Notes: The characters from Forever Knight are owned by Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Xena Warrior Princess are owned by StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from Mutant X are owned by Marvel and Tribune. The characters from Smallville are owned by DC and the WB. All other characters are fictitious and are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

Thanks to the following folks for input: Emily, Jarvinia, Peggy and Catheryne. Your suggestions definitely made this story flow better!

Preface [Queen's Hut, Amazon Village c. 84 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes...

After our triumph over Alti, everything seemed to be going all right. The students finished their first annual term learning with us. Clark, Lana, Chloe, and Lex continued to work with David on their wedding plans. For once, everything seemed to be peaceful.

But, as always, two flies dropped into the ointment. In this case, two sisters with a propensity for trouble arrived to disrupt everything.

Chapter 1 [Metropolis Penitentiary] (Smallville spoilers-Heat)

The early May night was clear and cool on the Kansas prairie. The stars shone down on the landscape, bathing everything in a gentle glow. Everything moved as it always did.

On the outskirts of the city, the guards did their rounds within the Metropolis Penitentiary as they did every night. At 8:30, the cells were locked down, signaling the end of another day. The personnel patrolled the grounds. Overhead lights illuminated the yard, eliminating hiding places for potential escapees. Everything seemed to be in order.

On the facility's bottom floor, a special cell sat in the back corner. Unlike the ones surrounding it, this one had no windows and a plastic film sealed the slit in the door. Only female guards ever went into it or near it as per protocol. According to the prisoner's profile, she could intoxicate any man who went near her.

Inside of the enclosed space, Desiree Atkins lay on her bunk, stewing over her failed plan. Four years before, she had nearly had it all. She had slipped back into Smallville and carved out a niche for herself as the high school's biology teacher. She had also married the richest man in town, Lex Luthor, and would have had his wealth too. Everything worked, except for one factor she could never have accounted for. Even though she could make men desire her, Clark Kent resisted her charms. Even though she had him thrown in jail and wrecked havoc on his personal life, Kent had unraveled her plan-almost single-handedly destroying her plan and sending her to rot in this place. How did he do it? How could he resist me? If only I could get out of here.

At that moment, a key turned in the lock and the door opened. In stepped Michael McDurgan, the warden. "Miss Atkins, you're released."

She got up, wondering what was going on. He seems entranced. Almost as if he were under my spell, but since I didn't do it that would mean.... Oh it's her. She winced.

"Come with me," he requested, leading her upstairs to Processing. There the staff finalized her release and guided her to the front gate. "Good luck on the outside," the warden told her before shutting the door behind her.

She looked around the dark lot. Okay, Sis, where are you?

In front of her, a set of car lights blinked three times.

Ask a dumb question, she mused, pulling her duffel bag over her shoulder. Walking over to the vehicle, she got in and asked, "Are you my chauffeur now?"

The driver chuckled, "Now, Allison, you should know I would always look out for you."

"Don't call me that! You know I prefer Desiree!" Desiree reminded the other sharply before composing herself. "Sorry, but that name bothers me."

The other person replied, "Of course it does, since Mom and Dad dumped you in the orphanage all of those years ago. They didn't treat me much better after my surgery either. I repaid them in kind."

"So that scorpion stuff really worked?" Desiree asked.

"Absolutely. And I hear you picked up the same traits in Smallville. How convenient for us both," the other pointed out, turning on the light inside of the car to reveal herself.

Desiree scanned her over. We still look identical, even after all of these years. "Yes, Lorna. I have a few people to repay for their kindness."

"Such as your former husband? Too bad, Desiree, it was a nice plan," Lorna Templeton complimented, turning the key in the ignition. "I have a few people to deal with myself. They're friends of Lex Luthor's actually. Would you mind helping me? They won't be able to handle us at the same time."

"As long as I can track down that spoiled rich boy. He'll pay for what he did to me! He and Clark Kent need to pay!" Desiree vented.

"Calm down, Sis. You always were the emotional one," Lorna soothed. "As it turns out, our targets are together and down in Arizona. If you don't mind helping me with the driving, we can be down there in a couple of days."

"Right. Anything to ruin Lex's life," the ex-wife seethed as they drove off toward the interstate.

Chapter 2 [Tucson, the University campus-three days later]

Dave sat in his office, grading papers and entering final grades for the Registrar. The students' grades continued to improve. Straight A's for the 'special students'-that's great. He smiled warmly, thinking how between Clark's near-death experience in February and last month's confrontation with Anne Lichtenfeld/Alti could have dampened things.

A knock came from the door. "Yes?"

Eve stepped into the room with a smile on her face. "Hi, Dave. Finished grading yet?"

"Five students to go," he indicated. "Ready for lunch?"

"I can wait if you want to finish," she assured him.

"No. I'm famished. Besides, I think Lydia and Adam were going to meet us for lunch," he replied. "Is that all right with you?" He stood up and stretched. "Excuse me. That salad bar's looking good right now."

"I'm sure it is," she agreed, managing a warm smile. For the past six weeks, he had kept his composure. Everything had been quiet. He's wrapped up in teaching and helping the kids with their marriage plans. At least those things are keeping him under control.

"Ready?" he asked, standing by the door. After she followed him out, he closed and locked the door. As they walked out the door, she remarked, "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

He nodded and smiled. "Angie and I are taking the twins and Miri up to Mount Lemmon tonight. Karen and her family are meeting us up there for a picnic."

"That sounds wonderful," she agreed. Finally, he gets to do some 'normal' family things. Thank you, Eli, for allowing that. They headed across the grass in back of the fountain and over to the Student Union. Once there, they entered the facility and headed for the Food Court. There they found their friends sitting at the far table waiting for them.

"Hi, guys. What's going on?" Dave asked.

They looked at him glumly.

Adam sighed, "It seems that an 'irregularity' was found in my contract. They're suspending me pending a hearing."

"What?" Dave asked incredulously. "What happened? Who's the knucklehead who did this?"

"Apparently, Dean Armas wants him out. Although I can't imagine why he would think that way," Lydia concluded. "Oh, and this is for you. For what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"Now what?" the medievalist wondered, tearing open the envelope and reading the letter. "What is this?" he demanded. "Great. Someone else wants a shot at me. Well, that's great!"

"Dave, what is it?" Eve wondered.

"I've been suspended too," he growled.

[Ah say we take it out on Big Boy there!" the Child roared. "Screw 'im!"]

["Cool it," the professor told him. "We'll do this...my way."]

[Whatever. If ya'll don't do it, Ah'll do it!"]

The geneticist rubbed his friend's arm. "Dave, get control of yourself. We'll get through this."

"Oh, you better believe we will," Dave replied tersely, dialing Armas' number on his phone. "Hi, Betty. This is David Dubois. How are you?"

"I'm fine," the Dean's receptionist replied. "I take it that you're calling about the letter?"

"That's right. What's going on?" he asked.

"I don't know, Professor Dubois. He's acted funny all day today. If you want to see him, I have an opening in fifteen minutes if you'd like," she replied.

"Thank you. Yes, I would like that. Put Dr. Kane down with me too. We see you later," he concluded, hanging up.

"I take it we have an appointment with the Dean?" Adam guessed.

"Damn straight," Dave muttered. "Excuse me, I need to get something quick. Eve, what would you like?"

"Actually, I'll get my own," she declined. And keep you in sight while I'm at it.

****

[UMC]

Meanwhile, Desiree slipped into the hospital disguised as an intern. As she got off the elevator on the fifth floor, she checked Lorna's listing of their victims. Hmm. So Angela Dubois is a friend of Lex's, is she? Too bad for her. She walked serenely down the hall, content in the knowledge that Lorna had just visited the Administration Building and "adjusted" certain contracts. My turn.

Walking up to Lori's desk, she asked, "Is Dr. Michael Fishburne available?"

"He's not with anyone at the moment. May I ask who's here?"

She grinned. "Tell him that Desiree Sanders is here."

Lori gave her a confused look. What's this all about? She picked up the phone and asked, "Dr. Fishburne, sorry to bother you, but there's an intern here to see you. Are you free?"

"Sure, Lori. Thank you," he responded.

The receptionist nodded and hung up. "Through the door to your left, Miss. Sanders."

"Thank you," the intruder replied, disappearing through the door.

Why do I get the feeling that she's trouble? Lori worried as she continued on with her work.

****

Desiree walked into the office and smiled charmingly at the man coming to greet her. "Dr. Fishburne, I presume?"

"That's correct. It's funny. You don't look familiar. Do you work here?" he wondered.

"Of course. Down in Pediatrics," she told him.

"I don't remember seeing you down there," he disagreed.

"Are you sure?" she purred, approaching him. When she was about six inches away, she concentrated, releasing a pink pheromone spray into the air.

Breathing it in, he felt lightheaded. Slowly, he slipped under her control. "I'm sorry. Of course, you do, Dr. Sanders, right?"

She nodded. "That's right. I have a complaint against one of the staff."

"Here? That can't be. Who is it?" he asked.

"Dr. Angela Dubois," she retorted.

He shook his head. "That can't be. She's one of my finest physicians. You must be mistaken."

"No, I'm not," she insisted, "misting" him again. "This is very serious. You'll need to dismiss her immediately."

"Of course," he agreed.

She slipped a prepared letter on his desk. "See? It was on your desk already."

"Yes...it was. Come on, we'll tell her," he agreed, signing it.

****

Meantime, Angie, Karen, and Miranda were just getting ready to leave for lunch. The latter two had agreed to meet and drag the oncologist out of the office to at least get a bite of something.

"Come on, Angie," the nurse urged. "Let's go. You can get back to this project later."

"I guess. The deadline's coming up though," Angie replied, hitting save on the computer screen.

"That's the ticket, Auntie," Miranda agreed, a big smile forming on her face.

Angie had to laugh at her niece. She's such a ray of sunshine. As she locked the office door behind them, she saw her boss approaching with a strange intern. "Dr. Fishburne?"

"Angela, I'm sorry to say this, but I understand you violated ethics protocol. You are to clear out your office immediately," he told her, handing her the envelope.

Karen looked strangely at him. "Sir, pardon me, but this is Angie we're talking about here. Ms. Dedicated, herself."

"Did I ask you, nurse?" he snapped.

What the? Karen shook her head. He never calls anyone that.

"What is it? What did I do?" Angie demanded as she tore open the envelope and read the memo. "This is impossible! I didn't do this!"

"Too bad, Sweetie," Desiree chuckled, a big grin on her face.

Miranda shook her head as she recognized the "intern". "How did you get out of jail?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're Desiree Atkins, Mr. Luthor's ex-wife! Answer me! You did this to him, didn't you?" Miranda challenged, seething as she pointed to the administrator.

Desiree shook her head as she recognized the college student. "Lana's little assistant from the Talon. Little Miss Orphan girl."

Karen held the angry woman back. We can't risk a Dubois-level tantrum here. "Miranda, that's enough!"

"She's behind this! That bitch screwed Auntie Angie just as she did to us back in Smallville!"

"Miranda, stop it, all right? I believe you, but we aren't going to win this one. Let's go. We'll live to fight another day. Go and help Aunt Angie with her stuff, all right?" Karen declared.

Miri backed off and glared at Desiree before going into the office and shutting the door.

"I'd watch her if I were you. That girl's got a temper, not to mention that she's delusional," Desiree cracked.

Karen shook her head. "If you think you're going to get away with this, Lady, you're the one who's delusional."

"I already have," Desiree bragged pseudo-sweetly.

"You've won this round. Trust me though, my brother will teach you a new meaning to the word 'pain' for this scene. Enjoy it," the nurse stated.

"Is that a threat?"

Karen chuckled, "No. I'm just telling you what's going to happen. This isn't over." With that, she stormed into the office and slammed the door.

Desiree strutted off triumphantly. Like they can do anything. Time to enjoy a good meal with Lorna before we turn up the heat some more.

****

[Administration Building]

Dave and Adam entered Dean Armas' office suite cautiously. Granted, that was mostly due to Adam's concern about his companion blowing his top. But something didn't feel right. They walked over to the receptionist's desk and checked in.

"Hi, Betty," Dave greeted.

"Dr. Dubois, Dr. Kane, good afternoon," she replied courteously. "The Dean is waiting in his office to see you. Go right in."

"Thank you," Adam responded, leading the way into the room with Dave following closely behind.

"Gentlemen, good afternoon, please take a seat," Armas invited from behind his desk.

Dave shut the door cautiously. Okay, what's up here?

"Thank you," Adam accepted. "May I ask why we received these notices?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?" the official retorted. "You're in violation of official protocols."

"Which protocols?" Dave pressed.

"Numerous ones. Someone who I have a lot of faith in told me that," Armas responded.

"And that would be? Define numerous." the medievalist responded, allowing the anger to seep into his voice.

"I don't have to tell you that. She doesn't want you to know," Armas stated.

Adam shook his head. "And yet, you take her word over ours?"

"Since I care deeply about her...yes," Armas asserted almost robotically.

Dave surveyed the man in front of them. Something's up here. He's definitely not himself. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"I've never felt better. Why?" the Dean asked.

The geneticist saw where Dave was going with his questioning. I hope this isn't who I think it is. "Dean Armas, this person...did you just meet her recently?"

"Last night actually. Why? She and I were involved in a conversation and she convinced me that she's a sincere person who cares about the university. Accordingly, she pointed out your errors in judgment," Armas pointed out, letting a sigh escape from his lips before turning violent. "And I won't have you casting suspicion onto her!"

Adam frowned. Lorna Templeton. This is her work. "Come on, Dave. We're done here."

"Adam, are you kidding! He's not himself!" the medievalist protested.

"Let's go. If this is what I think it is, we aren't going to win this battle here. Let it go. We need to have a talk," Adam urged, standing up.

What's he doing? Dave looked at his companion. He knows something. All right, Adam, I'll go along with this for now. "Dean Armas, I wish you'd reconsider."

"We should have done this sooner. Good day, gentlemen," the Dean concluded. "You can see yourselves out."

Dave stormed out of the office and suite, seething with rage over the situation. After they walked out of the building, he wheeled on Adam and spat, "All right. What the Hell's going on? I've never seen him like that!"

"I'm sure," Adam noted. "I'm sorry I had to pull you back in there, but we have trouble. I need to get back to Sanctuary to know for sure."

At that moment, Dave felt bad vibes over his mental link with Angie. "Crap! Not her too!"

"What? Who?"

The medievalist growled, "Let's get to the library. Angie's had a run in too!" He took off at a dead sprint across the lawn, cutting around the entrance to the underground learning complex and into his former base. Taking the stairs two at a time, he raced to Caitlin's office.

Somehow, Adam stayed right on his friend's tail, trying to keep him in sight.

"Dave? Good afternoon," Sue-Anne McAllister, the receptionist, greeted.

"I wish it were, Sue-Anne. Is Dr. Sommers available?" Dave asked.

"Go right in. Angie and some others are with her right now," Sue-Anne directed.

"Thanks," Adam accepted, walking through the door.

As they walked in, the two men found Caitlin and Eve trying to console Angie, Karen, and Miranda.

"David? I was just going to call you," Caitlin said anxiously. "Angie just came in with the others."

"Princess, what is it?" Dave asked, hugging his wife closely to him.

"D...Doctor Fishburne said that I broke some rule. He fired me," she sobbed, burying her face in his chest.

"Some day this is," Karen groused. "I can't believe he did that."

"We're on the cut list too," Dave replied angrily as he consoled his wife.

"Score another one for that witch," Miranda hissed.

Adam inquired, "Miranda, what are you talking about?"

The student replied, "About three years ago, there was a new teacher at Smallville High School. Anyhow, she started getting things from people and we wondered how she could do it. She married Mr. Luthor and just missed getting him killed. Thank Clark for stopping him in time, but things went down fast until she was arrested."

"This woman-was her name Lorna Templeton?" Adam asked.

"No, Dr. Kane, she's Desiree Atkins. Why?" Miranda wondered.

"Because we ran into a new mutant with the powers you're describing about the same time. She overwhelmed Brennan with her pheromones and nearly killed him. Her name's Lorna Templeton," Adam detailed. "Hang on," he continued, opening his laptop and initiating the wireless uplink. "I'm bringing her records up." A minute later, he had the file on screen.

"That's her, all right," Karen indicated. "But she answered to Desiree, not Lorna."

Strange. Could there be two such mutants? We have to find out. "I need to check into this immediately. Are the students still here?"

"Everyone's on break except for Clark, Lana, Byron, and Chloe. Mika's still here. I think Martin's still around," Dave told him.

He took a deep breath. "Get them together. We're heading for Sanctuary. The Smallville kids are targets for our mystery woman, or women, as the case may be. Meantime, Angie, you need some air. Thank you, Caitlin."

"You're welcome. Wait just a minute please," Caitlin declared, picking up the phone and dialing it. "Yes, hello, is this President Frobisher's office? This is Caitlin Sommers from the Library."

"Just a minute," the student on the phone requested, transferring her call.

"Caitlin, this is kind of an awkward time right now," Arthur Frobisher advised. "Still, I can give you a few minutes."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a string of dismissals, would it?" she asked.

"That's exactly it. I can't figure why these particular faculty members are being released," he stated.

"According to my sources, there's something strange going on. I want to call for an inquiry into this matter immediately to stop the process," she told him.

"Consider it done," he agreed. "I'll be back in touch within the hour. I also have to notify the faculty members in question of this situation as well."

"They're right here. Would you mind if I put you on speaker?" she pointed out.

"Of course," he agreed. "Everyone, this is President Frobisher. What the Hell's going on?"

"That's what we'd like to know," Angie sniffled.

"President Frobisher, this is Adam Kane. We have a theory I'm going to check on. There's a new mutant who's been identified as being involved in this situation."

"And you think this person's behind this?"

"We do, sir," Adam added. "Meantime, can we get some time to do so?"

"You've got it. As soon as we get off of the phone, I'm calling for an inquiry. Meantime, I'll have to suspend you for now. At least, I can keep your pay intact though. My apologies. Thank you, Dr. Kane, for letting me know," Frobisher concluded, hanging up.

"All right. Well, if there's any change, Caitlin, leave a message on my home phone," Dave requested, helping Angie outside. "Thank you."

"Take care. We'll get this straightened out," Caitlin assured them as they left. Who could do this?

Chapter 3 [Tucson Mall]

As these events occurred at the university, Lana and Chloe browsed the storefronts in the mall. In addition to hitting the clothing stores and card shops, they wanted some time to themselves. Exams were tough, but they had muddled through in good shape. With the wedding coming up, they needed some peace.

"I'm glad school's out for the semester," Chloe huffed as she looked at a crème colored blouse and skirt. "What do you think?"

Lana considered the outfit. "The color's okay, but I still like the blue better on you."

"As long as I stay away from purple. You know how Lex is," the reporter said knowingly.

"I do. Come on, let's keep looking," Lana agreed as they moved deeper into the clothing racks.

****

Three rows away, Lorna browsed the racks, looking for the perfect outfit to wear. After the events of that morning, she was in a mood to celebrate with a new dress. Besides, when I give Mutant X a taste of bitter medicine, it will be sweet to me. Helping Desiree will be an unexpected bonus.

"Lorna," her sister whispered, coming up to her.

"Yes, did you win over the manager and those cashiers?"

Desiree nodded, holding up a gift certificate for $2500.00. "It's funny what they'll do for love, isn't it? But something better may have fallen into our laps."

"Oh?" Lorna inquired, looking around curiously. "And that is?"

"See the two girls about three rows over? The brunette and the blonde? Those are Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan."

"So?" Lorna asked.

"So, let's see. Lang is Lex's business partner and Kent's fiancée. Sullivan is Lex's fiancée. They're both Dubois' students and friends of Mutant X. Get the picture?" Desiree detailed.

Lorna nodded with approval. Yes, I do get the picture. This is devious. I love it. "How do we get them?"

"We don't...not yet," Desiree replied. "I talked a couple of police officers into doing the dirty work for us. We pick them up at the police station."

Seeing the three uniformed officers heading toward their victims, Lorna smiled wickedly. Shopping can wait. This is going to be satisfying. Very satisfying indeed. "Come on, let's talk to the Captain and grease the skids a bit, shall we?"

****

Just as Lana and Chloe stepped toward the register, the three officers flanked them.

"Officers, what can we do for you?" Chloe asked.

"Are you Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan?" one of the officers, a tall red haired man, inquired.

"Yes, that's us," Lana replied.

He pulled out his pistol and pointed it at them. "You're under arrest for shoplifting. Please come quietly."

The other two officers reached for their handcuffs.

Chloe tensed. We got to get out of here.

Lana looked around. We can't expose ourselves. "Chloe, we'll call Lex from the station."

"But we didn't do anything!" her companion protested.

The guard held a gift certificate carbon up. "This stolen gift certificate was made out to both of you, but there's no money in the register. Come quietly. I won't ask again."

Lana took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do as they say, Chloe."

Chloe shook her head, but knew that Lana was right. "Okay."

Seeing their opening, the officers cuffed the girls' hands behind them and marched them out of the mall. Once outside, they were led to police cars and taken to the precinct.

Chapter 4 [University Precinct-5:30 PM]

Don Schanke sat at his desk, muddling through his paperwork. Since Nick Miles had resigned from the Precinct, his workload had increased dramatically. Worse still, Ramirez has been ready to eat nails.

At that moment, three uniforms walked in, escorting two girls. He shrugged and started back to work.

One of the prisoners bellowed, "What do you mean I don't get my phone call? Listen, buster, first you don't read us our rights and now this? You owe that to us!"

Schanke shook his head. What's going on? With another look, he recognized the two girls. Those are Dave's students. Holy moley! He jumped out of his seat and hurried over. "Excuse me, guys, is there a problem here?"

"No problem, Detective. Mind your own business," the red head retorted.

"I'm making it my problem, Pal," Schanke stated. "What are they in for?"

"Shoplifting. What's it to you?"

"I know these two and they aren't trouble makers," Schanke asserted. Then his enhanced senses picked up on something. What the heck? It smells like a cloying perfume or somethin'. Man o man, somethin's not right here. "Let's go to Interrogation. Pronto."

"Schanke, what's this about?" Ramirez interceded.

"Breach of protocol, Captain. These ladies weren't read their rights and they need a phone call. Our friends here aren't giving it to them. Besides, they're on something. I want them tested immediately," the werewolf-detective insisted.

"No. They're being transferred downtown. I just got the call," the captain stated.

"For a case of shoplifting? Captain, this is crazy!" Schanke protested. And you've got that smell on you too. What is this? Sweeping the room with his senses, he detected a major concentration of the odor coming from just outside the door.

"Excuse me, Detective? The driver is waiting outside. I know I can trust her. She's my friend," Ramirez explained.

Chloe and Lana looked at each other, realizing just what kind of trouble they were in. He's entranced the way Lex was. Desiree, it has to be her. Somehow, she's here.

"That's it," Schanke asserted. "Girls, you get your phone call and I wanna talk to you. The driver can wait ten minutes."

"No, Detective, they'll get their call downtown," a female officer told him. "Come on, both of you."

The college students recognized Desiree almost immediately. "She's not who she says she is! Stop it!"

Schanke stared at the driver. That scent's comin' from her. "Captain, I want her checked out!"

"Oh be quiet," Desiree asserted, pushing the two handcuffed girls outside. Once in the parking lot, she shoved them into a car and got into the passenger side.

Lorna smiled. "Hello."

"There are two of you?" Lana gasped, seeing the twin sirens together.

"Why yes. We're sisters actually," Desiree cracked as her twin drove them out of there.

****

Back in the Precinct, Schanke shook his head. "This stinks. This really stinks." He dialed Dave's number, but only got a recording. Then he rushed downstairs toward the Morgue and knocked on the door.

Natalie stuck her head out the door. "Schank, what is it? Come in."

He took a deep breath and nodded. "We have a potential situation upstairs. Where's Steve?"

"He's right here. Steve?" she asked.

"Yeah, Schanke. What's up?" the agent inquired. "You look stressed. What happened?"

"Two girls were just hauled through here for shoplifting, denied a phone call, weren't even processed, and taken back out again," the detective reported.

"Ramirez wouldn't stand for that. Come on, Schank," she doubted.

"Natalie, he stood there while it happened! Worse still, there was this weird sweet smell from the driver. She reeked of it," Schanke protested.

Steve asked, "Do you know who the two girls are?"

"Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan. Man, Dave's gonna have a cow," Schanke worried.

Steve and Natalie looked at each other anxiously. This is the last thing we need.

"Natalie, can you try to reach Nick? Meantime, Schanke, you and I are heading over to Dave's place," Steve decided.

"He's not home. Now what?" Schanke demanded. "I can't believe this is happening."

"Then, we're heading for Lex's place," Steve insisted, throwing his coat on.

"Nick will meet you there," she told them.

"Thanks, Nat," Steve replied, kissing her on the cheek. "Let's go, Schanke!"

"Right!" Schanke agreed, barreling out of the room after his friend.

Guys, find those girls. Please, Natalie hoped as she continued to press on with her current patient.

Chapter 4 [Lex's hacienda]

While the chaos occurred around them, Clark and Lex remained unaware of the situation. After a ride around the city in the Ferrari and a nice dinner, the duo returned to the hacienda and engaged in a game of pool.

"Do you have your tux picked out yet?" Clark asked.

Lex concentrated on his shot, eyeing the cue ball and how it would strike its striped counterparts across the table. He nodded, struck the white ball with the stick and watched as another stripe banked into a pocket. "Of course, Clark. I also have one for you too if you like."

The farm boy smiled. "I should have known you would."

The billionaire rubbed his friend's arm. "Hey, this is going to be our day too, all right? Enjoy it. And from what your professor has said, it's going to be a special one."

"Where on Earth is he thinking of doing it?" Clark asked.

Lex shrugged. "Don't know and really, I won't care until we get closer to the date. I told him I want this to be extra special. Keep this between us?"

"Sure," Clark agreed.

"I think it's the place where he and his wife were married," Lex replied, the Smirk spreading across his face. "If so, it should be awesome."

"If you say so," Clark sighed. "I just feel so nervous about things right now."

"Pre-wedding jitters, Clark. We're going to be in this together. Remember that."

"Not in all things, Lex," Clark cracked.

Lex chuckled. "No, Clark. On that one, you are on your own, especially after what happened at the Sanctuary." Still laughing, he scratched on his next shot. "That's not fair, you know."

Clark flashed the Kent grin. "Hey, some of us have to use every advantage we can to keep up with your money types, you know." He sized up a shot and struck the cue ball, sending the balls flying around the table and somehow getting the solid colored ones in pockets, leaving the striped ones out. Another tap with the cue sent the eight ball into the corner pocket.

"That's really not fair," Lex complained but his eyes were shining at his best friend. If it gets him out of his funk, that's all right. Walking over to the cabinet, he poured himself a glass of wine and sipped on it. While they had played, the sun had set. The girls should have been back by now. "Hey, Clark, have you heard from Lana?"

"No. I figured that Chloe was dragging her through every clothing store in town," Clark gibed.

"That would be Chloe all right. I don't mind a couple of shopping trips, Clark. Still, I'd feel better if they would check in," Lex remarked, taking out his cell phone and pressing the speed dial button for his fiancée's number. Hearing the "Your party is either out of the area or the phone is turned off" message concerned him. Unless she's in class, she never turns her phone off. This is bad.

"Anything?" Clark asked.

"No, Clark, that's what worries me." The businessman put the phone back in his pocket.

Then it rang.

"Okay. Hi, Chloe," Lex answered.

"Sorry, Lex, she's not available at the moment," a familiar voice laughed wickedly.

Recognizing the voice, he frowned and his face turned scarlet. "What have you done with her?"

"Ooh, temper, temper. Your taste has gone downhill," Desiree taunted.

Clark stared at him and demanded, "What's going on?"

"Oh, is that Clark? How is he doing?"

"You deal with me, Desiree. So help me, if you've hurt either one of them," Lex responded, trying to keep his composure.

"And now, the threats. And here I thought you were so cultured. Really, you both are in no position to make threats right now!" Desiree informed him.

"Lex?" Chloe asked.

"Chloe, are you all right?"

"Yeah. I see your ex-wife still doesn't have any manners though," she chided. "Tell Clark that Lana's okay for now."

He grinned. Still as feisty as ever. "Hang in there, all right?"

"It'll take a lot more than this to break me. Although one of those biology reproduction films might do it," she replied, shooting a barb at her captor.

"All right, that's enough!" Desiree yelled, yanking the phone away from her. "Lex, two million apiece for them. I'll be in touch." With that, the phone went dead.

"Where are they?" Clark demanded. "Where has she taken them?"

"I don't know. It's a big city," Lex pointed out.

At that moment, the intercom buzzed.

Now what? Lex wondered as he answered it. "Yes?"

"Lex, it's Steve Peterson. Don Schanke and I would like to come in if it's all right. It concerns Lana and Chloe," Steve informed him.

"We'll be right there," Lex agreed. "Come on, Clark."

The two men descended the stairs and opened the door for their friends. "Good to see you both. I trust this has to do with their kidnapping?"

"How did you know?" Schanke wondered.

"Desiree just called," Clark muttered sullenly. "She has them."

"It gets better. They were arrested for shoplifting earlier today," the detective pointed out.

"WHAT?" Clark demanded. "They would never do that!"

Steve advised, "Calm down, Clark. Of course we know that!"

"Everyone at the station was acting strange at the precinct. Then this woman with brown hair and dark eyes shows up and sprayed something at the captain and the guards from herself, making them think that she loved them," Schanke added.

Lex seethed. "Desiree. What are you doing to track her down?"

"Before they left the lot, we got a plate number on her car. We ran it but came up with a dead end. There's an APB out on the car right now," Steve recounted.

The billionaire paced, trying to stay under control. As he did, the house shook violently. Items on the nearby shelves fell onto the floor, covering the area with debris. The chandeliers swung on their base.

What the? Clark grabbed his friend. "Lex, cool it. You'll bring the house down on us!"

Lex stared at him. "I'm not causing this, Clark."

"Just calm down, all right?" Steve requested.

The billionaire shrugged and took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. As he did, the earthquake stopped. "How did that happen?"

Clark sighed angrily, "Seems as if we have something in common after all, Lex. We'll have to have Adam look at you when we have everything resolved."

I'm a mutant? I wonder what Lionel would say to that one. Lex, worry about that one later. Right now, Chloe and Lana are in the hands of that bitch. "Thanks, guys. I'm okay now."

Clark stalked across the room, feeling frustrated over the situation as well. "I can't believe this! I thought she was behind bars! Bad enough she messed with the Talon before, but now she'll hurt Lana!" In pure rage, he put his hand right through the back wall of the house. "We need to find her! Why are we just standing around?"

"Hey, Clark, remember what you told me about the house? Get a grip on yourself," Lex advised.

The farm boy trembled, remembering the games Desiree played the last time. "I...I know. It's just...if anything were to happen to Lana...or Chloe, I don't know what...I'd do."

From what I remember of 'Bad Clark', I think I have a pretty good idea. "Come here," Lex continued, embracing the younger man. "It's going to be okay. We can't think that way. Meantime, let's get a hold of Professor Dubois and see what's going on."

At that moment, a knock came from the door. Opening it, Lex saw Nick standing there. "Nick, please come in."

"Thanks," Nick accepted. Looking around the room, he saw the items on the floor and the hole in the wall. "Was there a fight here or something?"

"No. Apparently, I have mutant powers too. They just manifested themselves. Clark put his hand through the wall. I take it that you know about Lana and Chloe?" the entrepreneur replied.

"I heard from Nat. Steve, I'm sure all of the procedures have been followed, right?" the vampire Elder asked.

"They have and Garth's overseeing the operation. Nick, where's Dave? I've been trying to reach him and he's not answering at the office or at home," the agent wondered.

The archaeologist glanced at the others. "You haven't heard, have you?"

"About what?" Clark demanded. "What else is going on?"

"Apparently, your mystery person's been at the university as well. Dave, Angie, and Adam were all...well...fired under suspicious circumstances today. Fortunately, Eve, Caitlin, Dr. Frobisher, and I blocked it for now by calling for a hearing. They're suspended until then, however. I haven't heard from them though," Nick recounted.

"She's a menace," Steve agreed. "After what has happened and is going on, I wouldn't want to be in her shoes when Dave gets his hands on her."

"She'll just zap him too," Clark protested.

Lex shook his head. "Not if he's as pissed off as I know he is. He has an advantage that we don't."

"The Child is just that-a child," the vampire agreed. "Dave and the others have left the city. They probably went to Sanctuary. Clark and Lex, since you're the only two who know the way there, can you check in on the others? We'll keep an eye on things here."

"It'll take six hours to drive there!" Lex protested.

"Who said anything about driving?" Clark retorted, picking his friend up. "Hang on. Dr. Miles, can you?"

Nick opened the door. "We'll stick close unless something happens."

Lex nodded. "Thanks. Uh, Clark, are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

"Yeah. Unless you have a faster way?"

"Not at the moment. Let's go!" the businessman urged, wanting to get to the bottom of this mess as soon as possible.

"Hang on," Clark told him as they took off, streaking north toward Mutant X's base.

The others stared in amazement even after they had vanished.

Finally, Nick spoke up. "I'll fly over the city and do an aerial search for Lana and Chloe. Schank, you want to get a hold of Tracy and do a patrol. With your werewolf senses, you should be able to tail them from the station."

His former partner concurred, "Good idea. I could still smell the crap pretty strongly when I came out of the precinct forty-five minutes ago. Steve, can we?"

"Absolutely," the agent agreed. "Nick, can you buzz us if you find anything?"

"Sure," the archaeology professor agreed before taking off himself.

"Come on, Schanke. Let's go," Steve urged, closing the door behind them after they stepped outside and drove back toward the main part of the city.

Chapter 5

[Rundown warehouse-South Tucson]

Chloe yanked repeatedly on the door, trying to either open it or break the lock. "Come on!" she yelled.

"No luck?" Lana asked, taking another look at the concrete walls and floors. The gray brick surrounding them reached high above their heads. About twenty feet above them, there was a window on each side of the room.

"None," the reporter groused, sitting down on the floor and folding her arms across her chest. "I can't believe this!"

"I know," Lana agreed, joining her. Leaning close, she whispered, "You might be able to get out of here, you know?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Chloe wondered, keeping her voice down.

Lana continued, "When you 'glow out', you're radiation, right?"

"I guess, why?"

"You could pass through the walls or fly up and out of here."

Chloe shook her head, continuing to whisper, "I'm not leaving you, but you just gave me an idea."

"I did?"

"Yeah." Chloe smirked wickedly. "We'll have to wait for the right time though."

"You're spending too much time around Lex. You're smirking like him," Lana told her.

"Well, the guy is my fiancé." The reporter smiled, thinking of the billionaire. He's probably marshaling the National Guard by now.

"I hope Clark's okay," Lana sighed.

"Knowing him, I'd be more worried about the hacienda. He's probably ready to start punching holes in the walls," Chloe sighed, thinking about the repair bills.

Lana shook her head. I know they're looking for us, but it's so hard just to sit here and not do anything. If only they hadn't taken our purses and cell phones. Walking over to the door, she listened. "I don't hear them out there."

"They're probably in that main room down the hall," Chloe told her. "You want to go for it?"

"Do you want to be stuck here?" Lana asked incredulously. "Just be careful."

"Hey, careful's my middle name," the blonde reporter assured her.

"Right," Lana cracked.

"Well...most of the time," Chloe retorted, sizing up the lock. "This will be easy. Just be ready." Seeing Lana nod, she blasted the lock with a radiation blast, melting the metal, and causing the door to swing open.

The two girls peered out into the dark hallway.

"We lucked out," Lana said hopefully. "They're still down there."

"Let's go," Chloe urged, creeping out into the darkness.

Here goes.... Lana fought back her nerves as she followed her friend closely.

They made it down the hall and into the main area. Finding a convenient hiding place behind a rather large crate, they watched as their kidnappers paced, discussed, and argued about their plans amongst themselves.

****

Meanwhile, Lorna sat on an old wooden chair, planning their next move. Knowing Adam, he won't sit still. It's time for the next step.

"Couldn't you have found a better place?" Desiree asked, pacing around in frustration. The warehouse's main chamber stood empty except for a few crates and some old office furniture.

"Not one where the police wouldn't find us," Lorna replied somewhat sharply, feeling her annoyance over the other's complaints. "It won't be much longer, Desiree."

"When do we get the ransom?"

Lorna grinned. "We won't."

"Huh? I thought the idea was to ransom them, not murder, although I wouldn't have a problem with that," Desiree wondered, imagining Lex's pain over his fiancée's death.

"Maybe afterwards. First, we're going to have some fun," Lorna informed her. "By now, Adam's mixing up some sort of anti-venom to deal with me. I need them to think you're me. Your control over men comes from those weird meteors, right?"

"Right. Okay, this will be interesting," Desiree agreed, smiling at the thought of crossing the rescue party up. "Have you checked on them?"

"About twenty minutes ago," Lorna replied. "Your turn."

"Be back," Desiree declared, heading toward the hallway.

After her twin departed, the remaining villain got up again and paced. Then, she heard a creaking from behind the crate on the far side of the room. What the? Could they have escaped? She advanced carefully on the spot.

****

Chloe frowned as she looked down at her feet. Me and my big feet.

"We can take her," Lana whispered. "Can you do your thing?"

"We'll need to do this before Desiree gets back," the reporter indicated, watching Lorna approaching them.

"Let's go," the brunette agreed, grabbing some rope.

At that moment, their kidnapper discovered them. "Well, you are both clever, aren't you?"

"More than you know," Chloe asserted, turning on the radiation. "Surprise." She emitted a brief yet bright flash of light, temporarily blinding her opponent.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" Lorna yelled.

"Oh, shut up!" Lana retorted, delivering a karate chop to the back of the blind woman's neck. "That takes care of her." She dragged the unconscious woman in back of the crate and bound her arms. "What about Desiree?"

"She's mine," Chloe asserted, watching as the other twin rushed back into the room.

"Hey, Lorna! Where are you? They've escaped!" Desiree called.

"You don't say?" Chloe chuckled as she flew over the crate and into view. "Hey, you witch. I have some payback for you!"

"So, the meteors affected you too? I wonder if Lex knows that you're like this?" Desiree cracked.

"He does and he loves me anyway! And I love him too!" the Hazel Fury asserted.

The remaining kidnapper grabbed her arm-and regretted her act immediately. She recoiled as she felt the pain from her burned hand. "What are you?"

"A radioactive mutant," Chloe replied. "And I won't let you get near him again!" She radiated off and balled her fists. "Bring it on!"

"Big mistake," Desiree declared and swung wide at the college student, missing badly.

"You missed." Chloe delivered a jab to Desiree's side. "That was for me. And this is for Lex!" Her next punch hit right between the vixen's eyes, knocking her out cold.

"Nice work," Lana complimented as they dragged the other kidnapper behind the crate and bound her hands as well. "How do we get a hold of the guys?"

At that moment, Nick came crashing down through the skylight and looked around. "Lana, Chloe, are you all right?"

"We're fine," Lana assured him. "We just took care of our kidnappers."

"Kidnappers? There are two of them?" the archaeologist asked.

"Lorna Templeton and Desiree Atkins. They're twins apparently," Chloe told him. "They're tied up back there."

He followed them over to the spot and found the two vixens on the floor. "Nice work." He took out his cell phone and dialed the precinct. "Hi, Tracy?"

"Yeah, Nick. What's up? Schanke, Steve, and I were just on our way back out. We need to find those girls," his former partner replied.

"I'm at the old Weather's Warehouse at 49th and Campbell. Apparently, they turned the tables on their kidnappers. Can you get down here? Make sure you bring some female uniforms with you, all right?" he told her.

"Sure thing. Are the students okay?" she asked.

"They're fine," he replied. "We'll be waiting for you." With that, he hung up. "Nice work both of you. Now, we just need to get a hold of our friends."

Chloe found her purse and took out her beeper. Pressing the green button on the side, she waited a minute before seeing the yellow light flash on the top. "The message was just sent."

Just then, Tracy busted in with two female officers. "Where are they, Nick?"

"Back there," Lana directed, pointing to the crate.

Tracy nodded and helped the officers to carry the two unconscious vixens to the squad car.

"I'm glad they're off the streets," Schanke asserted. "Everyone's going to be glad you're both okay."

"Well, of course we are, Detective," Chloe assured him. "We had it under control the whole time, didn't we, Lana?"

Her classmate flashed a warm smile and put her arm around Chloe's shoulders. "All the way. No sweat. Still, thank you for trying to help us."

Schanke replied, "I'm glad I could do so. You tipped us off to our friend there. How about a ride back to the precinct?"

"That would be great. Can we get a cup of coffee? I'm going into caffeine withdrawal," Chloe complained.

"Sure. I think that can be arranged," Nick chuckled. "Come on."

With that, they all left the warehouse, heading north toward Chloe's fix and the precinct.

Chapter 6

[New Sanctuary]

Even as the girls turned the tables on their kidnappers, Adam worked furiously in the lab. With the students in trouble, he wanted to have some anti-venom ready to counter the twin they knew about. We'll have to take our chances with the other one.

Just then, Emma bolted into the lab. "Adam! I just got a signal from Chloe's beeper. She and Lana are okay."

"What?" he wondered, confused over this sudden turn of events. "Are you sure?" He walked over to the computer keyboard across the room. Bringing up the signal, he matched it to the signal archived in the database. "It's her, all right." Pressing a few more keys, a city map of Tucson appeared. "Determining her signal location. She's heading north, it seems." He put on a microphone headset and pressed a button, buzzing the reporter's beeper. "Chloe, call the secure line, please."

"Yes?" Chloe asked, speaking into her cell phone barely a minute later. "Adam?"

"Yes. Are you and Lana all right?"

"We're fine. Can you tell Lex and Clark that we're okay? We're on our way back up to the precinct with Detectives Schanke and Brown," Chloe indicated.

"I certainly will. What about Lorna Templeton and her accomplice?" he wondered.

"The police have them in custody with orders to surround them with women officers. We'll still have to deal with the shoplifting charges though," she continued.

Schanke assured her, "Somehow, I don't think that's gonna be a problem."

"Anyhow, can the guys meet us at the precinct?" she requested.

"I don't think that's going to be a problem," he told her. "Be right there."

"Come on, Emma," he told the psionic while hurrying from the lab.

They rushed over to where Clark, Lex, Dave, and Angie all sat talking.

"We're on the move! Let's go!" Adam yelled. "They're okay!"

Dave and Angie nodded to their friends as they hurried toward the hangar.

Thank God, Lex thought as he almost pulled Clark out of his chair. "Move it!"

"I'm there," his friend replied, rushing toward the Double Helix at super speed. Hang on, Lana, I'm coming.

****

[Precinct-Twenty-five minutes later]

Chloe sat in the Interrogation room, sipping on a cup of coffee and watching the front door. She had to hand it to Detective Schanke. He knew his coffee. Thanks, Detective. I certainly appreciate this.

"This is almost as good as the Talon's," Lana admitted, drinking from her cup.

"Almost being the operative word," the reporter told her. "Nothing beats your coffee."

The brunette grinned warmly. "Thank you, Chloe. It's good to hear that coming from a connoisseur such as yourself."

The blonde laughed. "Why, thank you, Miss Restaurateur. It's nice to know that my insight is taken seriously."

"And why wouldn't I? You were instrumental in getting us out of there," Lana told her.

"I did my share and so did you," Chloe replied. "That was some shot you gave Desiree's sister."

"Miri was giving me lessons," Lana admitted, shrugging. "I'm glad those moves are paying off."

"Yeah, she works you hard enough. I'm glad that Adam works us as hard as he does," Chloe agreed. Just then, she saw Lex and Clark walk through the doors. "They're here." She got up and walked out of the room. "Lex!"

The businessman smiled and his eyes sparkled. "Hey, Sullivan, I'm glad you finally decided to call."

"Well, Luthor, we were having so much fun, you know and..." she started to banter. Then her eyes started to water. "Come here."

He rushed over and embraced her tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay, Chloe." He kissed her deeply.

"Ummm, sorry guys. I was wondering where's...Lana?" Clark wondered before seeing her in the Interrogation room's doorway. "Sorry. As you were." He rushed over to the door and his fiancée.

"Clark, hold me," she expressed, grasping onto him. As she did, she immediately felt safe in his arms.

"I can't tell you how worried I was, Lana," he replied truthfully, stroking her long dark hair and staring into her eyes. "I....I..."

She kissed him deeply. For a long minute, they made the world light up and sing with their happiness. Then she declared, "It was the thought of you that kept me going, Clark. That and Miranda's karate lessons."

"Karate?" he asked, cracking a smile.

"Yeah, a quick chop to the neck took out Desiree's sister. Then Chloe punched Desiree's lights out," she giggled.

"That's all, huh? I have to talk with Miranda. She's corrupting you. I'm supposed to save you, remember?" he teased.

"Mmm, sometimes a girl has to do things for herself, Clark. Besides, do you think Chloe's going to wait for you and Lex to come charging in?"

He kissed her again. "You've got a point there," he admitted, taking her hand and walking over to their friends. Beside Lex and Chloe, the Duboises and Mutant X waited for them.

"Good to see you both safe," Dave expressed warmly.

"Thanks, Professor," Chloe replied. "Hey, we girls work well together as a team. You know?"

Lex smirked and glanced at Clark before agreeing, "Yeah, we know. I'm just glad you're here with me and safe."

The reporter snorted. "Somebody's got to keep an eye on you, Luthor."

"Speaking of which, I want to see Desiree," the businessman asserted.

"I figured you would," Adam replied, handing him a gas mask. "Meantime, I've contacted Genomex. A special containment unit will be here shortly."

Lex shrugged and walked with Chloe and their friends into the cellblock area. There, they found Desiree and Lorna locked in a special plastic sealed cell.

"Well, well, Lex Luthor comes to visit," Desiree noted sarcastically. "Hello, Lex. Been staying busy since our last tryst?"

He held his fiancée closely against his side. "Actually, I have, Desiree. We'll be married soon too. This time, I know it's the right thing to do."

"Love is fickle, Lex. Remember that," his ex-wife taunted.

"Not in my case, sister," Chloe asserted. "I'm not going to let anyone like you hurt him again!"

"Ooh and feisty too! You can pick them. Can't you, Lex?"

"In this case, I got first prize. You're a dud, Desiree," Lex informed her.

She hissed, "Some day, Lex. You'll pay for this. You and your friends there. Clark, I see you and Lana finally got together. It took you long enough."

"Too long," Lana replied. "Must have been those boring films you made us watch."

Clark sighed and shook his head, recalling that day. "Just keep her away from me."

"Don't worry, Clark. Where they're going, they won't be able to hurt anyone," Adam stated.

"You're too sure of yourself, Adam," Lorna responded. "We'll get out."

"Not this time," the geneticist disagreed. "You've already caused enough damage."

"Good bye, Desiree," Lex concluded before leaving with the others.

After the group had left the room, the two mutants slumped on their cots, awaiting their fate. While they knew prison would be a tough place, escape always remained a possibility. Some way, somehow, they would get even.

Conclusion [The next morning]

Dave, Angie and Adam walked anxiously into President Frobisher's office not knowing what to expect. Only an hour before, the main official had called, asking them all to speak with him. They hoped with Desiree and Lorna being exposed, everything would be set right.

As they entered his office, the trio found Caitlin and Dr. Fishburne waiting for them.

"Please come in," Dr. Fishburne greeted. "Take a seat." When his visitors had done so, he continued, "I'll just cut to the chase. You've all been reinstated and all mention of what happened will be purged from your files. Given what happened, we owe you all an apology."

"Dean Armas sends his regrets as well for what happened," Caitlin added.

"Thank you, but it's understandable given the circumstances. Lorna Templeton and Desiree Atkins are very convincing. The people over at the mall have also dropped the shoplifting charges against Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan," Adam noted.

"This incident just underscores what we're trying to do here," Dave stated. "Teaching folks to use their gifts responsibly."

"And not hurt others," Angie continued.

"I can't apologize enough, Angela," Dr. Fishburne indicated.

"You never would have done it if you weren't under her influence. I completely understand," she assured him.

"That's very gracious of you," the administrator responded. "Thank you."

She smiled warmly. "For all of the kindness you've shown us, sir, it's the least I can do. It wasn't your fault. So, can I get back to my office? Our patients need me."

"Absolutely. I'll see you this afternoon," he concurred. "Speaking of which, I must be heading back. Dr. Kane, David, it's good to have you as colleagues once again. Take care." With that, he departed.

"Thanks, everyone," Dave expressed in appreciation as they all shook hands.

"Thank you for being so understanding," President Frobisher replied. "I look forward to the results of your work."

"Come on," Caitlin told them. "Lunch is on me. After this episode, I need to ask a few questions in order to set guidelines in place.

The trio nodded in agreement and left with her.

Behind him, President Frobisher smiled. It would be easy to dismiss their efforts, but they're right. It is our job to teach people about these things. Given his own history, that's an important lesson to impart to these students.

****

[New Sanctuary-Later that evening]

Lex took a deep breath and paced about the lab. Do I really have talents? Do I really want to know? He wondered what people really thought about him.

"Relax, Luthor," Chloe chided good-naturedly from the stool off to the side. "It's okay."

"Easy for you to say, Sullivan," he snickered.

"No really, it's okay," she assured him. "It doesn't hurt you any. And you need to control your abilities."

"She's right," Adam chimed in, entering the lab with Emma. "Please get on the bio bed, Lex."

The businessman did so, looking at the ceiling.

"Start scan," Adam told the computer.

The overhead monitor started its sweep, bathing Lex in soft white light. After four passes, it shut off.

"Results coming in," Emma reported.

"Well?" Lex asked.

Adam analyzed the data on the CGI screen. "I'd say you're a mutant just like your friends."

"How did that happen?" he asked.

"The meteor rocks mutated Lana and me too, Lex. Don't worry; it's going to be okay. This doesn't change anything about your business or us," the reporter told him.

"You might want to think about a few sessions up here to work on your gifts," Emma suggested.

Lex looked at his fiancée and then, the others. They're not so bad and neither are Clark, Miranda, Dave, Angie, and Lana. Looks like we have more in common than we previously thought. "Okay, we'll give it a shot." He smirked. "C'mon, Sullivan, let's go and give the others the news."

The quartet headed out of the lab and down the stairs.

Dave, Angie, Clark, Lana, and Miranda waited for them in the lounge area.

"Hey, guys," Lex greeted.

"What happened?" Clark wondered. "What did you find out?"

The billionaire smirked. "Seems that we have something else in common. I'm special too."

"That's a good way of putting it," Lana agreed.

"I'm glad he's over his 'what if' stage," Chloe said, following him down the stairs. "I think he was worried that he was going to turn into a toad or something. Course, I would never let that happen."

"I'm glad you're on the case, Sullivan," Lex teased.

"Always and don't you forget it, Luthor," Chloe responded, hugging him tightly. "Now, I think we need some coffee. Do you think the Talon's still open?"

Lex and Lana looked at each other and shrugged. Finally, the latter agreed, "I think that can be arranged."

Dave focused and opened a mist portal. "Next stop, Smallville. Adam, you too."

"Thank you. That sounds great," the geneticist agreed, stepping into the mists.

After Emma and the others had vanished from sight, Dave followed closely behind, sealing the doorway in their wake.

It had been a very harrowing couple of days. However for the professors, they had been satisfying as well. In that span, the students grew in experience and handled themselves well. For that, everyone could be grateful and proud. Very proud indeed.

THE END (for now)

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