A/N: I'm back! Thanks for the few reviews, especially for the hard ones. We're all just trying to get better.

Disclaimer: Despite selling everything I have, pledging my first born to the Milliar Estate, I still own nothing here. This is just for fun, kids.

Chapter 8 - New Enemies

Lex Luthor sat in the comfortable leather chair at his desk. He didn't know or care that the chair cost more than his driver made in a year. Long ago, he had stopped paying attention to things like money. Wealth was just a means to an end. Power was the only satisfaction he acknowledged now. Influence was his drug, and he was an addict.

His father had died in prison, a cold and rough piece of metal sliding between his ribs. The irony was that he was due to be released the next day. Although Chloe Sullivan's testimony convicted Lionel, his high priced lawyers secured a reversal during the appeal. Lionel had smirked at Lex at the hearing where he filed the appeal. Lionel knew that he would be freed. Lex had worked too hard to let his father return and take everything. So, Lex took steps.

Some righteous folk would call him a monster, for having his father murdered, but Lionel had stopped being a father long before Lex had stopped being a son. Lex had been dutifully shocked at the news, and had actually shed some tears at the funeral. Just enough to garner support from Metropolis. He converted LuthorCorp into LexCorp quickly, pushing memories of his father out of everyone's mind.

Seeing Clark had brought back memories of Smallville, and what he still called 'the crap factory'. Lex leaned back in his chair, thinking of all the good times he'd had with the small group of kids there. If Clark hadn't disappeared when he did, maybe Lex would've become a different person. But, when Clark left suddenly, Lex decided that Smallville held nothing for him anymore. He packed up, closed the mansion and left for Metropolis. He still suffered from the effects of the poison that had put him in a three week coma. He remained pale and skinny, despite a healthy lifestyle.

His eyes roamed over his desk, falling to rest on an issue of the Daily Planet. Darkness fell into his gaze, looking at the picture of the man flying. Clark had found some old cave paintings his junior year of high school, paintings that told a story of a visitor from another world, one with strange powers. Naman, the hero of the Kawatchee tribe. Naman would be balanced by Segith, his nemesis. From the moment Lex laid eyes on the paintings, he knew that his destiny was written on the cave wall. He saw Segith as the hero of the tale, not Naman. Segith would protect the world from the demi-gods who sought to enslave humanity. His eyes darted over the picture again. Here was the reason for his existence. To defeat the greatest threat to man that had ever existed.

Lex had been shocked to read the first article, written by none other than Clark Kent, his old friend. He immediately recognized the legend in his friend's words. Lex thought that it was too coincidental, Clark found the caves, Kal-El went to him first. Clark always knew more than he let on back in Smallville. All the unexplained mutations, strange happenings and general oddities surrounding the sleepy little hamlet. Yes, Clark. You were the mystery, but now, I know your secret. You knew about the aliens, and now they walk among us. Oddly enough, Lex felt no sense of betrayal. He believed that Clark was an innocent boy, duped by forces more powerful than he could imagine. But, Lex could imagine them, and he would make them serve his purpose.

Lex felt a brush of air on his cheek. A deep voice intruded on his thoughts. "Mr. Luthor? I heard that you wanted to speak with me."

Lex turned slowly, knowing what he would see. Superman stood, cutting an impressive figure in the dim light of the office. Lex smiled coldly, "Well, this is an unexpected honor. It's not everyday that the self-appointed savior of the world visits you."

Superman blinked in surprise, and Lex maintained a cold aloofness. "I'm, sorry. If this is a bad time…" Superman said.

Lex shrugged, "Now is as good a time as any." He rose and went to the bar, pouring himself a drink into a heavy crystal snifter. "Can I offer you anything?"

Superman shook his head, "No, thank you, Mr. Luthor. I was hoping that we could talk about this city."

Lex turned on him, grinning, "Yes, let's hear your plans for us. A superior being from a faraway galaxy arrives on Earth, and only wants to help ease suffering." Lex's grin turned to a cold sneer, "How noble. So, when do we put on the slave collars, Naman? Before or after the armada arrives?"

Superman gave him a confused look, "I think that there may be a misunderstanding, sir. I only…"

Lex interrupted, "The only misunderstanding is that you thought you would be welcomed with open arms and lauded as a hero by all of us!" Lex put his glass down and stalked over to Superman, poking a finger in his chest. "There is one constant in the universe…power. You have incalculable power. So do I. This small blue planet will be our battle ground." Lex got in his face, "I will destroy you, and any others that follow you."

Superman took a step back, "That I know of, there are no others like me."

Lex laughed, "An advanced alien race, capable of intergalactic travel, and you are telling me that they all died on one planet? How naive do you think I am?" Lex stalked back to his drink and downed it in one gulp. He turned back to Superman, "I'm glad we got the opportunity to have this little chat, but if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment."

Superman turned to leave, shocked speechless. Lex called out, "Oh, and if you want to see me again, please call my secretary and make an appointment. That is, if there is a pocket for a phone in that outfit of yours." Superman left without a word.

Lex sat back in his chair again, enjoying another glass of liquor. He smiled to himself. This was an absolutely perfect day.