Title- Into the Pantheon: Of Gods and Angels
Author: Ophelia S. Drowning
Feedback: Yes, please review! :)
Summary: Lionel Luthor introduces a key pawn to Smallville in his ongoing battle with his son. Several different subplots. Rather Luthor centered and Lex and an original character. Not everything is what it seems. Some characters such as Martha will be give more attention, and Lana less. Some Chlark elements.
Author's Note: A bit AU. But starts off late in Clark's junior year of high school. Months after Clark comes back from Metropolis and Lex is released from the asylum. Most all of what has already happened in the show, has happened in this 'world' I write, though not all that will happen on the show in the future will take place here.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Smallville characters, however, I do own those not from the show.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
::Chapter One::
It was a pleasant, early sunny afternoon. Clark was still at school and Johnathan had gone into town to pick up a few things. Martha Kent was washing some dishes in the kitchen and staring out the window in a reflective manner. Half-visions of the past came upon her now and then. The most prominent being Clark as a little boy. The more he grew up, the more wistful she felt - especially in the last six months. And she indulged her memories mostly when she was alone. She would love to hear the pitter-patter again of his once much smaller feet. It was bittersweet seeing Clark grow up, especially at his stage in life now. He was almost grown. He had been a dream when he'd come into her and Johnathan's life. She had given up hope of ever having a child after having gone through many years of heartache and disappointment. She was proud of him. She was glad to see the man he was becoming.... But she wished she could see a little person around the farm again. A little child. Another child. Her child... But that was not to be, and she tried not to torture herself of what might have been and what *had* been - her miscarriage long months ago. She could never nurture the hope again of having a biological child of her own.
"...Martha." - The obtrusive voice brought her out of her thoughts. Startled, she turned from the sink and glimpsed Lionel Luthor standing inside her kitchen.
"Mr. Luthor! I didn't hear you come in." -Martha said as she grabbed a towel and dried her hands. She wondered how long he had been standing there.
"I apologize for catching you unawares." -Lionel.
Wary, but polite - Martha pulls out a chair.
"I don't intend to be overly long." -Lionel sits down, but Martha does not afford herself the same comfort.
"Johnathan is not here-" -Martha starts.
"I know." Lionel says and then, "I've come to talk to you."
"What about?" Martha asks, her wariness increasing slightly. Just about everyone became uneasy when a Luthor wanted to talk to them - especially if it was Lionel Luthor. They'd established a sort of rapport once, but much of that had been tarnished with the events of the past year.
"I've come to ask you a favor of sorts. It's about my daughter." Lionel said, pausing to gauge her reaction.
Before Martha could utter a few words of surprise, Lionel continued, "I know you are not aware of my having a daughter, that is a fact I've guarded from most."
"I'm ...stunned, Mr. Luthor, but why have you come to me today?" -Martha.
"I have many opponents and enemies you see, but most of them are not seriously out to murder me or a member of my family. A sour business deal, you could say - has ended with some unhappy people on the other end of it. Nothing unusual except the unique part this time is that there are some very dangerous people fueled with rage." -Lionel.
"I don't see what-" Martha started.
Lionel continued, "Dangerous and *capable* people, Mrs. Kent. It is a known fact that I do not deal with ransom, but I believe their purpose for revenge is not to kidnap her, but is rather much more sinister in nature. She needs a place to stay: a town and a place that would not be expected."
"You're not suggesting she stay *here*, are you?" -Martha asked, incredulous.
"It's not expected. London, Metropolis... even Edge City, but they would never think in Smallville at the Kent farm." -Lionel.
"You have all the wealth and privilege at your disposal - surely, you can find a much more secure place for her to stay than here with just my husband and I and Clark! What if they find here here, how are two people and a teenage boy going to protect her and who would protect us?!" -Martha.
"Mrs. Kent-" Lionel started.
"No. I can't. I'm sorry. I understand your worry for your daughter, and as much as I would like to help, I have to think of my own family. I will not purposefully endanger them." -Martha.
"Catherine has a security team who would be just around the corner so to say - if they were needed. Further, I know you've come under some hard times. Thanks to my son, your farm may be paid for - but you could still use money. You would be generously compensated--" -Lionel.
"No." Martha said firmly. "If that is all you have come for, you have my answer. Please leave."
Lionel stands. As he turns he says, "As you wish Mrs. Kent, but somehow I never took you for the woman that would refuse her own child sanctuary."
"What?!" Martha gasps. "What did you mean by that?"
Lionel turns back from the door and looks at her, a slight smile curving his lips. "You may want to sit down, Martha."
Martha grips the edge of a chair. "Explain what you just meant."
"I remember a time when you so desperately wanted a child of your own. Many years ago... The treatments in Metropolis. Don't you remember?" -Lionel.
"That's none of your business." Martha said quietly, a frown creasing her features.
"Of course it is. Your husband made it my business. How do you think your medical bills were paid?" -Lionel.
"It was just one round of treatments. We agreed to not try again, if it wasn't successful. It was just once..." -Martha.
"I suppose you are not aware of just how much fertility treatments can cost. I paid your medical bills Mrs. Kent." -Lionel.
"Why?" -Martha.
"We may have not been close, but I remember a time when we were acquaintances. A time when you were very much a beautiful, young university student in a big city. I was an admirer. And I suppose I felt sorry for you having married a poor man like Johnathan. A man who could never provide you with all you should have - especially the means to have a child." -Lionel.
"That is the past. What does all that have to do with what you just *said* moments ago?!" -Martha.
"I don't do charitable deeds for free. The medical efforts may not have been successful - but I was, with the help of some of your material." -Lionel.
"My 'material' ...?" -Martha said, her knuckles white where she gripped the chair tighter in apprehension with every moment that passed with Lionel Luthor.
"one of your eggs." -Lionel said, bluntly.
Martha gasped and sat down in the kitchen chair she had been gripping. Meanwhile Lionel continued, "I'll share a bit of another secret with you Mrs. Kent and one in which must be kept secret..." .........
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It was a couple of hours later and Johnathan came home to find Martha sitting on the living room couch.
Martha was trying to absorb what she had been told earlier. By the time Lionel had left, Martha had been white and on the verge of trembling. In those hours afterwards, she had forced herself to calm down and return to normal. Of course, Lionel hadn't left without her consent for Catherine to stay at the farm for a while. But after what she had been told, most of her protest had gone right out of her like the wind out of a ships sails.
Martha didn't look up when Johnathan entered the living room. He was surprised to see his wife not busy at this time in the afternoon, as she like the rest of the family was almost always busy with the many chores around their farm.
Johnathan went over and kissed the top of her head. "Martha... is everything alright?"
Martha looked up at him and smiled. "I'm fine... just a little tired."
"Coming down with something?" -Johnathan.
"No." Martha said with a gesture. "I'm fine."
"Okay, then." Johnatha said and turned. "I have some work to do in the barn."
Just as he started out of the living room, they heard a car pulling up in the driveway.
Johnathan heads toward the kitchen door. Martha stands and follows him.
Johnathan looks out the kitchen window and sees a black Metro cab stop alongside the house.
"I wonder who that could be?" Johnathan says, as he turns to Martha then starts to the door.
Martha grabs her husband's arm. "Honey...there's something I need to tell you."
Johnathan looks down at his wife, puzzled. "What is it?"
Martha wanted to tell him all of it... but instead, she said, "Lionel Luthor came by today when you were gone."
"He did?" Johnathan said, a slight frown appearing on his face. "What did he want?"
"...He asked us if we would let his daughter stay here at the farm for a while- " -Martha.
"His *what*?" -Johnathan.
Martha continues quickly, not giving an explanation, "It was a surpise to me to. He said she was in danger - some people were looking for her, because they were upset with him. He asked if she could stay here."
"And you told him no, right?!" -Johnathan.
"No, I -" Martha started.
Johnathan stared at her.
"I couldn't!" Martha said. "She might very well have been killed and -"
The honk of the cab interrupted her.
Johnathan looks at his wife in complete surpise and frowning, he goes out the door and stands on the porch. Martha comes out and stands next to him.
The car door opens and a tall, red headed girl steps out wearing a long airy white dress and a thin white sweater.
They watch as the driver goes around and gets a bag and a rolling suitcase from the trunk. She hands him money and then he gets back into his car.
The girl looks up at the two people standing on the porch as the cab drives away. They are looking at her as if she is green with two heads. She rolls the suitcase over near the porch and sets her bag down and looks up at them. "Hi, I'm Catherine."
They don't immediately reply. Johnathan shoots his wife a look, but she doesn't notice. She looks at the girl with a strange expression.
"I understand my father arranged for me to stay here a while..." -Catherine.
"Well, your father told you wrong." -Johnathan snapped. "Lionel Luthor visited my wife today without my knowledge. And being the kind, generous soul that she is, she agreed. But I'm sorry, we're not in the business of renting out rooms for Luthors to stay here - especially when that Luthor comes with a more than usual amount of danger."
"Johnathan!" -Martha.
"If it's about the money..." Catherine started.
"What is it with you Luthor's and money? It doesn't buy or solve everything. Now, I' m sorry but there's been a misunderstanding. You can't stay here." -Johnathan.
Martha gives Catherine a small smile and then pulls her husband's arm. "I need to speak with you a minute." "We'll be right back out, Catherine." She calls behind her.
Inside, Martha says, "I already agreed that she could stay."
"You had no right to do that without consulting me!" Johnathan said, angrily.
"Johnathan, she's in danger. We have to help her." -Martha.
"If that's the case, I'm sure Luthor with all his billions and resources can keep her safe. Why stay here?!" -Johnathan.
"Because this is the last place they would expect to find her." -Martha.
"I'm shocked at you, Martha. How could you let our family be put in potential danger?" -Johnathan.
"She has a security team, he said. We're being paid a thousand dollars for every day she stays here. I know you don't want his money, but we could use it. And there's the fact that they won't think to look for her out here. She may be Lionel Luthor's daughter - *adopted* daughter-" Johnathan looked out the window at the girl when Martha said adopted.
Martha continued, looking out the window at the girl. "--But she's just a girl - Clark's age! She needs our help. It won't be long - maybe a matter of weeks. Look at her, she looks pretty sweet and wholesome to me."
"Appearances can be deceiving." -Johnathan said, but as he looked out the window he had to admit to himself that Martha was right, the girl did look pretty innocent.
"I don't have a good feeling about this." -Johnathan said.
"We can just give it a try for a day or two. If she proves to be too much of a Luthor for you or there's any trouble, we can just have Mr. Luthor come get her." -Martha.
After another long moment of contemplation, Johnathan steels his jaw and says, "Alright, Martha."
They go back outside and Johnathan says, immediately, "My wife and I talked it over and I agreed - but I want you to know that if there is any trouble you have to leave."
Catherine looks up at him and then to Martha, "Okay. Thank you."
"-And," Johnathan continues, "We don't have room for you to sleep in the house. You'll have to stay in our son's loft in the barn. Your father's paying us, but we still expect a bit of help around here out of courtesy. Are you going to be able to live out here - it's far from a Luthor penthouse?"
"No problem." She said.
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In the barn loft Catherine sat her bag down on the floor and looked around her. Being far from a Luthor penthouse was an understatement. Sure, she wasn't used to lower, working or middle class living and she was accustomed to servants and luxuries - but she could deal with just about anything. Good for her, because temporarily she was going to have to deal with the Kent farm - and high school. And sleeping on a couch...
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END of Chapter One
next chapter should be up within a few days
please read and review. email: cosmicangel@rock.com
Author: Ophelia S. Drowning
Feedback: Yes, please review! :)
Summary: Lionel Luthor introduces a key pawn to Smallville in his ongoing battle with his son. Several different subplots. Rather Luthor centered and Lex and an original character. Not everything is what it seems. Some characters such as Martha will be give more attention, and Lana less. Some Chlark elements.
Author's Note: A bit AU. But starts off late in Clark's junior year of high school. Months after Clark comes back from Metropolis and Lex is released from the asylum. Most all of what has already happened in the show, has happened in this 'world' I write, though not all that will happen on the show in the future will take place here.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Smallville characters, however, I do own those not from the show.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
::Chapter One::
It was a pleasant, early sunny afternoon. Clark was still at school and Johnathan had gone into town to pick up a few things. Martha Kent was washing some dishes in the kitchen and staring out the window in a reflective manner. Half-visions of the past came upon her now and then. The most prominent being Clark as a little boy. The more he grew up, the more wistful she felt - especially in the last six months. And she indulged her memories mostly when she was alone. She would love to hear the pitter-patter again of his once much smaller feet. It was bittersweet seeing Clark grow up, especially at his stage in life now. He was almost grown. He had been a dream when he'd come into her and Johnathan's life. She had given up hope of ever having a child after having gone through many years of heartache and disappointment. She was proud of him. She was glad to see the man he was becoming.... But she wished she could see a little person around the farm again. A little child. Another child. Her child... But that was not to be, and she tried not to torture herself of what might have been and what *had* been - her miscarriage long months ago. She could never nurture the hope again of having a biological child of her own.
"...Martha." - The obtrusive voice brought her out of her thoughts. Startled, she turned from the sink and glimpsed Lionel Luthor standing inside her kitchen.
"Mr. Luthor! I didn't hear you come in." -Martha said as she grabbed a towel and dried her hands. She wondered how long he had been standing there.
"I apologize for catching you unawares." -Lionel.
Wary, but polite - Martha pulls out a chair.
"I don't intend to be overly long." -Lionel sits down, but Martha does not afford herself the same comfort.
"Johnathan is not here-" -Martha starts.
"I know." Lionel says and then, "I've come to talk to you."
"What about?" Martha asks, her wariness increasing slightly. Just about everyone became uneasy when a Luthor wanted to talk to them - especially if it was Lionel Luthor. They'd established a sort of rapport once, but much of that had been tarnished with the events of the past year.
"I've come to ask you a favor of sorts. It's about my daughter." Lionel said, pausing to gauge her reaction.
Before Martha could utter a few words of surprise, Lionel continued, "I know you are not aware of my having a daughter, that is a fact I've guarded from most."
"I'm ...stunned, Mr. Luthor, but why have you come to me today?" -Martha.
"I have many opponents and enemies you see, but most of them are not seriously out to murder me or a member of my family. A sour business deal, you could say - has ended with some unhappy people on the other end of it. Nothing unusual except the unique part this time is that there are some very dangerous people fueled with rage." -Lionel.
"I don't see what-" Martha started.
Lionel continued, "Dangerous and *capable* people, Mrs. Kent. It is a known fact that I do not deal with ransom, but I believe their purpose for revenge is not to kidnap her, but is rather much more sinister in nature. She needs a place to stay: a town and a place that would not be expected."
"You're not suggesting she stay *here*, are you?" -Martha asked, incredulous.
"It's not expected. London, Metropolis... even Edge City, but they would never think in Smallville at the Kent farm." -Lionel.
"You have all the wealth and privilege at your disposal - surely, you can find a much more secure place for her to stay than here with just my husband and I and Clark! What if they find here here, how are two people and a teenage boy going to protect her and who would protect us?!" -Martha.
"Mrs. Kent-" Lionel started.
"No. I can't. I'm sorry. I understand your worry for your daughter, and as much as I would like to help, I have to think of my own family. I will not purposefully endanger them." -Martha.
"Catherine has a security team who would be just around the corner so to say - if they were needed. Further, I know you've come under some hard times. Thanks to my son, your farm may be paid for - but you could still use money. You would be generously compensated--" -Lionel.
"No." Martha said firmly. "If that is all you have come for, you have my answer. Please leave."
Lionel stands. As he turns he says, "As you wish Mrs. Kent, but somehow I never took you for the woman that would refuse her own child sanctuary."
"What?!" Martha gasps. "What did you mean by that?"
Lionel turns back from the door and looks at her, a slight smile curving his lips. "You may want to sit down, Martha."
Martha grips the edge of a chair. "Explain what you just meant."
"I remember a time when you so desperately wanted a child of your own. Many years ago... The treatments in Metropolis. Don't you remember?" -Lionel.
"That's none of your business." Martha said quietly, a frown creasing her features.
"Of course it is. Your husband made it my business. How do you think your medical bills were paid?" -Lionel.
"It was just one round of treatments. We agreed to not try again, if it wasn't successful. It was just once..." -Martha.
"I suppose you are not aware of just how much fertility treatments can cost. I paid your medical bills Mrs. Kent." -Lionel.
"Why?" -Martha.
"We may have not been close, but I remember a time when we were acquaintances. A time when you were very much a beautiful, young university student in a big city. I was an admirer. And I suppose I felt sorry for you having married a poor man like Johnathan. A man who could never provide you with all you should have - especially the means to have a child." -Lionel.
"That is the past. What does all that have to do with what you just *said* moments ago?!" -Martha.
"I don't do charitable deeds for free. The medical efforts may not have been successful - but I was, with the help of some of your material." -Lionel.
"My 'material' ...?" -Martha said, her knuckles white where she gripped the chair tighter in apprehension with every moment that passed with Lionel Luthor.
"one of your eggs." -Lionel said, bluntly.
Martha gasped and sat down in the kitchen chair she had been gripping. Meanwhile Lionel continued, "I'll share a bit of another secret with you Mrs. Kent and one in which must be kept secret..." .........
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It was a couple of hours later and Johnathan came home to find Martha sitting on the living room couch.
Martha was trying to absorb what she had been told earlier. By the time Lionel had left, Martha had been white and on the verge of trembling. In those hours afterwards, she had forced herself to calm down and return to normal. Of course, Lionel hadn't left without her consent for Catherine to stay at the farm for a while. But after what she had been told, most of her protest had gone right out of her like the wind out of a ships sails.
Martha didn't look up when Johnathan entered the living room. He was surprised to see his wife not busy at this time in the afternoon, as she like the rest of the family was almost always busy with the many chores around their farm.
Johnathan went over and kissed the top of her head. "Martha... is everything alright?"
Martha looked up at him and smiled. "I'm fine... just a little tired."
"Coming down with something?" -Johnathan.
"No." Martha said with a gesture. "I'm fine."
"Okay, then." Johnatha said and turned. "I have some work to do in the barn."
Just as he started out of the living room, they heard a car pulling up in the driveway.
Johnathan heads toward the kitchen door. Martha stands and follows him.
Johnathan looks out the kitchen window and sees a black Metro cab stop alongside the house.
"I wonder who that could be?" Johnathan says, as he turns to Martha then starts to the door.
Martha grabs her husband's arm. "Honey...there's something I need to tell you."
Johnathan looks down at his wife, puzzled. "What is it?"
Martha wanted to tell him all of it... but instead, she said, "Lionel Luthor came by today when you were gone."
"He did?" Johnathan said, a slight frown appearing on his face. "What did he want?"
"...He asked us if we would let his daughter stay here at the farm for a while- " -Martha.
"His *what*?" -Johnathan.
Martha continues quickly, not giving an explanation, "It was a surpise to me to. He said she was in danger - some people were looking for her, because they were upset with him. He asked if she could stay here."
"And you told him no, right?!" -Johnathan.
"No, I -" Martha started.
Johnathan stared at her.
"I couldn't!" Martha said. "She might very well have been killed and -"
The honk of the cab interrupted her.
Johnathan looks at his wife in complete surpise and frowning, he goes out the door and stands on the porch. Martha comes out and stands next to him.
The car door opens and a tall, red headed girl steps out wearing a long airy white dress and a thin white sweater.
They watch as the driver goes around and gets a bag and a rolling suitcase from the trunk. She hands him money and then he gets back into his car.
The girl looks up at the two people standing on the porch as the cab drives away. They are looking at her as if she is green with two heads. She rolls the suitcase over near the porch and sets her bag down and looks up at them. "Hi, I'm Catherine."
They don't immediately reply. Johnathan shoots his wife a look, but she doesn't notice. She looks at the girl with a strange expression.
"I understand my father arranged for me to stay here a while..." -Catherine.
"Well, your father told you wrong." -Johnathan snapped. "Lionel Luthor visited my wife today without my knowledge. And being the kind, generous soul that she is, she agreed. But I'm sorry, we're not in the business of renting out rooms for Luthors to stay here - especially when that Luthor comes with a more than usual amount of danger."
"Johnathan!" -Martha.
"If it's about the money..." Catherine started.
"What is it with you Luthor's and money? It doesn't buy or solve everything. Now, I' m sorry but there's been a misunderstanding. You can't stay here." -Johnathan.
Martha gives Catherine a small smile and then pulls her husband's arm. "I need to speak with you a minute." "We'll be right back out, Catherine." She calls behind her.
Inside, Martha says, "I already agreed that she could stay."
"You had no right to do that without consulting me!" Johnathan said, angrily.
"Johnathan, she's in danger. We have to help her." -Martha.
"If that's the case, I'm sure Luthor with all his billions and resources can keep her safe. Why stay here?!" -Johnathan.
"Because this is the last place they would expect to find her." -Martha.
"I'm shocked at you, Martha. How could you let our family be put in potential danger?" -Johnathan.
"She has a security team, he said. We're being paid a thousand dollars for every day she stays here. I know you don't want his money, but we could use it. And there's the fact that they won't think to look for her out here. She may be Lionel Luthor's daughter - *adopted* daughter-" Johnathan looked out the window at the girl when Martha said adopted.
Martha continued, looking out the window at the girl. "--But she's just a girl - Clark's age! She needs our help. It won't be long - maybe a matter of weeks. Look at her, she looks pretty sweet and wholesome to me."
"Appearances can be deceiving." -Johnathan said, but as he looked out the window he had to admit to himself that Martha was right, the girl did look pretty innocent.
"I don't have a good feeling about this." -Johnathan said.
"We can just give it a try for a day or two. If she proves to be too much of a Luthor for you or there's any trouble, we can just have Mr. Luthor come get her." -Martha.
After another long moment of contemplation, Johnathan steels his jaw and says, "Alright, Martha."
They go back outside and Johnathan says, immediately, "My wife and I talked it over and I agreed - but I want you to know that if there is any trouble you have to leave."
Catherine looks up at him and then to Martha, "Okay. Thank you."
"-And," Johnathan continues, "We don't have room for you to sleep in the house. You'll have to stay in our son's loft in the barn. Your father's paying us, but we still expect a bit of help around here out of courtesy. Are you going to be able to live out here - it's far from a Luthor penthouse?"
"No problem." She said.
------------------------
In the barn loft Catherine sat her bag down on the floor and looked around her. Being far from a Luthor penthouse was an understatement. Sure, she wasn't used to lower, working or middle class living and she was accustomed to servants and luxuries - but she could deal with just about anything. Good for her, because temporarily she was going to have to deal with the Kent farm - and high school. And sleeping on a couch...
-----
END of Chapter One
next chapter should be up within a few days
please read and review. email: cosmicangel@rock.com