Author's Note:

This is an alternate universe of Lex where he has employed the likes of Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley), The Rogues, Vixen, Roxy Rocket, Batwoman, and more, and has built them up to be a formidable force (Roxy and Vixen are almost as strong as Superman here). He also has an adopted daughter in Cassandra Cain, and other wards in Jinx and Raven, and has magical help from the likes of Circe and Rebecca Cairstairs, and thus has powerful wards meant to protect him and aid him and his people in battle.

In the wake of the world's possible destruction and consumption, only one man can save the Earth from Dormammu. Only one man has the power, the intelligence, and the gumption to possibly stop the primordial being, the ruler of the Dark Dimension. And that man, has just stepped through the portal, into the Dark Dimension, and landed in front of Dormammu himself.

"Dormammu-" Before he can get off but a word, he is immediately blasted by magic, magic intended to eradicate his presence, his existence from reality. However, once it has all cleared, Lex Luthor stands there, unharmed, brushing imaginary dust off of his suit. He looks up and can see the shock and interest in his foe's floating, disembodied face, and answers his inquiries before he can voice them. "Wards." However, it does not clear up the confusion.

"What drivel do you speak?" Comes the booming voice of Dormammu the-all-powerful. Lex remains calm and simply addresses the magical devourer.

"You cannot harm me Dormammu, because I have my wards active." Lex explains.

"That is ridiculous! I am the Dread Dormammu and no mere magical defenses can stop me!" Dormammu blasts Lex again, and again the wards hold.

"Well these have." Lex says pointedly, before moving on. "Now I get it Dormammu, I understand that you wish to...devour my planet, and possibly the rest of the universe as well." Lex speaks, gauging Dormammu's interest. "You have lofty goals, Dormammu, which means you have ambition. And we at Lexcorp value ambition." This throws Dormammu through a loop. Perfect.

"...What?" The extra-dimensional being asks, perplexed. Lex only smirks and continues his spiel.

"I know, it's hard to believe, but we're not other companies. At Lexcorp we won't discourage large and seemingly impossible plans, or hard-to-achieve goals. No, we'll simply provide you with the resources necessary and come to a mutual understanding." It's clear that by now Dormammu is completely confused and has no idea what's going on.

"...What...What are you doing?"

"It should be clear by now." Lex retorts in almost a scolding manner. "Think about it. Don't deal with the stress of going from planet to planet, dimension to dimension and trying to consume worlds for power. Instead partner with us, with me, and we can help each other achieve our goals. Though I must warn you..." Lex stops to smirk. "My goals are...bigger than yours. No offense."

BOOM! Dormammu blasts the ant, the annoying insect in front of him with all of his might...and is shocked when he still remains. He lets out a roar of frustration, before addressing the mere mortal.

"You are grating, human, and you refuse to die. You are an eternal pest that lies upon the surface of my realm." Lex appears...almost bored, uncaring towards Dormammu's words.

"Yes, I get that a lot. The refusing to die part that is, the pest is...new." He frowns at the implication of anyone daring to call Lex Luthor a pest. Normally they would be wiped off the face of the Earth, or whatever planet they're on, but...he has a pitch to make, so he'll allow it just this once. "I'll give you points for that. Tell me Dormammu, what kind of benefits do you get here in the Dark Dimension?" The Dread Dormammu scoffs at the weak human standing before him.

"Benefits? I am all powerful! I control reality, and all that is in my realm!" His voice reverberates throughout the entire dimension, exemplifying his anger. Lex responds by shaking his head, as if disappointed.

"Tsk tsk. That... sounds like a lack of medical and 401k to me. At Lexcorp, we have that and more; we have any and everything you've ever dreamed of. And I know what you're thinking, why would we deal with a genocidal demi-god such as yourself?"

"Demi-God?" Dormammu questions, offended at the low inclination of his power. Lex ignores his interruption and continues, determined to sell his company to the immensely powerful being in front of him. Even Raven didn't quite hold this level of power (unless you count Trigon and...no one really wants to open up that bag of worms), and he'd be a very valuable member of Lexcorp. The amount of plans Lex could accomplish with Dormammu by his side are...vast, maybe even...Endless.

"Well look no further than the man standing in front of you. You don't intimidate me Dormammu. Instead I see an opportunity, and Lex Luthor is always one to take an opportunity when he sees it." Truer words have rarely been spoken.

"Cease your rambling human and make your offering!" Clearly the quasi-omnipotent consumer of worlds had tired of Lex's words. He wanted something clear and concise. And Lex would give it to him. But first, he had to clear up a misunderstanding...

"Offering? What I come with is not a mere offer. Lex Luthor does not 'offer'." Lex replies clearly and forcefully. "I make demands, normally. But in you Dormammu, I see value, I see a great partnership in the making. So, Lex Luthor has not come here to make demands, nor has he come here to make an offer." Lex pauses and makes sure to stare Dormammu in the eyes, the gargantuan eyes, larger than his entire body. He then speaks words that will be legendary for years to come.

"No. Dormammu, I've come to bargain."