Chapter 3 changes
Somewhere in the Caribbean
Lex awoke only to find himself alone, floating in dark, dirty blue water. Trying to recall what led to his reason for swimming in an ocean, and in a dress suit no less, would be too taxing and help no one. There was no question that he was in an accident, and no way could it be anything other than a downed plane, because why else would he be holding on for dear life in water? Lex never took cruises, not even for any of his honeymoons. Therefore, that theory went right out the window.
Whilst looking around him for any possible survivors, he spotted a slight shift on the waters surface and making rounds at an inconceivable speed, something that only Clark could accomplish. As he was thinking of a way to gain Clark's attention, he was beginning to remember bits and pieces of the last few hours or so. He didn't recall Clark flying with him. So what had to bring him here? The only ones who should be at this location were Helen, the pilot and Lex. He saw Helen and the pilot being held by Clark as they moved towards each other. One burst of speed, and he was in Clark's arms, headed to safety.
As they were making their way to Metropolis, and seeing that Lex is awake, Clark decided that small talk at this time would be a good idea.
"Lex, I see you're up. Which is good, considering everything that happened today. So, how are you feeling?" Even under the influence of red meteorite and Kal-El, Clark couldn't shake the worry he felt for Lex. It was as if the two were linked to point of, when one is under the influence and in horrific badass shape, they could still feel each other on a very strong empathic bond. Hence, when Clark 'felt' the danger that Lex was in, he wasn't able to overcome the initial fear and worry that took hold of him.
"Could…be better…hard to…talk…what…happened? I only…remember…bits and…pieces." It took all of Lex's strength to call up the words to convey what he is feeling. Thinking also took everything out of him, and he felt so seasick as bouts of nausea inserted itself into his system.
"Shh Lex, don't talk, you need to save you strength. Besides, I'll keep an eye on you and see that you are fine as long as we aren't at the hospital yet, than the doctors can care for you. I am so sorry Lex, so sorry for everything you were put thru, and most of it is my fault. I am so, so sorry." The apology was said in such a pained whisper, that Lex had to stain to hear it; when he did, his heart shattered.
They soon reached a hospital. Clark didn't know where he had stopped, so when he looked around and saw himself at Metropolis General, it came as a shock. He didn't know that he could run such far distances in so little time, but he realized he ran at a record high speed; a speed unmatched by even his own timing. The fact that they were in Metropolis of all places was a very bad thing, because this would give away Clark's secret and put him in an abundant amount of danger. It would give Lionel the means to investigate Clark. Like for example, how was it that you were the first one to find out that Lex was in an accident? It wasn't like you were even there with him, and if you were, how did you survive without a scratch? Or, even if you weren't there to begin with, can you explain how you got yourself there in a few minutes when we have witnesses to the fact that just moments before you were 300 miles away? So no, he had to leave as soon as he made sure that Lex and the other victims were cared for.
Clark also had to battle his 'ego' or 'second personality' Kal-El. When Clark heard of the accident, it was a struggle for Clark to break the Ka-El chains that his 'other half' placed on him. He could feel the other personality making its way back, and as much as he wanted to remain Clark, he had to let go of that part of himself, at least for the time being. The only way to ensure that was holding on to the very thing that is darkening him, the Red Kryptonite. The issue with this is, all his inhibitions go right out the window, and he becomes one big, horrible monster. He has to bring himself inside the hospital, a very hard feat, at least today.
It was so hard for Lex to keep his eyes open. Each time he opened them, he had the sun to contend with, and it certainly wasn't a fair opponent. He remembered taking earlier to Clark, but he was tiring so fast, that he just needed to remain awake. So he used the ploy which some have said: if you wanna stay awake, talking works like a charm. He read that talking, although hard, helps keep the person awake. He decided to test the theory; he hoped this talking thing is what everyone makes it out to be. That it keeps you alert.
"Clark…. thank you… I hope that…. one day…. you could…. finally… Tell… me… your secret… Please… don't deny it… this time… because… you just used… your speed… and strength… Moreover… for some reason... I believe… you're an alien… which…I am… fascinated… by… because… it is… you." It was getting so hard to breathe until finally blackness claimed him. After releasing the victims in the medical ward, and telling the staff who the people are, Clark sped away from the medical center.
Metropolis
Lionel Luthor was sitting and waiting within his office in central Metropolis. The Luthor corp. building was the tallest high-rise within Metropolis and possibly the entire world. He had been doing nothing but getting agitated for the passed two hours. Why? He didn't know. That alone should have told anyone in his vicinity that something was not quite right in the world. It has been a known fact that he never lost his cool, not even when his son was held hostage and at gunpoint for all to see. Had anyone been in the room with him, they would have just written it of as something weird and maybe a bit out of the ordinary, but nothing so major that the world would have to be turned upside down and inside out. To any person who knew Lionel's personality well, they would have realized that something was amiss, but they wouldn't see it as a catastrophic event taken place.
The dilemma he had was, he had no idea why he felt the world had just ended, yet, he just knew. The only thing he knew, and by instinct and intuition alone, was that something fatal had happened to Lex, and that somehow, Clark was in a lot of trouble. It was no comfort at all that he had been waiting for two calls regarding the whereabouts of the duo. As each minute passed, he had been getting all the more annoyed. 'How long can it take to get the calls? Of course, the worst part is, the not knowing why, I have this fear. Could life get any worse? A definite yes, and only when it involves the Luthors or the Kents, especially Clark.' Another trouble was, he had thought of putting Chloe in charge of finding the info on Clark, however a voice from deep within him, and one he hasn't heard from in a very long time, insisted that he hire a tracker. For some inexplicable reason, he just knew to leave Chloe out of it this time. He realized his error when he had first placed Chloe into the position that she was now. The fact that he intimated Clark in Chloe's eyes was what he regretted, not that he took her under his 'guidance'.
Lionel had never regretted that he had taken in Chloe. In contrast, he truly liked the girl, but, in order to claim her as his own, he had to burst the bubble she had trapped herself in. That bubble was for Clark alone and the love she had for him. What he did regret, was the hatred he had brought about within Chloe, a loathing reserved only for Clark. It was for this reason that he had not mentioned his fear to Chloe. He was afraid of what she would do to Clark, and that had scared him the most. He had known for a while now, with abilities like Clark's, there was bound to be someone who would try to lure him for their own ends. Others, anyone who knew his weaknesses, would try to either kill him, or would try to experiment on him, Lionel could never let that happen, ever.
'Mr. Luthor.' A ring and a voice brought Lionel out of his reverie. "Mr. Luthor, you have a Mr. Strebacks on the phone. He claims to have information revolving around a Mr. Clark Kent." The secretary informed Lionel.
"Thank you, I will take it from here. You're dismissed for the day, I will see you tomorrow, I presume. Send regards to your husband and a 'hello' to your children from me. That will be all for today." Lionel, so surprised with himself, that he nearly missed the voice in his ear. He had never been sappy, and this topped any rebellious and shameful thing Lex did in his life. 'Only Clark could bring this about in the most ruthless of people. I have got to keep more control over myself.'
"I assume you have some news for me in relation to young Mr. Kent. I believe you know him as Clark." Not quite a question, nor a statement, Lionel inquired of Clark.
"I am afraid I have some bad news, sir. Of the one whom we speak, he has disappeared from town, gone for two days. The elder Kents had been notified at about two pm yesterday, none have filed the missing persons report, at least not at the moment. I do not have any other information at the moment. What would you have me do at this time?" Lionel paled, and he realized that he had to play his strongest act of indifference ever, right here, on this conversation. He had to keep the shock, worry and heartache out of his voice.
"Just follow any and all leads. Find Clark for me, and when you do locate him notify me immediately. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir, it is, I will not fail you." A tremble could be heard within the voice. Besides waiting for his second call, he now knew he needed to find Clark, and fast.
About a half hour later, he'd received notice that Lex and his newly wed wife were in a coma in Metropolis General. He left a message for his Clark contact to call on his cell, due to a family emergency, and that he call as soon as he gained any information. He needed a drink.