Chapter 2

"Tess, he's telling the truth," Lana tried to convince her. Seeing that she still did not seem convinced, she continued. "I know it's hard to believe. I didn't at first either. But then, after some time, I finally believed it."

"And how did you finally believe his story?" Tess queried.

With that, Lana began to explain all that happened she last left Smallville.

FLASHBACK

Lana was at the site of a school bus crash she just finished assisting with. The children were on their way to the hospital, and because of her there were no fatalities, only minor injuries that needed further attending to. She walked along feeling proud of helping others yet again. The feelings were soon short lived when she saw a familiar face approach her with a scared but hopeful look in his eyes.

"Lana," Lex whispered in near disbelief.

"Lex, how did you find me?" Lana asked angrily. "How are you even alive? I thought…"

"I know you thought I was dead," Lex replied. "But those were clones that looked just like me. Something went wrong while they were being harvested, which is why they did what they did. But there were more left who thankfully did not get out. Instead, their DNA was used to heal me and make me stronger."

Lana stared at him in disbelief. "How can I believe you?"

"I know it's hard after everything that's happened," he responded. "But I can offer you something that I hope will be of reassurance. You see, I know what all of the clones did. I know one forced you to absorb kryptonite, making it impossible for you to be around Clark. But I can fix that. Just follow me to my lab."

When Lana still hesitated, Lex continued. "Lana, you are far stronger than I am. If I did have something planned against you, you could easily fight me off."

He had a point there. She decided to take a chance and follow him.

When they entered his lab, she saw that there was a large replica of her meteor rock necklace in the middle of the room. Except, the middle was clear, much like when the kryptonite had been absorbed out of it before.

"This is to act as a vessel" Lex explained. When you touch the middle, the kryptonite inside of you will be absorbed into the middle, and it will look just like your necklace did before."

Lana was still in disbelief. "But, what about the rest of my powers?"

"Oh they will still stay intact," he reassured her. "The suite is permanent, only the kryptonite will leave you."

Lana put her hand over the middle of the vessel, still uncertain. Lex put his hand on top of hers. "Lana, please trust me." She looked up at him and saw that look in his eyes. That look he always had until his fear of losing her set in.

She decided to take a chance. After giving a small nod to Lex, he let go of her hand so she could get to work. She put both of her hands in the center of the vessel and closed her eyes.

"Just focus," Lex said softly.

After a few seconds, she could feel the kryptonite leaving her. There was a green flash, and then the certain of the vessel turned the same color.

"It worked," Lana said in shock.

Lex gave her a small smile. "Now you're free to truly do what you want, Lana. I'll let you go." With that, he made to leave.

"Wait, Lex," Lana turned around and stopped him, surprising herself. "Thank you," she said after a slight pause.

"Lana, I never wanted to hurt you. And I'm glad you'll be happy."

He made another attempt to walk away, but was once again thwarted by Lana.

"Lex," she spoke softly. "Where are the clones now?"

"There's only one left," Lex confessed, "And I don't know exactly where it is. But my guess would be Smallville."

"I want to help you find it," she told him.

He smiled at her. "I'd like that."

END FLASHBACK

"So now we're here to find the last clone," Lana concluded.

Tess was still silent, taking it all in. Then she turned to face Lex.

"It is you."

He smiled at her. "It is," he confirmed. "And I'm sorry for everything the clone put you through. What he put everyone through." He put his hands on her shoulders. "But I promise, once he is found and dealt with, we will be a family."

She looked at him and smiled, tear building in her eyes. He smiled back. That was all either of them had ever wanted.