Chapter Six Part Three- Threats and Discoveries:

In the words of Laurence Sterne, 'In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.' To Clark, these words were significant during his second day experience in prison, it was survival of the fittest.

Lionel Luthor was a walking money bag to the inmates of the Metropolis State Penitentiary an easy target for the strong and slightly more frightening inmates.

Unfortunately, Clark learned the hard way what it means to be the smaller prey and sported the bruises to prove it.

"You should probably avoid the bigger inmates for a while, Mr. Luthor" Dr. Sofia Tancredi finished examining Lionel's battered body to find no significant breakage or punctured lungs, "I'll request that you be moved away from the murders and psychos running around this hell hold, you don't deserve to be treated like this in your delicate condition."

He just shook his head negatively, "Just because I'm dying doesn't mean that people have to treat me any differently, He- I deserve to be here for the crimes I've committed." the jumpsuit was finally zipped up and Lionel jumped down from the bed saying, "But thanks anyways Doc. Nice to know that this place isn't all that bad."

Dr. Tancredi nodded watching the seemingly new Lionel Luthor walked away headed back towards his cell, she sensed that something wasn't right with her latest patient.

Clark walked towards the visitor center with a cocky look on his face as he spread his arms wide sporting that devilish Luthor smile, "What do you think?" he strides towards the battered Lionel and places his hands over the small chair as he leaned towards his old face, "I wanted to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, Mr. Luthor."

Lionel's fist turned white with the death grip his fist were clenched in, Clark used his x-ray vision to see that stone in Lionel's hand and just smirked, "Your not thinking of using that rock on me again, are you? I mean I could easily break your hands with my strength or I could just use my…speed."

"Your not gonna get away with this, people will start to realize that your not me-"

"They've bought it so far." Clark moves to sit down, "I've managed to get rid of that annoying army brat."

With quick reflexes, Lionel grabs Clark by the collar of his dark collar shirt, "You even think about hurting Lois and I swear that I'll make your life a living hell."

Several of the guards pulled the angered old man back from the young kryptonian who was quick to adjust his shirt and nod thanks to the officers, "I did you a favor, Kent. With the abilities you possess, I could become more powerful then I originally was. But living your life has opened my eyes to why you were always so secretive, you understand that true power is better…concealed."

"I'm gonna find a way to stop you, with or without the stone" Lionel says with determination that caused Clark to chuckle.

"I highly doubt that…" Clark pulls out a small tape recorder, "Now, I need you to say the name Meehan and these numbers." he slides a small piece of paper towards Lionel, who stares at the his own visage with anger, "You either do this or your good friend Lex will very shortly be dead in an unfortunate accident, then I'll move onto Lois who will be screaming for mercy that will never come."

Lionel's hands shake nervously and bows his head in defeat, "You promise not to hurt them and I'll give you whatever you want."

That devilish smirk belonging to Lionel Luthor appears on Clark's face, "I knew you'd see it my way."

Knowing that something wasn't right with Clark and she had a feeling that one of the two Luthors were involved.

Lois charged into the Metropolis University Library towards an empty desk with her laptop in hand desperate to find some sort of clues to this latest development.

Screen after screen detailing Luthor's movements before his incarceration providing nothing except for the fact that Lionel liked to travel a lot just like every other CEO billionaires.

"Hey, Lo. I thought you were down in Smallville spending time with your cousin." Richard says sitting down besides her curious towards her presences in Metropolis.

"Change of plans." she never looks from the screen and groans in frustration, "Do you have any idea why a man like Lionel Luthor would travel to areas around the world where there is basically no signs of life to search for business locations."

Richard stared at her confused before turning towards the computer with interest, "Well he wouldn't be searching for business locations, these areas are archeological sites…" he points towards the map, "The ground has been disturbed and from everything I've read about the Luthors, they love antiquities…even if it means they have to get it from the source."

She looks at him surprised, "The professor was right…you are good at your job."

Richard responds with a shrug and stares at her as she continues searching through files, "This reporter gig is just a fallback option for me, I've been trying to get my pilot's license for years."

"When the general would drag me to the bases, I'd befriend the military cadets there…I know a couple pilots that could help you get your license." her friendly offer just caused Richard to smile as he shook his head negatively.

"I appreciate the offer Lois, but my family is known for doing things on their own without the help of others…"Richard stops when he spots something on the screen and leans closer towards the computer and clicked back, "There's something you don't see everyday."

Lois looks surprised at the photos of Lex in Egypt a couple months ago when Clark had come back as Kal-El, the bald billionaire was exchanging heated words with the crown prince of Gotham…Bruce Wayne.

"What would two global titans be doing in Egypt at the same time?" Lois asks turning back towards Richard who stares at the screen intrigued himself by this new development.

Seconds ticked by before Lois finally packed up her laptop and slipped it back into her bag, "I appreciate the help, Richard. But I've got to talk to an old friend…" she starts to walk away with Richard chasing after her.

"Maybe after your done with whatever it is that your doing. We could celebrate your internship at the Daily Planet over dinner." the hopefulness in his voice was enough to make the situation harder then had to be.

"I'd like that…" she turns to face him trying her best to let him down easily, "But I don't want you to get the wrong idea about you and me, I'm sort of in a relationship with someone."

Richard bows his head in defeat and nods, "Its okay, I get it…" he starts to back away, "I'll see you in class?"

He left before she could reply and the ringing of her cell phone deterred her attention away from the current situation, with a quick flip of her wrist she answered, "This better be good."

"Lois?" Lionel's voice called out desperately as the other prisoners grew anxious for their turn.

Recognizing the voice of Lionel Luthor, Lois rolled her eyes before replying, "What do you want Lionel?"

"Lois, you've got to listen to me…Clark Kent is not himself …he's really Lionel Luthor." he says earning laughs from the inmates thinking that time behind bars had driven the old man insane.

"If your trying to act crazy just to get out of a cell, then you've barked up the wrong tree." she looks up towards the clock, "Now I've got to go, so have a nice life in hell."

"I can prove it." he states leaning his head against the cold metal of the payphone, "Your middle name is Joanne, our first kiss was three years ago after Eric Summers threw me onto a car in the Smallville ER…" he pauses, "You try to hide it but when we're together by ourselves…you've never felt happier. We fight and bicker, but somehow you still manage to love me despite all my secrets." he runs his hand through his hair trying to think of something else to say.

Lois was shaken by the comments Lionel was telling her, "I don't know what sick game your playing, Mr. Luthor. But this ends now…" she prepares to hang up when a voice calls out.

"I'll come back to you." he smiles, "Those were the words that you whispered in my ear when the General took you away from Smallville after your accident."

She stops surprised at the comment and one name escapes her lips, "Clark?"

TBC…

I really tried to make this part flow but trust me when I say that you'll be rooting for Lois during the final confrontation between Lionel and Clark…

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