ch 11
…Meanwhile at the Mansion…

"Sir, they were able to escape. Should we pursue them?" one of Alexander's men disclosed.

"No…I have everything I need," he paused looking at the unconscious teenager at his feet. "Right here."

…Later…

Clark barely opened his eyes, his vision solid white. He closed them back, making a slight moan. He opened his eyes again and looked around the room trying to get his vision to focus against the overpowering fluorescent lights above him.

He tried to move and cover his eyes from the blinding light but discovered his arms wouldn't move. He looked around seeing that he was held firmly in place on the metal table by thick metal bands.

Clark swallowed trying to recall all the events that had led him here. For the moment everything was a jumble. All he remembered was his attempt to rescue his friends, finding them and then the final picture of the front door fading in and out of focus. With that picture the sounds of Chloe cries echoing in the back of his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted as he saw as he heard someone approach him. He turned his head and watched as Alexander approached from across the room. Clark tensed up and began to struggle against the restraints. He quickly found out that he was not going anywhere and had just succeeded in expending what little strength he did have.

Alexander stood beside the metal gurney and smiled insanely at Clark's attempt to flee. "Ah, it's so nice for you to visit me. Though, with that hero complex of yours: you almost made it too easy. I wanted more of a challenge. But, your so predictable I knew if I played my cards right you would follow right along and I've have you right where I wanted."

"Why?" Clark said, his voice croaked from lack of use and tiredness. He flinched because his voice did not come out as strong as he would have liked.

"Well, I didn't know if or when you're "abilities" might kick in. Alexander looked away from Clark's face momentarily glancing at the restraints before turning back to him. "Wouldn't want you running around loose now would we?"

Clark looked up at him speechless. Any doubt of the sanity of his captor faded away then.

"It was also awfully nice of your friends to leave you here with me. I almost thought they were going to ruin my fun."

Chloe. Lex. Pete. What had happened to them? Were they okay? Did they manage to escape. He knew he if they hadn't we wasn't going to be able to help them now. "What did you do with them?"

Alexander felt like laughing because the poor guy just didn't get it. He looked at Clark with a look of almost disbelief on his face as he answered. "Them? I didn't do anything to them. They were not the quarry I was after." The insane grin had returned to Alexander's face.

"You used them as bait?" Anger rose in Clark voice.

"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner." Alexander answered sarcastically. "I had all this planned. I was the one who made sure you were incapacitated with the kryptonite dart. I was the one that ensured that you saw Chloe getting captured before your eyes giving you all the more incentive to find her again. I was the one that let Chloe keep her cell phone in the first place. I was the one that led you here counting on you playing the hero. And tell me why do you think I only used a normal dart the second time round, no meteor rocks in sight…because I knew your powers were still out."

Clark felt sick as he listened to the madman talk. The situation seemed to be going from bad to worse. He was afraid of what might be in store for him. "What is it that you want?"

Alexander began to walk around Clark causing Clark to strain to follow him with his eyes. "Do you even realize the power you possess within your grasp? Think of what you could have! How easily you could have it!"

The young lad knew the man was trying to entice him but he saw right through it all. "You mean, power that you would have?" Clark corrected, speaking of the control Alexander had over the situation.

Alexander leaned back a little, respecting the boy's awareness. "Of course," he made no attempt to hide his position in this venture. "…but if you co-operate you might actually enjoy the power."

"Never…" Clark spat out.

"So you will not join me willingly, then?" Alexander asked and Clark had to swallow at the use of the term 'willingly', implying that whatever reply he would make would determine his treatment. No matter what treatment however, Clark would not side with the man that had captured his friends simply to get to him.

"No," the teenager's voice was resolute and firm, with the hint of fear.

Alexander's jaw tightened in anger, his eyes seemed wild with indignation. His temper flared for a moment, but he quickly got it under control. He was a Luthor and was not going to have his emotions rule him. He needed Clark's cooperation to fulfill his plan. He would get it one way or another. He had time to think, no need to do anything rash and damage what he had so thoroughly planned out.

"I'm sure after some time to think you will reconsider my generous offer." Alexander turned and started to head out of the room.

Clark watched as he began to leave. "My friends will find me."

Alexander turned back to Clark with a serious look on his face. "I highly doubt that." He turned back and exited the room with the last thing Clark hearing was the sound of the door shutting behind him.