Smallville

            The Evil Legend

            Chapter Seventeen - Frozen as Ice

                Special: Thanks to Wallflower23 for beta reading for me…

            The warm July night allowed Dr. Conners to stand on the deck of the boat over the young man they finally acquired. He looked up at Spider-Man and smiled; "Thank you for bringing him back to us." Dr. Conners acknowledged. Clark's head swayed back and forth hearing every word the doctor was saying, but knew he was too weak to really move seeing the green kryptonite key in Dr. Conners's hand. He grimaced angrily at himself; he thought that damn key was destroyed with the ship. Unless, unless the key either had a second match, or this man knew about him as well. He'd soon find out, but he already didn't like the outlooks of this unauthorized capture. His parents always feared for his well being, and now he wished he had that right now, their comfort, their love, and most important their protection from evil.

                Watching the man in red and blue talk with the tall man, he heard little. Suddenly a voice was heard in his head. His father, Jor-El, after all this time he finally heard him. More fear gripped his heart that suddenly felt unloved, unwanted, and uncared for. These people had means of using him, or as he looked around the boat it looked more like experimenting on him. Listening to his father's faraway voice a chill went down his spine knowing he could do nothing but allow his father to take control; 'I will protect you.' Was all the voice said, he was confused by the sudden content of the pledge his father just made. How could he protect him? This was crazy, but then he started to shake rapidly.

                Dr. Conners turned to the sudden movement beneath him, as his patient looked like he was having a seizures; "What's wrong with him?" Spider-Man asked the doctor. The doctor shook his head; "I'm not sure." He replied and placed his hand on Clark's shoulder.

                Clark shook forcefully feeling his body system slowly become cold. He remembered earlier after he left home when he started to get cold, with a fever, or shake like he was going to have the flu, but now these were uncontainable. He wasn't sure what his father had planned by doing this to him. His eyes suddenly flew open and looked right into Dr. Conner's blue eyes. The man saw the fear in the kid's eyes, and backed away from him. Once he did the kid's mouth opened, as a cold gust of wind came out of it. Spider-Man held his place, and watched what was happening. He was amazed at the kid's powers. Everything Dr. Conners had told him about the kid was happening, but something about the machine he was in had caused another power to fully come forth, when it was supposed to stay dormant for a little bit longer. Again Clark felt his mouth open as ice now flew from it, and covered his body. The last thing he saw was Dr. Conner's frantic expression come over his face.

                                "This is impossible!" Dr. Conners shouted upset. Spider-Man thought of leaving right at that time seeing he couldn't do anything else. Hearing the man's walkie-talkie he listened in on the conversation; "Dr. Conners. How is our patient?" Mr. Luthor asked him.

                                "Frozen as ice sir;" Dr. Conners informed him. Lionel sighed heavily on the other end; "What do you mean?" Lionel asked. He never remembered Clark doing something like this before; "I'm not sure yet Mr. Luthor. He went completely berserk and froze himself as if to tell us to stay away from him." Dr. Conners exclaimed to Mr. Luthor. Lionel looked back at Liberty Island; "I need you to get one more person for me." Lionel said to Dr. Conners.

                                "I found out that the man that had broken into my corporation earlier last month had taken some of my belongings. I heard he was also headed here, and is one of those powerful mutants. I need you to find him; he could be of some use with Mr. Kent." Lionel pointed out.

                                "Very well;" Dr. Conners said tiredly. Hanging up the phone he turned back to Spider-Man; "Could you do us one more favor?" He asked him. Spider-Man waited for the man to finish; "I need you to find a mutant who you know as Magneto." Dr. Conners explained. Spider-Man thought he was hearing things. These men actually wanted that mutant? Out of all of them the one man that could break through any building; "Are you sure?" Spider-Man asked the man seeing the man's face didn't change at all or had fear behind it; "No, we have a special place for him, and the state of New York had already authorized permission to hold him in Metropolis." Dr. Conners answered.

                                "Alright;" Spider-Man sighed, and slung a web onto the statue on Liberty and swung off the deck of the ship.

~*~

                Magneto lay motionless inside lady liberty's torch. His whole body felt numb from the machine. He remembered the last time it had happened, when the soft white glow had covered him as his power left him into Rogue. Though after Clark had received his power the man hadn't regained full use of his power yet, fear leaped through him thinking that the kid still had some of his power. That thought never left his mind, then that meant he probably had some of his power as well, but he wasn't sure what one. Hearing the floor beneath him shake he looked up to see Spider-Man land over to his right on the torch's flame. Magneto tried to move away from the kid, but he grabbed him and flung him over his shoulder; "Sorry about this, but they want you." Spider-Man told him, as Magneto felt like he was flying for a split second. The feeling made him light headed, and dizzy as he sat him down on the boat. Looking up he saw a tall thin man wearing a white coat with large pockets, and could tell he was a doctor right away; "Welcome Eric." Dr. Conners said to him; "I hope you won't mind our hospitality." Dr. Conners said to him. Magneto's head swayed to the side feeling woozy and saw the frozen figure off to his right; "Who is that?" Magneto asked them.

                                "The young man you almost killed." Dr. Conners reported unsympathetically. Magneto saw Clark's frozen body and was amazed at how solid it was, without even melting on this warm July night. Feeling the guards place plastic handcuffs around Magneto's wrists as he felt a needle slip under his neck. His vision started to diminish seeing the last person he'd thought he'd never see; Lionel Luthor.

~*~

                The six college student's huddled in their group as they saw a black van jerk to a stop. Ash didn't want to know what these people were as she watched them step out of the van. Watching two men lower a man in a wheel chair down onto the ground he rolled over to them. Their hearts stopped seeing Dr. Swann for the first time. They had heard about the man, and all his brilliant accomplishments. His blue eyes searched them knowingly; "Hello;" He started to speak slowly; "I heard from Professor Xavier that he had a student of his here." He told them. They just looked at him confused; "What are you talking about?" Delfina asked him.

                                "Have you seen him or any of his friends?" Dr. Swann continued.

                                "No, we were only here for the fireworks." Ash answered. Dr. Swann swallowed feeling his stomach knot up. He had a bad feeling, and that wasn't good. Grabbing his cell phone he dialed Charles number. The young adults were about to get into their cars when they saw Dr. Swann's hand come up in the air; "Wait here." He told them.

                                "Why?" Tiren asked sharply. He was in a hurry; Ash could sense that from where she stood; "We have places to go." Tiren added.

                                "Was there a soft green light that came across the area?" Dr. Swann asked as he held the receiver away from his ear. Perish nodded her head; "Yeah, we didn't know what it was, and in a panic we headed for the car." She exclaimed to him; "Why does your friend on the phone want to know?" Tiren asked.

                                "Because he thinks you kids could be exposed to some magnetic pull that the mutants were dealing with over on the island which could cause you to have strange reaction to it, and my friend wants to see you in person to check and make sure everything is okay." Dr. Swann informed them. Putting the phone back up to his ear he started to talk to Charles again; "Make sure you bring them all." Charles paused; "I sense something from Tiren and Ash, but the others could have been exposed." Charles told him. Dr. Swann nodded his head acknowledging the professor on the other end, as their conversation ended abruptly he turned to his men; "The professor wants them at the school as soon as possible. He fears two of them may posses some powers from the other mutants that were on the island." Dr. Swann informed his men. The men nodded assuringly and moved in on the group of young adults. The kids now break into a run and head for the cars; "Ash;" Tiren shouted loudly as two men blocked him. Without thinking Ash broke into her Tai Kwan Do moves after having so many classes with Sheri they were beginning to pay off; "Move away from him!" Ash shouted loudly. The men laughed as the one of the left went to grab for his arm. Tiren wasn't about to let these men take them hostage. Using his boxing moves he punched the one man right in-between the eyes sending him off balance. Ash lunged at the man as her fist hit the man right in the nose. Tiren joined in as he used his knee and kicked him in the stomach sending him to the ground. Dr. Swann watched as the two fought with them. He was surprised these well-to-do college students knew background in fighting.

                                "Stop;" Dr. Swann shouted loudly. Everyone turned around to face the man in the wheel chair; "I'm not going to hurt anyone. Please just ride with us to the school and all will be explained." He paused seeing the young girl's expression on her face become worried; "I have a friend that wants to help you." He assured them. Delfina sighed; "Alright, but if we don't like the situation then we will leave." She snapped annoyed with the man already. Dr. Swann nodded in return; "That is fine." He replied dryly as he watched them pile into the van.

~*~

                Chloe stopped and hung onto the boat as she looked over the edge. She had followed Lionel from the hotel, and allowed her to get this crazy idea to get to that island even if her life depended on it. Hearing the boats engine start up again she hadn't stopped to see the bodies that were compensated, as she broke into a swim. Within five to ten minutes she was on the shoreline of the island and made her way to the statue to see where everyone was. She had to warn Clark. Lionel was after him, and she felt bad herself now knowing she had betrayed him. She just prayed he was alright.

                Marie runs over to the edge of the island almost knocking Chloe into the water, but she stumbles forward into Bobbie's arms; "You okay?" He asked. Chloe cleared her throat; "Yeah, thanks." She replied taking deep breaths.

                                "What are you doing here?" Bobby asked her. He remembered the first time he saw her, and couldn't stop looking at her dark brown eyes. He saw Marie's jealous expression in the corner of his eyes, but didn't pay any attention.

                                "I came to warn him." She started to explain.

                                "Who;" Bobby asked.

                                "My friend Clark, I heard he was running around with mutants, or well you guys, but got into some trouble." She paused; "Plus I knew my boss was after him and I couldn't bear to see him under the hands of that bastard." Chloe spilled out in one sentence. He could tell she was frustrated and uptight about her friend.

                                "You're too late." Marie stepped in the conversation.

                                "What do you mean?" Chloe asked. Marie responded as her hand pointed out toward the boats that were heading back to the docking bay.

                                "They've already taken him; do you know who they are?" Marie asked as tears began to fall from her eyes. Chloe could tell she had been close with Clark. Another one who seemed to break through Clark's shinning armor, how come she had to be the last to know on this sort of thing? Sure she had feelings for Clark to, but every time she got close, or actually plain out told him as best she could without going over board this happened, it always happened. She could sense Bobby's gaze on her as she walked over to Marie. Bobby's eyes widened; "No;" Bobby warned as he pulled her back, seeing she was about to hug Marie for comfort; "You can't do that." Bobby told her.

                                "Why not;" Chloe asked with curiosity.

                                "This will happen." Bobby stated, as he pulled Marie close and kissed her lightly on her lips. Marie felt his love and passion flow through the kiss, but it suddenly stopped as she started to feel Bobbie's thoughts, and dreams float to her mind. Killing him would be the last thing she wanted to know. Chloe covered her mouth in awe seeing Bobby shake like he was on drugs.

                The other X-Men joined them and saw the blond girl with Bobby. Logan didn't like her company, she seem to fit the group; "Were you spying on us?" Logan blurted out the question as more of a demand. Chloe snorted at him disgust already by his personality. She could tell already Clark didn't like him; "For your information, I came here because a friend of mine is in trouble." Chloe snapped back them a little pissed. Bobby could contemplate with her, seeing she was temperamental and troubled about it.

                                "We have to hurry back." Ororo reported; "The professor found some kids that could have been exposed to the machine and worries they maybe in danger." Ororo informed them.

                                "In danger, how;" Scott asked.

                                "Since Clark was in the machine, with a meteor rock, who knows what he could have unleashed." Ororo exclaimed; "I mean done to the people in the city." Ororo tried to pick her words carefully so Chloe wouldn't over hear. Being that she was Clark's friend, she didn't know how close, and wanted to keep it that way. They had to keep a low profile on what they said now, and knew Clark would appreciate it unless the situation called for them to explain it to her fully.

~*~

                Marsh and the others finally got to their bearings seeing they had, had the wind knocked out of them, as he got up he felt different, as though something had changed in his bodily functions. Turning to look up over at Ian, he too was already spilt into four Ian's; "I think I'm going to like this." Ian reported. The others stepped out of the shadows and started to huddle together in a one group around Mystique and Marsh. She knew that Magneto had been taken and she wasn't there to help him like she always was. Now it was her turn to take charge. They had to head to Metropolis and follow Lionel. She didn't trust that neglectful man with her life.

                Hearing a sound of a boat approaching them they all moved to the side of the island to see who would be arriving before the police force. Paul's eyes widened seeing her in her in the small boat. Helen out of all people had followed them. He didn't want her to see him now. He wasn't ready, and whatever the machine did to him, it wasn't integrating with his system at all yet.

                Helen's heart beat fast in her chest, knowing she was probably already too late to help Clark out, and whoever was on the island probably had back up. She only had a gun, and knew a few fighting moves Lex had taught her to use. Shutting off the boat, she tied it to a pole that was on the sandy shoreline. Sighing heavily she approached the green lawns of Liberty Island. The soft lights loomed upward casting a graceful glow even after the drama it had already been through. The arm stretched outward keeping everyone safe, but the torch wasn't lit anymore. She looked around the grounds and saw splinters of woodpiles about the area. Whatever they used had a good amount of power to destroy a historical piece of work. Hearing something off to her right she stopped suddenly to listen to any signs of life that may still be there. Her perplexed heart wasn't allowing her to control her other senses that needed to initiate to her now. Moving slowly about the grounds she removed her gun from her side.

                Sirens were now heard in the distance. Mystique looked through the bush over at Helen; "So, she's your ex huh?" She asked dryly, but amused. 

                                "Yeah, though she was the one that broke it off." Paul exclaimed seeing the silhouette of Helen from were he stood.

                                "Well we have time to."  Mystique pointed out to him. Paul looked at her; "Are you sure that machine did something to my body?" Paul asked; "Because I don't feel anything yet." He pointed out. Mystique knew what had happened to the last client of Magneto's a few years back, and she didn't want to break it to him if something bad did happen to his body. All the others already had their body changed, so anything could happen to him; "I wish I knew." Mystique responded.

                                "Just go out there and find out." Marsh blurted out. He wanted to see some fighting between these two. He remembered when Lex saw him at the cell in Smallville and had offered him bale in return to know what was in his father's truck. Though the whole plan backfired and left March back at square one. He was a science man himself, but he knew that wouldn't impress the girls, fortunately it seemed to for this lady. Being a doctor; and one that worked with Lex hadn't shown a bit of fear from her eyes. He could already tell the lady had done something to someone not to show that hidden fear locked away inside her body.

                                "I could finish her off really good." Marsh pointed out to Paul feeling his muscles increase rapidly. He had never felt so strong or invulnerable in his life. He just imagined using this powerful motive onto Clark, but he was nowhere in sight.

                                "No;" Paul snapped; "She's mine to deal with." He added as he slowly stood.

                Helen's head whipped-flashed at the sound of stick beneath something ahead of her, she didn't want to know whom it was, and held her fear inside. Walking closer to the small group of bushes she looked over them to try and find something that would indicate life. Seeing nothing she moved back to the statue. Not hearing the second snap of a stick, Paul emerged from the bushes and stood in place to see if she would notice any time soon.

                Feeling as if someone was watching her, Helen turned around and froze in her spot at the man she thought was locked away for good. His handsome figure looked back at her in a strange stature that confused her a little bit. She could tell something had changed from his usual self, but couldn't place what it was.

                                "I figured you'd be following Mr. Luthor." Paul started the conversation very slowly feeling his body suddenly change. His cells moved within him at a rabid rate, and he made sure he stood were he was and did the talking. The gun shinned brightly in the soft light around the island; "Why did you come all the way out here Helen?" He asked her.

                                "To help a friend in need;" Helen replied trying to figure out what his alter motive were.

                                "Really;" Paul asked surprised; "Because the last I heard you didn't help friends in need." He pointed out.

                                "He was a friend of Lex's." Helen added. Paul took a few steps forward but stopped hearing that name; "Of Lex's huh." He said.

                                "Yes, he was in trouble and he's been missing from home so when I heard the information from Lionel I had to come and help." She stopped; "But when I found out you were here instead of him. I knew there had to be more to it than Mr. Luthor's little game, than to control the world with a weapon that could probably be turned." Helen exclaimed.

                                "A weapon;" Paul asked wanting more information. She had been around Lionel a while, and if Clark was with Lionel and his plan was turn Clark into a weapon against the world, well he had a thing or to up his sleeves.

                                "Are you sure you're here to help him out?" Paul asked; "Because you seem nervous and irredeemable." Paul pointed out as he took a few more steps forward.

                                "I will shoot you Paul." Helen threatened.

                                "Go ahead." Paul brought the threat up a notch as though he wasn't afraid to die. She thought this guy was nuts but now she knew he was a deluded lunatic caught up in a war he couldn't verve in.  Paul took this time to act and felt his body move faster than it had in years. Helen didn't even see him coming as he hit her in the face between the nose; her head went back hearing a small cracking sound; "Thank you. That had been cramped up for a while now." Helen said, trying to add some absurdity to the moment. Paul ignored her once more and hit her again. This time Helen had enough of his attempt to kill her. He had already tried to that once, and she wasn't going to allow him the pleasure the second time around. Lowering her gun, she used her index finger and pointer finger and forced them up his nose right as he was about to throw another punch. Paul yelled in pain as he felt her fingers intertwined with his nostril; "Ow;" Paul wailed, as she yanked his head forward; "You know. The first time you tried to do this I was in a coma." Helen started to fill him in on good old memories.

                                "Now it's your turn to get the smack down!" Helen shouted angrily. Paul could tell the woman was upset, and a bitch. Her brown eyes searched his for fear, and saw a glint of fear in them; "You're unsure of yourself Paul." Helen pointed out. Paul stopped breathing as Helen slipped her fingers out of his nose; "You son of a bitch!" Paul shouted angrily.

                                "Unsure huh, so you're thinking I have some kind of back up plan waiting to bust your chops." Paul added.

                                "Something like that." Helen stated. Taking her gun she pointed it up against his neck; "Don't even think about moving." Helen ordered him. Paul looked over at the group as they now stood up from their hiding place. The sirens were heard closer now as a chef officer called out his orders; "Everyone stay were they are!" The loud microphone filled the silent air as Helen held Paul at gun point ignoring the order; "You know I have enough money to put you away, but hey what the hell do I care." Helen retorted. Paul wished that his blood cells would work faster, but apparently his powers weren't developing as fast as he'd like them to. Hearing the faint click of the gun in Helen's hand he shut his eyes; "Good night Paul." Helen hissed in his ear, as she shot the gun in his chest.

                Mystique had to hand it to the lady she was good, and a smart ass. No wonder the young offspring of Mr. Luthor liked her. She agreed with her all the way, if Paul had already tried to kill her, she wouldn't have given him a second chance either. Feeling Marsh's blood starting to boil wanting to beat the woman after what she did to Paul. Mystique held her hand out; "Maybe she's our only chance to get help." She informed them. Marsh didn't liked it; "Help us?" Marsh demanded; "She probably doesn't even have back up." He added. Right then and there they heard Helen call for back up on her com link she carried in her pocket; "Not bad." Mystique said slyly. Grabbing Marsh by the shirt she pulled him out into view; "Were going home in style." Mystique said to them.

                Helen turned at the sound of the young man falling to the ground in front of her. She lowered her gun right at him; "Who are you?" Helen asked.

                                "We can help you." Mystique began. Helen's eyes widen at the sudden appearance of this lady. She had never seen anyone like that before; "Are you a mutant?" Helen asked feeling like an idiot when the lady didn't answer; "Stupid question I know." She said to herself.

                                "Look, can you help us or not?" Mystique asked; "We can help you get whatever revenge you want on Mr. Luthor." Mystique said to her. Helen heard her ride approaching as the helicopter slowly landed. The police force was already heading their way, and she didn't want to rethink it later after they were all put into jail on her account; "Fine." She paused seeing how many she had; "Get in." Helen added and allowed them to get in and called for another pick up.

~*~

                Bruce hurried from the cave after Alfred had handed him the newspaper. New York was all over the news that morning, and Bruce was going through his computer files down in the cave while Lex was out with Carrie Castle once more. He didn't know what he saw in Miss Castle, but apparently there was something a little bit more that than when he married Helen; "Coffee sir?" Alfred as with a smile, Bruce stopped and looked at him; "What?" Bruce asked him.

                                "Nothing, it's just that after all this time, I've never seen you this determined to help out Lex. It seemed like only yesterday you were still disagreeing on business arrangements on your companies, yet here you are." Alfred pointed out. Bruce laughed; "Don't worry Alfred. I'm not about ready to turn my back on an old friend now." Bruce replied as he took a sip of the coffee.

                                "Any more news on what happened in New York?" Bruce asked reading the paper as fast as he could. Fresh ideas speed through his mind as the reporter Miss Castle had been on the seen right after the scene. He was surprised that Lex had pushed her to go straight to New York right after a elegant meal. The young man had a lot on his mind, which he could understand. Lex had allowed Bruce to go to his meetings, from what Alfred had told Lex that's what they were. His training had been going well, and Alfred smiled his young blue eyes searched the boy's mind for some restrain to this small business adventure with his friend.

                                "When does he get back?" Bruce asked him, as they made their way to the main hall.

                                "In about and hour or sooner sir;" Alfred answered. Bruce turned a little shocked; "You didn't call me son." Bruce said a little downhearted.

                Alfred smiled; "You're becoming a young man now, and it's about time I helped you turn into the man you wish to become." Alfred acknowledged teary-eyed. Bruce clamped his hand on the man's shoulders; "Your family Alfred, and you can call me Bruce." Bruce added. Alfred laughed; "Yes sir." Alfred caught himself; "Course;" He joined in with him as they both laughed filling the empty mansion with high spirits, and that had long since been dormant in the gothic structure.

                Heading into another room Bruce flipped on the TV as Alfred followed; "Should I prepare dinner Mr. Bruce?" Alfred asked. Looking at the time Bruce sighed heavily; "That sounds good. Hopefully by the time its ready Lex will be back." Bruce said to Alfred. Alfred could tell he was afraid someone may see Lex while he's out and about doing his little excursions, and for all he knew Miss Castle could be black mailing him on his father behind his back. Without any true body guards Bruce felt uneasy for his friend; "Alfred. Could you send out a few of my body guards for the day and escort Lex where he would like to go." Bruce said to the man before he left the room; "Very well Mr. Bruce." Alfred said as the room became silent once more. 

                The Blue Dolphin sat just beyond one of the small rivers in the outskirts of Gotham City. It was a large restaurant that a lot of actors and businessmen loved to hang out. The restaurant was very open, yet sheltered from the rest of the city. The walls went up high into an arch like a church. The elegant oak wooden titles circled the floor of the sitting areas. Each table was spaced at least five to ten steps away from each other, colors of blues, purples, reds, yellow and white coroneted with everything along with wooden lights that sat on each table in the center to make it look more up class. As you walked further into the building a large fountain sat in the back of the room along with a large panel door that swung open to the July evening that was coming close to an end. Crickets and birds were heard throughout the garden just outside the doors.

                Lex Luthor sat across from Miss Castle, as the young reporter who took a sip of her expensive wine that Lex had offered to pay for. Her brown eyes searched his ocean blue ones for what seemed to be a million years on why the young billionaire wanted her company any longer than just business. She was a young lady probably in her mid twenties or a little older, but not by much. Her dark completion had taken Lex's mind off of anything else going on in the room. He hadn't even heard about what had happened in New York. Carrie hadn't informed him on what happened, since the man hadn't asked her yet. She was still perplexed by how the outing at hand was going. A few waiters walked around them, as they sat in the booths that sat high above the rest. It was the most private spot you could get in the restaurant. The ceiling windows allowed the sunset to cascade down through the room around them, creating warmth between them.

                                "Does it suit you?" Lex asked quietly. Carrie's eyes searched his as if trying to find out some kind of mistrust, but when she found none she smiled lightly; "It's fine. Thank you." She answered taking another small sip. Getting back to business Carrie pulled out the newspaper from that day that had arrived at her doorstep; "I thought you'd like to read this article in the New York paper." Carrie informed him calmly as she handed it to him. Lex took it reluctantly and saw the headline. His eyes went wide; "Where is my father now?" Lex asked reading the report about the mutant attack the other day; "Last I heard he was back in Metropolis or heading that way." Carrie replied softly. She didn't mind the restaurant it was the expensive taste she'd never get use to if Mr. Luthor was going to do this with her every time they met.

                                "I heard he may have been affected by the machine that had almost covered half of the docking bay that night." Carrie started to exclaim.

                                "If he had, then he should see a doctor. Because if something odd happens to him, then all hell could break lose."  Lex told her. Carrie nodded understanding how ruthless his father was, and still couldn't see the resemblance between them, expect for the calm expressions each one took every morning, by getting a full body massage each day. She would love to have that every morning, and her own body needed something each day. If it wasn't working out, then she needed to relax in a hot top and tell everyone that she'd help them out later.

                                "I'll talk with Mr. Wayne on this once I return home." Lex looked intently into her soft brown eyes that seemed endless just like Helen's.

                                "Would you care to have something more to eat tonight?" Lex asked seeing her empty plate that had been cleaned off. Carrie shook her head; "No I'm find thank you." Carrie assured him. Lex loved the lady; she was intellectual, quaint, and attractive. Unlike Helen who was witty, calm, honest to a point, and did things her own way. He saw none of that in Carrie, and hoped something more would come between them but he knew he'd never be able to until Helen was put a sight. So taking a 'Clark move' he helped her from her seat, and paid for the bill; "I'll be looking forward to more intellectual conversations from you." Lex told her, knowing that tonight sort of dragged too long, and he knew Bruce hated him out too long in the public eye.

                                "I'd like that." Carrie agreed herself it was nice, and unlike her last boyfriends, Lex had showed her how a real man should treat a lady. She could tell his wife had taught him a few things; "Lex, don't worry. I'm still sure that the son will over come the father soon enough." Carrie added with a smile that he drowned into. Lex smiled brightly; "Thank you Miss Castle." Lex offered her help to her car, but when she declined he watched her leave into the warm July night of Gotham City. Still holding the newspaper Lex looked once more that picture, and knew it was time to bring that dog home. He wanted every thing on his father now.

                Bruce looked at the time and waited for what seemed to be a long two hours, before he heard his limo come to a halt outside the mansion. The dark sky cast an eerie glow over the ground as he stepped outside to see Lex finally arrive home; "Must had been a nice evening." Bruce started the conversation. Lex smiled as he walked in clamping his hand down on Bruce's broad shoulders; "It was a delightful evening." Lex assured him as he showed Bruce the paper; "I've already seen it, and watched the news reports. Your father's been very busy." Bruce informed him. Lex stopped just inside the main hall; "What do you mean busy?" Lex said now feeling his stomach knot up uneasily.

                                "He now has a dear friend of New York's in lock and key." Bruce stated. Lex was confused on what friend his father could possibly want under lock and key in his own basement.

                                "Who;" Lex asked wondering himself.

                                "Eric Lensherr." Bruce paused; "Should I take a visit to your father?" He asked. Lex looked intently at the news article; "Was there anyone else that he took captive?" Lex asked now feeling his own stomach uneasy. His mind was slowly forming crazy ideas in his head that told him his father was not to be trust by anyone.

                                "I heard that he had taken someone that was already supposed to be at his facility, but I'm guessing by the look in your eyes it has something to do with your friend Clark Kent." Bruce added.

                                "I need to get a hold of the Miss Sullivan, and maybe the Kent's, but right now I'd like to leave them out of this if it has anything to deal with their son. From the looks of it and from what I've read they believe there are new mutants now that will come a miss." Lex told him. Bruce nodded; "Yes."

~*~

                Lionel walked down the long corridors of the building outside of Metropolis. He had told Dr. Conners to meet him there as soon as possible to make sure everything was in working order. Mr. Kent was in a cell down below, and Eric Lensherr was down the hall from him. He knew he had to keep things at a low profile, because something could get out, and it wouldn't look pretty. Hearing footsteps come from behind him, Lionel turned around to see Dr. Conners holding his clipboard.

                                "They are all in their places." Dr. Conners assured him. Lionel sighed lightly; "Good. When can we start the experiments?" Lionel asked. Dr. Conners looked right into the cold hearted man for a moment to see if there was any goodness hiding behind his expression. When he found none he responded; "As soon as we can thaw out young Mr. Kent;" Dr. Conners explained to him.

                                "It shouldn't be that hard to melt him." Lionel said as his voice razed a notch.

                                "I think something is protecting him, and he's still alive under that ice block, so we won't have to worry. We will be able to unfreeze it as soon as possible. I was thinking of just throwing it into that large pool you want to use as an experiment on him anyways, and throw warm water inside it." Dr. Conners stated his idea.

                                "Do whatever is necessary, just keep him alive." Lionel pointed out.

                                "Do you still have that blood sample?" Lionel asked him. Dr. Conners nodded; "Yes, did you want me to get more samples soon, or start with the cloning?"  He asked him.

                                "Start with the cloning. I want to make as many as we can with that little sample, and see how fast it will build, also I have men out in search for those kids that Dr. Swann acquired. I found out that they were there on the docks during the fireworks and they could possibly help out our cause." Lionel told him. Dr. Conners smiled; "As you wish." He said as they looked into Mr. Kent's cell; "Find out what is protecting him, and none of this is my doing." Lionel paused and looked at the doctor; "You understand our agreement at the beginning that this was set up to help you doctor, and if you as so much mention my name behind enemy lines. This business will end abruptly." Lionel added.

                                "Yes Mr. Luthor." Dr. Conners assured him; "I'll make sure our employees won't allow this to leak out." He added.

                                "Good. Then this conversation is over." Lionel paused; "Another matter. If this does leak out you know Mr. Kent will not belong to you anymore. He will belong to me, and by that time I want all the information." Lionel made sure the doctor understood their agreement of silence before they left the room; "Of course." He swallowed hard and nodded his head making it obvious he wouldn't deny the man.

                 Dr. Conners watched the old man walk back up to the main part of the building. Looking down at his arm, he hopped that maybe, just maybe that if this blood sample worked as fast as Mr. Luthor wanted it to move he could use another sample to make his arm grow back. Looking into cell block 17, he watched the frozen body of Mr. Kent laying there. He would soon find out more about this young man, and if force was necessary then he'd use it to get what he needed. Though he was still worried about himself, and Lionel, after being engulfed by that green magnetic pull back in New York, he knew that he was already around meteor rocks his body would slowly start changing, and was worried for Mr. Luthor's health as well, but he'd deal with that later. Right now he was going to make a call to Mr. Parker seeing he would be needing more help on this project.

~*~

                Professor Charles Xavier rolled into the main lobby by the front door, as six young adults all came inside along with Dr. Swann; "I heard that you wanted to see these kids." Dr. Swann said as he rolled up next to Professor Xavier. Charles nodded his head; "I read their thoughts just outside the docking bay and could feel some pain they were experimenting, and I became worried that it was connected with Magneto's machine." Charles explained.

                                "Are you sure nothing will happen to them like it did to Senator Kelly?" Ororo asked as she came into the main lobby.

                                "Since Magneto used meteor rock it may work differently on them, but only time will tell." Charles answered her. He could tell the dark haired young man was restless like Logan was as he paced the room; "So are we some lab experiment for you mutants?" Tiren snapped angrily.

                                "Tiren;" Ash yelled at him. She hated it when he was rude or outspoken before they allowed them to speak; "Sorry." Ash apologized for Tiren.

                                "Don't be. I knew he meant well. We never gave him a full enough reason why you are here." Charles started to say. This time Charles rolled his wheel chair over to Tiren and Taben. The two stood there and looked down at the bald man; "There was meteor rocks in the machine that Magneto had used on Liberty Island. One of the Senators about a year or so ago had died from that machine. We just want to make sure nothing happens to you." Charles explained.

                                "So you're saying that if the machine didn't have meteor rocks inside of it, we probably would have been dead with in a day or two?" Taben asked; "Yes." Charles answered dryly.

                                "Also, you maybe linked to a friend of ours that was placed in the machine, so if anything does happen to him we maybe able to find out where he is." Charles brightened a little bit. Ash didn't like the sound of that; "Linked?" She asked confused.

                                "I've already checked my students and they all seem fine, but since your humans, and don't have any powers of your own if our young student suddenly does something he doesn't want to do it could back fire through you." Charles said further. Ash still didn't like the sound of that and looked at Parish for comfort; "Don't look at me. I didn't do it." Parish stated; "And I'm just as worried about as you are. So I say we all stay here, and find out what is really going on." Parish stopped as they saw three other young adults enter the room. Kodi looked at them, but one didn't seem like she was a mutant at all.

                                "Hi." Chloe said brightly; "Welcome to Mutant High." She paused; "I heard you guys where near the out burst that happened the following day. If you don't mind could I get a full interview on what happened since I was a bit busy myself in the middle of it all. I'm trying to get everyone's story down on paper." Chloe told them. Ash smiled, she already liked Chloe. She had the same upbeat gumption that she did when she wanted to write, and so did Parish; "Sure." Parish said with a smile.

                                "I'm Bobby." Bobby introduced himself and shook their hands; "This is Marie." Bobby pointed to her, but all she did was smile and wave. Chloe turned to Marie; "Did you talk to the professor yet?" Chloe asked her. Marie shook her head; "No, he's too busy right now." Marie added as she watched Charles and Dr. Swann slowly move down the halls of the school.

                                "I could contact my friend in Metropolis. She's staying with her aunt's house." Chloe told her. Marie's faces brighten; "Really," She said.

                                "Yeah, maybe she can have us stay at her house for a while and search sees what we come up with. I also know of someone I could call." Chloe told her.

                                "Come on." Chloe said and pushed her down the hallway as they made their plan to get away from the professor.

                Slowly walking away from the group Marie followed Chloe up to her room. It had been a while since Marie had a female companion, and she missed it being around a ton of guys all the time with hallow heads. She could tell the young reporter had a plan up her sleeve and she wanted to be apart of it no matter what. They some how had to make sure the professor wouldn't know of their disappearance so suddenly. But Chloe knew that something would happen, and Marie always questions her friends high hopes on a good escape that didn't have to become a free-for-all.

                That night Ash and Parish sat in the game room while watching the men play cards. They hadn't really talked at all with Delfina since she had spent a great deal of time with other students in the school. She somehow found it amazing, but the two sisters sat there watching TV not allowing the guys, shouts, yells or out burst language to hit their tired ears for the night. Turning her head to look at Kurt who was resting up against the doorframe she felt a slight sting in the back of her neck. Parish saw her sister twitch in her seat as if something was uncomfortable; "Are you okay?" Parish asked her, as she watched her sister rub her neck; "I do know. I feel like I'm getting a temperature." Ash pointed out now rubbing her head. Sweat was now seen at her brow as Parish whipped her hand to feel her forehead. Sure enough she was right; she did feel like she had a temperature. She had a small one earlier, but not as bad as Ash's. Parish's cold hands had brought her fever down a little bit, not enough to drop it so she wasn't sweating like a pig.

                                "Tiren;" Parish shouted across the room. Everyone stooped what they were doing as they rushed to their sides; "Something's wrong with her, why is she sick?" Parish asked him.

                                "I don't know. Should I get the professor?" Tiren asked her.

                                "I'll get him." Kurt assured them as he left the room. Tiren now felt her head and couldn't believe how hot it was; "Bobby!" Tiren shouted over at his new friend; "Can you help?" He asked as Bobby rushed over. Jones sat there on the chair next to the girls watching wondering what was making her have a high temperature. Feeling her neck to cool her down Tiren felt something on her skin and moved her long blond hair out of the way; "Um, Logan!" Tiren shouted now worried.

                                "What is that?" Tiren asked him. Logan rushed over in an instant and saw the mark forming on her neck just below her hair line. The symbol was small, but noticeable like a tattoo. The symbol was in some kind of language they had only seen on one person and one person only. They had no idea that Ash and her sister had been in contact with him before this matter had happened, but they would soon find out soon enough.

~*~

                He laid their in silence once more emboldened by cold that slowed his body down. Clark Kent felt the pain emerge from his scar on his chest. The burning sensation felt worse than the machine he was just in. He tried to resist it, but the block of ice secured him from any other enemy lines that could try to control him. But being controlled by his father was something he still feared, and didn't want to do. Slowly opening his eyes in the block of ice, he had no idea what or why the scar was burning so brightly. Feeling the ice slowly melt around him he could hear Kal'El break through his silent thoughts once more along with the words of his fathers. All he knew now was that his next goal was to get out and free himself from torment he didn't want to go through.

End of Chapter Seventeen

TBC…

Authors Notes: Thank you so much for the awesome reviews, book two: Taken Over will be started as soon as I can. So sit back and read any of my other stuff and the stories my friend has posted called; The Black Skull. Thanks.

I hope you all had a great holiday. I start college classes next week. So my time will be limited on writing. Sigh**