Rings and Stones
DJ Dubois
June 2008
Rated T (Teen—language and suggestive scene later on in fic.)
Notes Part 1: This story takes place during and right after "Sacred" (SV 4.15). It also combines the comic and movie universes for Iron Man. Oh yeah, one other AU note: Only Pepper Potts and Jim Rhodes know Tony's really Iron Man. (Tony never makes that stupid announcement at the movie's end in this version.)
Notes Part 2: Bet you never knew how close to getting into real trouble Clark and Lana were, did you? Oh boy, did they get off lucky at the end of "Sacred". shudder
Notes Part 3: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW. Iron Man and the other Marvel characters referred to in this piece belong to Marvel Comics. All other characters are mine.
Chapter 1 Luthor Mansion—Lex's Sanctum
Lionel Luthor stared out the window, studying the late winter sky outside. Only on the previous day, he'd agreed to provide Lana Lang with transportation to Shanghai in pursuit of Lex and Jason Teague. With her ties to the elemental stones and to the Countess Isobel, she had to be the one to take the journey.
Almost to nobody's surprise (least of all Lionel's), Clark Kent pushed his way onto the itinerary as well. Despite the break up of their relationship, the farm boy remained steadfastly protective of her.
Lionel did nothing to stop Clark from going. In fact, he viewed Clark as "Isobel insurance." Despite keeping quiet on the matter, he knew of Clark's abilities for over a year at that point. He'd also discovered that it had been Clark who'd stopped Isobel when she'd possessed Lana the first time.
In the sky, the jet's exhaust trail climbed higher into the sky before veering west toward the Pacific.
There they go. May you and Clark find the stone before Lex and Jason, Lana. At that point, he heard a knock at the door. Turning, he saw Jenkins, Lex's butler, standing there. "Yes?"
"Mr. Luthor, were you expecting someone?"
"No." Lionel furrowed his brow. Since his conversion experience in prison, he'd welcomed any and all contacts with people. "Who is it?"
"Tony Stark, sir. What should I do?" Jenkins requested.
Lionel pondered the purpose of the younger industrialist's visit. He remembered that Howard Stark, Tony's father, had competed with him on several contracts and patents over the years. The rivalry had extended to Tony and Lex. Then he recalled that Lex had an appointment with the younger Stark. He could discuss that affair and maybe ask for help on another matter…..
…while he viewed Clark as "Isobel insurance," he knew the younger man's love for Lana would handicap his ability to face her in a fight. Besides other forces lurked in China as well. Perhaps Stark could be convinced to send his bodyguard—Iron Man—there to assist in the endeavor?
"Send him in," Lionel bade.
Jenkins nodded and headed out.
A minute later, Lionel watched as Stark entered the study. He walked toward the visitor. "Tony Stark! It's been too long."
Tony nodded noncommittally. He'd come to Smallville to meet specifically with Lex not his overbearing sire. He fingered his thin dark beard as his eyes surveyed the area. "This is unexpected, Lionel." He shook hands with his host. "Where's Lex? We were supposed to meet about the joint project."
"He had to fly to China on last minute business. A very pressing matter," Lionel noted. "Can I get you a cup of coffee?"
Tony's eyebrow quirked. One didn't just jet off to China on a whim especially when there were key matters on the agenda back home. What the Hell's going on? He'd heard reports of the Teagues' renewed relationships with the Luthor pair and the people of this hick town. Rumors had reached his ears about a connection between some local girl and a historical witch.
While such things wouldn't normally concern an industrialist such as Tony Stark, Iron Man had crossed paths with several allies and adversaries with special abilities. If something concerned the younger Luthor in China, it should be dealt with quickly.
Especially with the Afghani rebels out there in addition to other forces within China itself.
"I'd appreciate the coffee. Thank you." When Lionel gave it to him, he took a thoughtful sip. "Did Lex tell you anything about this business?"
Lionel shook his head. "No. It was so sudden, Tony. Perhaps I could discuss this contract with you?"
Tony shook his head. "I appreciate that but no, this is between Lex and me. Can you give him a message?"
"Most certainly. I can have him call your assistant if you'd like. What is her name? Pepper Potts, right? Charming girl," Lionel agreed even as he probed Tony's armor looking for a chink.
Tony didn't react, maintaining the poker face. Much as Lex had done at an early age, he'd learned to deal with this world and maintain his composure in the process. "Miss Potts does an excellent job, Lionel. Thank you. Please do have Lex call her to set up an appointment. I'd appreciate it though if he were here. I don't have time to be flying here just to be blown off if you get my meaning? Have a good day." He finished the coffee and set the cup on the small end table before heading back out.
Lionel nodded. Even if nothing had been concretely said, he knew the hint had been planted. He knew Tony Stark would be intrigued by the "China business." Accordingly, his aims had been accomplished.
Outside
Tony strode out to the waiting limo while considering his next move. The agenda back in Los Angeles spilled over with meetings, product trials and other matters. But this China business had him intrigued. Luthor wouldn't just take off like this if it wasn't important.
As he got into the back, a red haired slender woman in a blue blazer and matching slacks typed away on a laptop. "That was fast."
"Mr. Luthor wasn't available, Miss Potts," Tony noted flatly while tapping his finger on the door's arm rest. "What's the agenda look like for the next few days?"
"You do have some important product trials coming up," she noted. "You aren't thinking of missing the Jorgensen trial, are you?" Her right eyebrow went up. "He's rescheduled already three times. Colonel Rhodes is counting on this too."
"Can't be helped. Iron Man's needed over in Shanghai."
"I see." She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Usually when he went off on these sudden missions either by himself or with the Avengers, major world emergencies brewed right under the surface. "I'll get right on it."
"Miss Potts…." He frowned.
"Yes, Mr. Stark?" She asked, trying not to let her eyes meet his. Rather she kept typing.
"It's going to be okay."
She reassumed her poker face, concealing her true feelings. "Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be? And Iron Man will be close by, won't he?"
"Always."
"And you're going to tell him to keep an eye out, right?" she admonished.
"Of course. I'm well aware of the situation." He resisted the temptation to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. Of all of the women in his life, only two had ever measured up to his expectations, Maria Stark (his mother) and Pepper. They were the only two who proved they could stand toe to toe with him, meriting his respect. "The Mandarin's out there."
"My point exactly," she concurred. "Sure you don't want Jarvis to raise some more help?"
"It'd be smart but I can't let a billionaire like Lex Luthor wander around in the Mandarin's backyard for too long. Tell the pilot we're overshooting LA and flying directly for Shanghai," he directed.
As much as she felt a cold feeling in her gut, she relayed the instructions onto the airport. Be careful, Tony.