A/N: here it is guys, the Last Chapter. I almost didn't want to post it because then the story is finished. Anyway, I hope it lives up to any expectations you may hold. Read, Review, Enjoy guys!
Only Human
Chapter 14
Luthor grinned sadistically at Superman as the alien writhed in agony. He had been looking forward to this moment for years. What would he not have given to have the smug Kryptonian helpless at his feet? In an ironic twist of fate it turned out he didn't have to give up anything. After all the traps, all the tests, all the money wasted on plots, the Super-freak burst right into his office. Alone.
He almost laughed aloud. The money he spent obtaining a piece of Kryptonite paled in comparison to the pleasure he derived from watching his enemy's face contort in agony. And the best part was, he could kill the annoying boy scout of Metropolis with little to no repercussions. Half of the city had to have seen the fool crash through his wall. Superman had lost control once before, it would be easy to claim self defense. A particularly piercing gasp drew his attention back to his prisoner. Yes. This was very pleasant.
And yet… Luthor found himself almost-disappointed. With Superman gone where would the challenge be? Naturally there would be the other 'super heroes' but it just would not be the same. Deciding suddenly that he had observed long enough Luthor broke the silence, disappointment dripping from his tone.
"So this is how it ends? You know- I've carried this around for years waiting for just the right moment?" He took an amused moment to study the chunk of kryptonite. "But now that it's here," the billionaire continued, "I almost feel a little…let down. Almost." He grinned cruelly as Superman moaned and pitifully tried to pull himself away from the crystals radiation. Luthor mocked his efforts by pinning the trailing edge of his cape under his three hundred dollar shoe.
"Any last requests?" he asked sardonically, not expecting an answer. He was most surprised and impressed in spit of himself when Superman was able to gather up the strength to form a faltering reply:
"Luthor," he gasped unsteadily, "I have to know… th-those weapons …you sold to th-the tero-ists… how…how-"
"How did I get them through customs?" interrupted Lex, growing tired of the alien's strained and halting speech. 'An amusing last request' he thought, but then anything less would be a disappointment. "Oh, a gift here, a bribe there. When money talks, people listen. Like Staverose at the shipping company or Snider, the Interpol agent who looked the other way," expounded Lex smugly.
"Sounds like you're going to have company in prison." Lex stiffened and spun away from the window he had wandered to during the course of his spiel. That voice! It was… firm, controlled, and held no hint of pain. He gasped; Superman was standing in the middle of the office looking for all the world that the sickly green glow of radiation did not exist. Quickly Luthor moved the rock, waving it right in the Kryptonian's face. Superman just crossed his arms.
"It can't be," said Luthor in denial, "the kryptonite-"
"Won't protect you any longer," interrupted Superman, but it no longer sounded like Superman. Luther watched, aghast, as the Kryptonian's features melted and reformed into those of the Martian, one J'onn J'onzz of the Justice League.
"No!" he groaned. He had been so close! Suddenly a shadow detached itself from the door way.
"You're usually more careful, Lex," it rasped. "You slipped up." And though his voice was as flat as ever, the Batman was grinning on the inside. Luther's confession had been recorded and files of that recording were already being sent to the Batcave and the Watchtower. Luthor wouldn't talk his way out of this one. The Dark Detective's plan was about to lay low Lex Luthor. Under the circumstances he decided he could allow himself to feel a small measure of satisfaction.
1...1
Superman, the real Superman, watched from a safe distance as the Green Lantern sent the deadly crystal flying out of Luthor's grasp and nodded silently when Batman plucked it out of the air with little effort. After all these years, it was Bruce's plan that was finally going to topple Lex Luthor. It was… unbelievable.
He had been wrong before, Superman decided, they had all been wrong. The Batman was not, nor would he ever be, Only Human.
The End
A/N: and so it is. I hope you guys don't mind me snagging the beginning of Injustice For All it seemed like a fun way to end the story (after it was jazzed up a bit, naturally ;) Tell me what you think, okay? Last chapter guys, spare a review for a poor writer? I know you want too!
Speaking of Reviews a huge thanks to all those who left one on any chapter. With 89 reviews (as of right now) it has broken my old record by ten! You've made me so happy!
Anyway, even more thanks heaped on the heads of those who reviewed last chapter: Lynn, Capt. Incredible, LadyKatana45, Saibachick, AniriRevan, Valandil, Batzlv, balletangel19, thevigilante15, and RedSoxGirl5.