Disclaimer: All characters mentioned within are properties of the respective companies that own them. This story is merely me practicing my writing skills, while "playing in someone else's sandbox."

Culture Shock

Lex Luthor stood proudly, looking down at the massive LexFair science hall. Truly, it was glorious; scientists from around the globe had been invited, and what scientist could refuse such a meeting of minds? In addition, the bonus positive press from the media should keep him off Superman's radar….for the moment anyway.

Luthor gazed out, at the multitude of attendants, heading from booth to booth, beneath the brightly lit down of the convention hall. He had to admit, Mercy's idea to invite students of all ages had certainly livened up the media blitz. The convention was not only a gathering of brilliance and science, but, a family event too, which of course meant more profit.

Allowing himself a self-satisfied sneer, he continues to look over his work in pride. "Mercy, I've just had a thought. Currently, I'm –" He turned, to discover his chauffeur/bodyguard was not standing beside him as he previously thought.

Eyes narrowing in annoyance, he turned, to see some type of commotion occurring just a short distance away.

"Hey you blockheads, listen up! Stick close to the group!"

"Yes, Onsen-Mark!"

"Remember, the principle chose this class for the honor of attending this convention because he believed that this trip would help build character!"

"Yes, Onsen-Mark!"

"Both he, and I, expect you to be on the very best behavior.

"Yes, Onsen-Mark!"

"And that goes double for you Morobo-! Moroboshi, just where are you?"

Deciding that Mercy had probably stepped in to handle the situation, Lex quickly started to walk over toward the Japanese tour group, while the obvious group leader continued to shout out the missing student's name.

"Moroboshi! Get over here!"

"Greetings, my name is Lex Luthor, I'll handle this."

The group leader looked quite grateful, while another voice cut in.

"So, Lex, having some difficulties, or, is this still business as normal?"

"Ah, Miss Lane, what a surprise; then again, considering your occupation, perhaps not."

Having lost patience, the team leader once again began his calls.

"MOROBOSHI!"

In the silence that followed, a, strange, off-base giggling was heard.

"Come on, just one date? How about a movie? Dinner?"

"Get away from me, you creep!"

"Mercy, is that you?"

"Ah, don't be like that! How about lunch? Brunch? Breakfast?"

"I mean it! Get away!"

The group, as a whole, walked around the corner. Mercy Graves lashed out with kicks, punches, and various other attacks, however, the brown-haired youth easily evaded them, still keeping up his line of questioning.

"Seriously! How about a phone number?"

"Now see here, young man," Luthor walked up, blocking this "Moroboshi's" path. "I will not have you annoying my bodyguard in this manner."

"Ah, come on, I only want a date!"

"What was that, Darling?"

"Oh! Hi, Lum! Er, I can explain!"

"I've warned you about acting this way!"

Mercy, sensing danger impending, quickly moved to the other side of the room. Lex was not quite as fast, his scientific mind still attempting to process the fact that a female student with bright green hair had floated into view, and was now aiming her fingers at them, much like her hand was a gun, while simultaneously glowing with electricity.

Ataru Moroboshi quickly made use of a combination of natural reflexes, and natural self-preservation instincts; he dove behind Lex Luthor.

"Look Mommy! That man's head is glowing!"

(Scene Break)

Daily Planet Headline!

Lex Luthor re-enacts: The Shining!