ll see you in a minute,” Lois said ending the call.

The elevator ride down to the basement was the longest Clark had ever taken. The whole time he tried to come up with a plausible story. The facts were that Chloe was in danger and he needed to tell Lois as much, without revealing Lex’s involvement, Chloe’s affiliation with Oliver and their band of heroes while protecting his own identity. A web of lies started to form and it reminded him of years earlier when Clark and his parents had to come up with other elaborate stories about any number of odd occurrences while he was growing up. The ‘ding’ of the elevator landing at its destination woke Clark from his mental constructions.

Clark walked into the bullpen. Lois was sitting at her desk typing away at the computer. Clark stood there for a moment just looking at her. As if she could sense him Lois looked back to find Clark staring at her. She noticed something in his eyes, a look on his face. For a moment it worried her. Lois stood and casually walked up to him..

Clark’s skin tingled as she got closer. Clark suddenly felt stronger, she always made him feel stronger.

“Clark? What is it?” Lois asked.

“Chloe… Chloe’ missing,” Clark said simply.

Lois shook her head in disbelief. “She’s what?”

And so the lies began; “Oliver said she didn’t come to work. He tried calling her, she didn’t answer.”

Lois smirked a bit; “Chloe being elusive is nothing new. Sounds to me like she’s avoiding you two and you guys are going to DEFCON 3.” Lois joked.

“I went by the Talon, she wasn’t there Lois. We cant find her. That’s what I’ve been doing. Oliver and I have been looking for her everywhere,” Clark said, pressing harder now to show Lois he was serious.

Lois’s lips were agape, she could see it now, something she had never actually seen on Clarks face before. Fear.

“Oh my god,” Lois exclaimed.

“What? When did-? She’s just missing?” Lois tried a coherent thought, failing at each attempt.

“We don’t know a lot right now, Lois. But Oliver has a whole division of Luthor Corp and Queen Industries looking for her,” Clark tried to assure her.

Clark took comfort in the fact that in a way that wasn’t a lie. With everyone at The Watchtower working to find Chloe it was just like a division of a multinational conglomerate was looking for her. He wouldn’t rest until they had found Chloe and brought her back home safe.

Clark moved closer grabbing her shoulders firmly and pulling her in close. Clark looked into her eyes; “We’re going to find her,” Clark said softly.

His voice soothed Lois’s racing heart. She wrapped her arms around Clark as she melted into him. She felt a surge of power and of strength as she lay her ear to his chest. She could hear the powerful beats of Clark’s heart. She wondered were that power came from, how he could fill her with strength and warmth in the moment she felt the coldest fear.

“I’m going to find her Clark…” Lois said softly but with a fierce determination that Clark recognized as uniquely Lois.

* * *

Lex had spent hours reading every news outlet he could. He read about the merger between Queen Industries and Luthor Corp. He read about the new CEO of Luthor Corp, Tess Mercer. He never remembered his father hiring anyone named Tess, and he definitely never remembered someone close enough to him to warrant making her CEO. Lex assumed he had given her a high ranking position while he himself had control of the corporation, but couldn’t be sure. He read about his own disappearance after what the Daily Planet reported was an arctic skiing adventure gone wrong, and later of his inexplicable return and murder. None of it made any sense, maybe being murdered wasn’t that far gone, but definitely a skiing trip to the arctic circle was more than unusual for Lex, it was impossible- he hated skiing. Two events struck him the most. One was his time dating Lana Lang. Lex would have been lying to himself if he did acknowledge an attraction to her. But from Lex’s perspective she would have still been a high school Junior. He knew the feels were taboo at least and despicable at most. But he could not ignore them.

When Lex saw pictures of the more grown up Lana Lang the felling came back. Primal and covert, but still ever present bubbles percolating to the surface. He read more and more about their life together. Their wedding, their child, the devastating news of Lana’s miscarriage. And finally the reports that he had been arrested for her murder. Later it would be written that another man had been responsible, and in an elaborate plot to get away from Lex, Lana had escaped to China. This to him smelled like a cover up and Lex knew there was more to it than just what had been written in the papers. But he couldn’t remember any of it, and that bugged Lex to no end.

The second most striking was his fathers death, which according to Clark Lex had been responsible for. Maybe HE wasn’t directly responsible but he definitely felt responsible. A man with the same blood running through their veins, a man with the same eyes as his, a man with even the same hairline as he had killed his father. The papers reported it as a suicide, but Lex refused to believe that, even if Clark hadn’t told him the truth he would never have believed the great Lionel Luthor would kill himself. He needed answers.

It took every fiber of control he had to not storm Luthor Corp tower for answers. He knew he could find them there, or back at the Mansion in Smallville. Clark said it was too dangerous but Lex suspected Clark was hiding something from him, something he might discover beyond the walls of this “Watchtower” as Clark called it. Knowing Clark was faster than a speeding bullet, impervious to everything but some rock, and able to throw a car like it was a block of Styrofoam wasn’t the only thing Clark Kent was hiding. Lex shook his head. He felt the darkness creeping back in. He had been fighting it so hard since he had learned Clarks secret. Clark may not have known it yet but he needed protecting. People would never stop hunting Clark and his identity, and Lex was smart enough to know that once people realized “The Blur” couldn’t be harmed those who opposed Clarks alter ego would go after the people he cared for. When this crisis was over Lex had every intention of helping Clark as best he could. He knew that in its self would be the challenge of a life time. In Clarks older age a lot of Jonathan Kent was manifested in him and that made for a distrustful, yet morally just man who, somehow, Lex knew the world needed.

Oliver had been watching him, he hadn’t left Lex‘s side since he had walked in expecting a lunch date with Chloe. When he wasn’t cleaning his compound bow and arranging his various arrows. Lex would catch Oliver looking at him. One moment the look would be one of what Lex descried as relief. But as soon as Oliver realized Lex was looking his face would change to a cold, disdainful glare and Oliver blurting a harsh “What?” Oliver had a piece of the puzzle, a piece that Lex somehow knew was critical to understanding the events of the past few years. Lex set that aside for a moment and got up from the stool he had been sitting on for hours. He stretched as his back popped and cracked.

“I’m hungry,” Lex announced.

Oliver didn’t bother to look up.

“What does this look like? The Hilton? Go get something,” Oliver blurted.

Lex was feed up with Oliver constantly demeaning tone.

“Well that would be great except for I’m supposed to be dead. Oh! And I wasn’t exactly cloned with Benjamin’s growing out my-”

“OK!” Oliver interrupted.

“Here,” Oliver walked over to Chloe’s desk, opening it he found a pair of wide rimmed black glasses. Oliver threw them at Lex who fumbled in catching them but recover before they fell to the ground.

“Take one of the hoodies out of the closet.” Oliver said, approaching Lex with a crisp $20 “And go get some McDonalds.” Oliver added.

Lex arched his eyebrow.

“You’re just going to let me walk out of here?”

“Its not like you’d get very far. Not with the Green Arrow watching you.” Oliver smirked.

A few minutes later Lex Luthor found himself walking a few blocks away from the Watchtower in what he could describe as nothing less than a secret mission to grab a Big Mac. The sun was beating down, though the air was cool against what was exposed of Lex’s skin. Lex felt ridiculous with the black glasses that seemed to cover his whole face while the blue hoodie he had on covered everything else. Lex knew he was there, watching his every move but he couldn’t see Oliver anywhere. Lex inconspicuously walked down the street. He found himself oddly worried that someone would recognize him. Suddenly he realized, in an odd way, how Clark must have felt all these years.

Lex had made it to the McDonalds. Before reaching for the door he turned and looked at a tall building next to the modern looking burger joint. There was Oliver- the Green Arrow looking down at him. Lex turned and, grabbing the metal door handle opened the door just a crack- suddenly Lex felt a fierce wind smack his face. An odd motion sickness took his heart and landed it in his stomach. Suddenly Lex found himself on the roof of the Daily planet. Lex took in a few deep short breaths, pushing back the urge to vomit.

“Lex Luthor” an unfamiliar voice said from behind him.

Lex stiffened at his name, as he turned. Seeing that his disguise had failed Lex peeled back the blue hoodie and took off the ridiculous glasses. A man dressed in a black drench coat stood on the roofs ledge- it was Zod.

“It looks like you have me at a disadvantage,” Lex replied. “Who are you supposed to be?” Looking Zod up and down he wore similar clothes to what Clark had worn when they had gone to investigate Summerholt.

“I thought that guy I read about in Gotham had the monopoly on dark costumes and a bad attitude,” Lex jabbed.

“My name isn’t important. What you need to know is you cant trust Clark Kent,” Zod replied.

“Oh really? And you know this…?” Lex asked

“You may think you know a lot about Clark Kent but you haven’t even touched the surface yet.”

“You’re the second man in black in the past two days to try and persuade me to betray Clark Kent. In my experience people this obsessed with some farm boy gone reporter need serious mental help,” Lex replied in a bit of irony.

“Then you must be the poster child for psycho therapy on the subject. You’re as interested in Clark as I am. As others are,” Zod replied. “He’ll never find the Kryptonite you need. He’s not even looking. He wants to find Chloe Sullivan, that’s his end game.”

Lex eyed the stranger, he knew a lot more about Lex and his situation than he was letting on.

“How do you-”

“That’s not important. What’s important is that you get the truth. The WHOLE truth about Clark Kent,” Zod interrupted.

“You see Clark isn’t from Smallville. He’s not even from Kansas. Clark Kent is an alien to this world. An alien who at best stops the occasional mugging but at worst protects murders,” Zod said smoothly.

Lex’s head started to spin, he wasn’t sure what to believe, who to believe. Who was this mysterious man before him? How did he know about Clark? Was he telling the truth? Confusion quickly gave way to defensive anger.

“I think you’ve been reading to many comic books…” Lex replied sarcastically.

“No. It is the truth,” Zod replied simply.

“Clark Kent may be many things but he is no accomplice to murder!” Lex yelled.

“No? Tell me then who killed Lex Luthor?” Zod rebutted, as he hopped down from the ledge and approached Lex.

The two men were face to face now.

“Clark is incapable…” Lex began.

“Maybe so, but Oliver Queen isn’t.” Zod quickly interrupted.

Like pieces to a puzzle a picture was beginning to form, a picture Lex cringed at the thought of.

“Oliver Queen blew you to bits. Clark knew all about it. And if it had been anyone else who had died Oliver Queen would have seen the inside of a jail cell. Clark would have made sure of it. But no, Lex Luthor’s life was less important! Less worthy of protection!” Zod yelled.

Zod softened his tone, relaxing his face a façade of compassion covering his sinister motive.

“There was no justice for Lex Luthor. He was murdered and the RED BLUE BLUR was nowhere to be found,”

“No…” Lex whispered as he turned away. Collecting his thoughts the rage boiled over.

Lex turned around quickly

“You’re lying!” Lex spat.

“No. I’m not. Ask him yourself,” Zod whispered.

Lex closed his eyes, trying to clear away the cold, dark revelation of uncertainty this man Lex knew nothing about had seemed to polish for him to see clearly. This uncertainty had been there and in some twisted way Lex had known all along. The odd glares by Oliver. The internal disappointment in himself Lex sometimes got a glimpse of in Clark’s eyes as they talked.

At best Clark Kent was an accessory to HIS murder at worst an accomplice to it.

A swift breeze of air pulled Lex from his introspection. His eyes shot open with a flurry of hate and sadness, but most of all betrayal. There were so many emotions Lex didn’t even notice the mystery man was gone.

Lex looked around, with no one in site he felt only one thing. Freedom.

* * *

Clark had decided to take a quick run to the Farmhouse, he had forgotten to feed Shelby before he left for work. Lois had decided to take the rest of the day off. She assured him that she wouldn’t be getting into any trouble trying to find Chloe, but he knew that was a lie. He would follow her, to keep an eye out for trouble which she seemed to have a knack for finding. But first Shelby needed food.

Clark poured the earthy colored food in a silver bowl as Shelby excitedly walked to the bowl and began lapping it up feverishly. Taking a moment to reflect on the past few days events Clark hadn’t even noticed when Zod entered the room.

“Hello Kal-El”

A little off guard, Clark stiffened at the utterance of his Kryptonian name. He turned to see Zod standing in the archway between the living room and kitchen.

“What are you doing here, Zod?” Clark asked.

“I heard someone had gone missing, a friend of yours,” Zod replied.

Clark took a step closer to Zod, eyeing him suspiciously.

“How could you have heard that?” Clark asked forcefully.

“I’m a military man Kal-El, on the battle field its good to keep your ear to the ground,” Zod answered.

“I wasn’t aware you were fighting a war,” Clark rebutted.

“Our people are fighting for survival whether you want to admit it or not,” Zod replied.

“In all truthfulness you saved my life. I have an opportunity to start to repay that debt and maybe even learn what it is you see in these humans,” Zod added.

“What do you have?” Clark asked.

“As you know I started a corporation called R.A.O-”

“Yeah your cover for the solar tower,” Clark interrupted.

“Call it whatever you want. in any case being a subsidiary of Luthor Corp gives me certain access to documents that almost no one sees. Financial statements that aren’t exactly on the books, if you know what I mean,” Zod continued.

“And?” Clark asked impatiently.

Zod reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a long white envelope and handed it to Clark.

Clark opened the envelope which was full of financial statements, requisition forms, equipment manifests and more.

“What is all this?” Clark asked as he read.

“Almost five years ago Luthor Corp started working on a top secret project. One of their assets was a vile of blood taken from an unknown subject. The blood seemed to have strange properties including healing. The cells were completely immutable, so their was very little they could do with it. The project was canceled but a small portion remained. This information was lost in the dark recesses of Luthor Corp for a long time,” Zod said

Clark knew instantly that it was his own blood, either drawn from him during a bout of sickness his sophomore year in high school or a sample from when he voluntarily gave his blood to save his family’s life.

“Two years after that a building project seemed to take off. I don’t know exactly where, but enough material for a small compound was shipped to Canada’s Nunavut territory. By the end of the move all of Cadmus Labs was gone, presumably moved to someplace in Canada. Some of the material included highly conductive and experimental compound metals. Then a little over a year and a half ago a huge sum of money was taken directly from the Luthor Corp account and dumped into over a dozen unspecified accounts across the globe. And five months ago a large sum of money was wired to the Summerholt institute for some sort of contract job, the account owner was never specified,” continued Zod.

“How does this help me find my friend?” Clark asked.

“There is more. Yesterday, one of Queen Industries advanced satellites picked up an odd energy frequency coming from Greenland.”

Clark looked up at Zod, at least now he had a lead. But Clark wanted to know why, he didn’t buy the debts paid angle.

“I want to show you I’m not the man you think I am, Kal-El,” Zod added, as if reading Clarks thoughts.

“Thank you.” Clark said simply.

Zod nodded and walked away. Clark waited until he heard the front door shut before he reached into his pocket and dialed Oliver on his phone.

A few rings later Oliver picked up.

“Clark, where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for hours…” Oliver said harshly.

“I had my phone off,” Clark replied quickly diving into his new found information; “Oliver I think I might have a lead on Chloe. Tess may know something about what’s going on. See if you can get a hold of J’onn and have him meet Lex you and I at Watchtower,” Clark interrupted.

“Clark that’s what I’m trying to tell you. Lex is gone…”

“Gone?” Clark asked, bewildered.

“We went down the street to grab some food. One second he’s walking into a McDonalds the next second he’s completely… gone.” Oliver replied.

“We’ll find him. But right now we need to talk to Tess. She might know exactly where both Lex and Chloe are.”

“Mercy? What could she possibly know about the crazed plots of Mr Baldy? Especially after the whole LoJack thing.” Oliver asked.

“A lot more than you might think. I‘m going to talk to her now.” Clark said.

“Clark are you sure that’s such a good idea?” Oliver asked, but it was too late Clark had hung up.

* * *

Tess Mercer was sitting at her desk in The Daily Planet highest office. Luthor Corp tower sat majestically in the background just outside her office window. On her desk were stacks of papers and portfolios. The desk was a mess with random papers strewn all around its surface. Tess was intently reading one such paper as she heard the door to her office open. She didn’t bother to look up, there was only one person in the building with the audacity to simply walk into her office.

“Oliver I don’t have time to chitchat. I’m going over the projected expense report for next quarter.”

“Hello Tess,” a horrifyingly familiar voice greeted her ominously.

Tess’s blood froze, her heart seemed to stop. Her head involuntarily tilted upward as her eyes slowly made their journey with it. Standing before her was Lex, dressed in a casual suit jacket, purple shirt and black slacks, as if him standing there was the most normal thing he had ever done. Lex shut the door behind him as he walked further into the office.

Tess immediately reached for the gun under her desk. Her hands found nothing. In a fit of panic her hands searched all along the underbelly of her desk in a frantic pattern.

“Looking for this?” Lex asked, dangling a gun between his thumb and index finger, the clip was noticeably absent.

Lex dropped the bulletless gun on the floor.

“I’ve been impressed with your work….” Lex said taking a few more uncomfortable steps closer to Tess.

Tess remained frozen at her desk, not sure what to do. Her eyes filled with tears of horror and rage as she gulped, an invisible lump in her throat began to form. Suddenly a burst of adrenaline hit her bloodstream pulling her out of her dazed petrifaction.

“But it seems as if, SOMEHOW, the money in some of my oldest and most secret accounts is just GONE. I wondered to myself. ‘HOW could this be?’” Lex asked rhetorically. He glared at Tess, knowing exactly where the money must have gone.

“You’re supposed to be… be-” Tess tried to speak.

“Dead?” Lex finished her sentence. “Not quite,” he added.

Tess stood slowly, never for a moment taking her eyes off of Lex. Lex maneuvered around to the right side of her desk. Tess founder herself moving in opposite to him as she stood looking at Lex from the left side of the desk. The only thing between them was the large mahogany slab of wood, but even that fact didn’t calm Tess’s nerves.

Lex peeled back his suit jacket a small bit reaching in for something in his pocket. Anticipating Lex would brandish a weapon Tess took a sudden step back.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to kill you Tess,” Lex said as he pulled out a stapled stack of blue and white folded papers and dropped them on the desk.

“What’s this?” Tess asked glancing down at the document. She could make out a few words in the seconds she took her eyes off Lex. It read; “Metropolis Court Order”

“I have this friend down at the Courthouse. I went to see him today. He tells me that because I’m not really dead the circumstance under which you were passed ownership of my 51 percent majority share in Luthor Corp is no longer valid,” Lex said, faking surprise at the development.

Tess couldn’t believe it. She carefully reached down and grabbed the court documents and began to read them. Everything was there, Tess stood, exposed and vulnerable in her own office by Lex Luthor, he had stripped of everything she had built.

“All of my stock have been returned to their rightful owner, effectively making me CEO of Luthor Corp. And you have… well… nothing.”

Tess had the sudden feeling that she had to leave that office, the building; she had to run as far away as possible to escape this madman. Tess slowly made her way to the door, never turning her back to Lex. A tear fell from her eye as she found herself up against the door to the office she once called her own. In a parallel move Lex stood behind the comfortable, black leathered chair looking at Tess who was a distance away but parallel to him. Scooting the chair back a bit, he plopped comfortably down in it. He sat his feet on the desk, as if he had done it a million times before.

Lex took in a deep breath and gave Tess one final determined glare.

He spoke.

“Lex Luthor is back.”



Please leave any comments or suggestions.

[phoenixnz]

It's interesting that you bring up the point about Oliver's killing 'Lex'. And you're right. Ordinarily, Clark would have taken in the murderer. But this is Oliver, so what makes him so different? It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? Since we clearly see that Lex isn't dead. So who (or what) was in the truck that blew up? I'd be interested in you exploring this further.
I do have some concerns about Zod's agenda in all this, but I will patiently wait for your next chapter to get my answers.
Great chapter.

[MozartRequiem]

Amazing updates! This is truly captivating, page-turning stuff. I loved how purely evil Lex was in the scene with Chloe. Reminds me of the side of Lex we see when he tortures the heroes like Arthur, Victor, and Bart, only the way you've written him adds in a slightly darker edge since he is torturing Chloe, an old friend, this way. He truly reminds me of the "Onyx" Lex and the Lex Luthor of comic book lore, so dark and twisted and completely lacking any empathy.

Oh! And I loved your reference to "Superman Returns". "Clark Kent will never let you get away with this" "WRONG AGAIN!" Was that an intentional nod to "Superman will never..." "WROOOONG"? (One of my favorite scenes from the whole film by the way).

I also am really loving the moral ambiguity Clark has to face in this story. Being a guy who looks at the world in black and white, this story is facing him to see the gray areas, which is always an interesting theme when it comes to Superman. I like, as phoenixnz said, the moral conundrum involving Clark covering up Ollie's murder. And I also really like the mixed emotions that Clark feels when it comes to the good Lex. His numbness about whether he lives or dies and then his remorse at his own detachment and apathy, followed later by a more genuine concern for Lex as he reflects deeper. I also enjoy seeing those conflicting emotions in Lex concerning Clark. (And the playful banter between Lex and Ollie was spot-on in-character and hilarious )

The interactions with Zod were also fantastic, as well as Emil Hamilton. So glad to see the inclusion of these characters, as it makes this seem all the more like it really could be a current episode of the show.

That scene with Lex vs. Tess was terrifying by the way. Truly suspenseful in a psychological way. I could just feel Tess's pain and I loved Lex's coldness and dark humor in the scene. The end was especially powerful: "Lex Luthor is back" reminded me of Lionel saying "I have returned" when he took over LuthorCorp again in season five. Excellent parallelism there (was that intended?) and just an excellent cliffhanger to keep us wanting more (write more NOW haha )

I only have one question though that is confusing me (and perhaps it's because I'm reading this at 5:30ish in the morning without my full coffee fix ): why does the Evil Lex still think Chloe has powers? I thought Evil Lex was supposed to be pretty much the Real Lex that we saw on the show, the Lex who disappeared in the Fortress at the end of season seven. Did that Lex still think Chloe had powers?

Anyway, just a minor question. I'm riveted and can't wait for the next update. Hope to see it soon!

[Tral]

Thanks for the comments!

phoenixnz, I found the whole Oliver-kills-Lex-and-Clark-does-almost-nothing-about-it to be a little perplexing myself and in a story where Lex returns its a big skeleton in the closet I felt I had to deal with. I do have an explanation for it, maybe not the best one but I think it fits with previous mistakes made by Clark, and is a teaching moment for him as he progresses to the hero we all know and love.

Zod's motivation will be clear soon, but he comes to realize that he may have bitten off more than he realized. I needed a way to get evil Lex and Clark in the same room together and Zod baiting a trap seemed like the most interesting way to do it.

MozartRequiem, I'm glad you liked it. Again on a superman binge with a nice call black to "Superman Returns" with those lines between Lex and Chloe. This Lex is evil. Once you experiment on human-beings (33.1), orchestrate a false pregnancy with your wife, kill the dead bother you cloned, and off your father for ultimate power, IMO, you've gone off the deep end. Clark may not be Superman yet Lex has already fully embarrassed his destiny and is the villain we all love to hate.

With Tess and Lex it was interesting. Like two generations of bad guy. Lex doesn't know that Tess had been used by Lex but he suspects that his sudden reappearance would knock her off her high-horse. If he can take back his wealth and power and scare the crap out of her in the process, then great! As far as that last line I hadnt even considered the connection... but as they say, like father like son.

To answer your question though; I am making a few assumptions here. One that Lex still suspects Chloe has a meteor power. After the incident in season 6 with Chloe strapped down and being poked and prodded we never really hear him mention it one way or the other. So I go with him still knowing all about it. I also assume that he has some sort of technology that can identify the ability associated with the person. The Lex who went to the fortress knew she had an ability add an artistic license on what he knew ABOUT the ability and you have a plot thread.

I hope to get another post up before Wednesday. HOWEVER; I am having a very hard time with the next scene and the confrontation that takes place between Lex and Clark. These two guys are not outwardly emotional, passionate but not explicitly emotional. Which is great! But hard to write for under the circumstances. On top of that in one of the scenes I explain ALOT. All that exposition I fear will slow down the story BUT has to be done as I start to tie everything together for the conclusion.

Thanks for the comments, its great to hear from you. I'll post soon.