Original Air Date on April 13th, 2005

Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Night. Inside, Lex is in a laboratory with Dr. Sinclair. Lex is staring intently at a piece of green kryptonite suspended in a glass t*nk. There is a large laser projector pointed at it. The projector is turned off as Dr. Sinclair makes adjustments to it.

Lex: Are you sure you've corrected the problem, Dr. Sinclair?

Sinclair: Absolutely, Mr. Luthor. The stimulations have all been positive. Increasing the thermal variations by 98% should eliminate the separation impurity.

Lex walks around the laser projector and toward Dr. Sinclair who walks toward his computer.

Lex: Six months of this and all you had to do was turn up the heat?

Sinclair: Well, it's not that simple, Mr. Luthor. I mean, the composition of these meteor rocks is highly unusual. Calculating the exact temperature was a challenge.

Lex: One I hope you're up to. If this works, I'll leave a mark on the world no one will ever forget.

Sinclair: It won't hurt your bank account either.

Sinclair hands Lex a pair of dark protective glasses. Lex puts on the glasses and takes a deep breath, standing next to the glass t*nk.

Sinclair: Initiating sequence.

Sinclair hits a few buttons on the computer and a female computerized voice is heard.

Computer: Thermal sequence initiated.

The projector emits a narrow blue laser that hits the center of the meteor rock. The inside of the green kryptonite begins to swirl slowly.

Sinclair: Increasing thermal output 70%.

Lex: [Quietly, hopeful.] Come on, come on.

Computer: Approaching optimum thermal reaction.

Sinclair: Opening the irradiation samples.

Below the kryptonite, the base of the t*nk opens up revealing several plant seeds.

Computer: Subject seeds exposed to radiation.

Sinclair: 90%. Absorption level as expected.

Computer: Irregular molecular stimulation noted in subject seeds.

Sinclair: [Watching the computer screen.] 95%. 98%. Power objective has been attained. Molecular activity is exceeding the control model. [Becoming distressed.] The thermal level is continuing to accelerate.

The green glow of the kryptonite darkens until it becomes black and a flashing blue light strobes on the seeds in the t*nk.

Computer: Thermal levels exceeding safety parameters.

Lex turns to Sinclair.

Lex: What's happening?

Sinclair: The temperature is climbing past the target range.

Lex takes off his glasses and walks back to the computer next to Sinclair.

Lex: Shut it down!

Sinclair: I'm trying, sir, I'm trying!

The blue energy inside the black kryptonite continues to grow in strength until the rock starts to crack as if about to burst. Lex pushes Sinclair away from the computer, trying to protect him.

Lex: Get out of here!

Sinclair turns to go and slams his head against a banister on the way, knocking himself unconscious.

Lex looks at the kryptonite again and turns to go just as the kryptonite bursts with bluish-purple energy that strikes Lex on the back. His arms flail out to his sides and he screams and shakes around as though he is being electrocuted.

When the energy stops, Lex falls to the floor and the glass t*nk explodes, making a mess of the whole room. Lex stands up, groaning in pain. All of the tables in the room have been knocked over and the overhead fluorescent lights flicker weakly. Lex kneels down and helps Sinclair to his feet.

Lex: Doc, are you okay?

Sinclair groans in response. He is bleeding from above his left eye. They both look around the room.

Lex: I'm calling this one a failure. Come on, Dr. Sinclair, I'll get you to the hospital.

Lex holds onto Sinclair, helping him walk out of the laboratory. As they are leaving, another Lex who has been lying behind the shattered kryptonite t*nk stands up and watches them go with disbelief.

[Opening credits]

Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, Clark and Chloe enter a patient room where Lex is sitting on an exam table.

Clark: [Concerned.] Lex, are you okay?

Lex: Clark, I'm fine. [Lex stands up.] How did you know I was here?

Chloe: One of your EMTs is a friend of mine. She said there was an expl*si*n at LuthorCorp?

Clark: What happened?

Lex: We were conducting an experiment.

Clark: Well, I'm guessing it didn't go well.

Lex: Not exactly as I hoped, but it was worth the risk.

Chloe: I'm sure it was... to LuthorCorp's bottom line.

Lex: To the world, Chloe. Look, why don't the two of you come with me to the lab, and I'll show you what Dr. Sinclair and I have been working on?

Clark and Chloe exchange a puzzled glance, surprised by the invitation.

Lex: I really think you're gonna like this one.

Lex grabs his coat from where it is hanging by the door and leaves the room.

Clark: All right, let's go.

Clark starts to leave, but Chloe stops him.

Chloe: Clark, wait, I'm not buying any story from a Luthor without corroboration. So I'm gonna go talk to Dr. Sinclair and find out what he has to say about this.

Clark: Okay. I'll check out the lab with Lex.

Chloe: Just be careful, okay? I mean, no matter what he says, LuthorCorp experiments never end well.

Clark smiles at Chloe, clearly unconcerned, and leaves the room.

Cut to Lex entering Dr. Sinclair's hospital room where Sinclair is asleep in the bed. Lex leans over the bed and looks at the cut over Sinclair's eye which has now been stitched up.

Lex: Wow. That looks like it hurts.

Sinclair: [Looking around.] What happened?

Lex: Well, I was hoping you could tell me.

Sinclair: There was an expl*si*n.

Lex: Do you remember anything else after the accident? Anything unusual?

Sinclair: Like what?

Lex: Like seeing two of me.

Sinclair: [Confused.] What?

Lex: I think the expl*si*n caused some kind of separation, a division at the molecular level, I don't know. But I saw myself, doctor. I saw another Lex Luthor.

Sinclair: Oh, my God.

Lex: What about reversing it? Is there any way to force the two me's back together?

Sinclair: My research notes are back in the lab. If I had those, I might be able to find a way to reverse the process.

Lex smiles.

Lex: I'm gonna go back to the lab and get the notes.

Lex walks over to the window that faces into the hallway of the hospital and closes the blinds. Then he walks back to Dr. Sinclair.

Lex: In the meantime, why don't you get some rest?

Sinclair nods his head and closes his eyes.

Lex sticks an empty syringe into Sinclair's IV tube and pumps it full of air, staring at Sinclair darkly.

Cut to Chloe walking down the hall of the medical center. She sees Lex coming out of Sinclair's room.

Chloe: [Confused.] Lex?

Lex: Chloe.

Chloe: I thought you left for the lab with Clark.

Lex: Well, I just wanted to check in with Dr. Sinclair first.

Chloe: Hmm. Was he all right?

Lex: [With a smile.] Not feeling a thing.

Chloe: Well, I was hoping I could maybe talk to him.

Lex: Well, he's sleeping now. [He leads Chloe away from Sinclair's room.] Maybe you should come back later when he's feeling a little more alive.

Chloe: Okay.

Lex leaves Chloe standing in the hallway as he continues walking. A high pitched beeping is suddenly heard from Dr. Sinclair's room and a female voice is heard over the loudspeaker.

Woman: Code blue, room 213. Code blue, room 213.

Two men quickly wheel a defibrillator into Sinclair's room as a doctor runs in after them. Chloe turns back to Lex who looks back at her coldly as he turns the corner. Then Chloe peeks into Sinclair's room where the doctor and the orderlies are trying to resuscitate him. Chloe's expression is one of suspicion and fear.

Clark and Lex are in the laboratory at LuthorCorp. Night. They stand next to a glass t*nk full of plants.

Clark: This is what your secret experiment was about? Gardening?

Lex: [Smiles.] No, Clark. It's about the future. These are growing in common sand with only a few drops of water as irrigation.

Clark: If my dad planted a crop of these, he'd never have to worry about the harvest again.

Lex: Until it arrived on your dinner table.

Lex walks over to a nearby table and Clark follows him. Lex picks up an apple from a jar full of them. He hands the apple to Clark.

Lex: Taste it. [Clark takes a bite.] Those were grown from irradiated seeds.

Clark grimaces.

Clark: Something's wrong. It tastes-

Lex: Rotten? [Clark nods.] That's what we've been wrestling with. See, we've successfully destroyed the genes that make a plant weak, giving it the ability to thrive under the harshest conditions. But the process also affects the fruit it bears, and not for the better.

Clark: Is that what you were trying to fix when the expl*si*n happened?

Lex: Dr. Sinclair thought increasing the temperature of the reaction would solve the problem.

Lex walks toward the middle of the room where the shattered t*nk rests. Clark puts down the apple and follows him.

Lex: We pushed it further than we ever have, Clark, but the meteor rock became unstable.

Clark: Wait you're working with meteor rocks again?

Lex: If I can find a way to make this work, LuthorCorp could put and end to hunger and famine forever. I'm hoping there's something in Dr. Sinclair's notes that will explain exactly what went wrong.

Lex goes to a safe on the wall and punches in a code, then opens the door revealing Dr. Sinclair's notes on a shelf. Clark is suddenly weakened and backs away from the safe as on the shelf below the notes there are several large samples of kryptonite. Clark stumbles and almost knocks over a table.

Lex: Clark, you all right?

Clark: Yeah, um, I don't think that apple's sitting very well. I'll wait for you outside.

Lex looks at Clark with concern as Clark leaves the lab. As he goes, we see that the other Lex is hiding out of sight, listening to what has been going on.

Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Inside, Lex enters the study where Lionel is waiting on the couch. Lex stops walking when he sees his father, and Lionel stands up.

Lionel: Lex. I haven't forgotten. I know I'm-I'm not welcome here, but I heard there was an accident at LuthorCorp, and I wanted to be sure you were all right.

Lex: I'm fine, Dad. Thanks for the concern.

Lex walks past Lionel and puts his briefcase down on the desk.

Lionel: Well, I'm grateful you're all in one piece. Sorry. I'm sorry for the intrusion.

Lionel starts to leave.

Lex: Dad. [Lionel turns around.] Are you still planning on your charity fundraiser Saturday?

Lionel: [He smiles.] Yes. I must say it's quite an interesting challenge trying to get the deep pockets to show up for a salad bar and ginger chicken.

Lex: Would it help if the head of LuthorCorp promised to make an appearance?

Lionel: Really? You'd do that?

Lex: Under one condition.

Lionel: [Nodding, unsurprised.] Oh.

Lex: You hold the even on the top floor of LuthorCorp Plaza in Metropolis. I'll even reach out to a few of those reluctant deep pockets.

Lionel: [Taken off guard.] That's very generous of you.

Lex: You must be rubbing off on me. I admit, I had my doubts about the motives behind your sudden philanthropy, but I can see how much joy helping the less fortunate is bringing you. Dad, I'm... I'm proud of you.

Lionel is at a loss for words. Finally, he steps forward.

Lionel: [Touched.] Thank you, Lex. I'm truly grateful. [He touches Lex's face.] For everything.

Lionel leaves the room. Lex turns back to his briefcase on the desk and picks up Dr. Sinclair's notes. Suddenly, we see that the other Lex, LEX #2, is standing behind him.

Lex #2: Amazing work, isn't it?

Lex turns around, startled by the voice. He is even more startled to find himself face to face with himself.

Lex #2: Hello, me.

Lex #2 whips Lex across the face with a p*stol, knocking him to the ground.

Lex #2: Meet the real you.

Fade to black.

Fade up on a large antique chandelier. Night. The sh*t moves down to the ground where Lex is sitting on the floor with his head bowed and his knees drawn up to his chest. He is leaning against a support beam to which he appears to be chained. He is in a storage area full of shelves and old furniture. Lex #2 walks up to Lex and looks down at him.

Lex #2: Well, I can't have you running about, can I?

Lex: Who are you?

Lex #2: Oh, well, that's a question I've been struggling with for years. Hey, remember the last time we were in this room? Dad told us not to play down here, but I whispered in your ear to do it anyway?

Lex: The door blew shut, locking me in. No one could hear me.

Lex #2: [Laughing cruelly.] You were so afraid. A scared, trembling child. I hated you for that.

Lex: My God. You're me.

Lex #2: [Kneeling down next to Lex.] No, Lex. I'm much, much more.

Lex pushes himself to his feet, beginning to understand.

Lex: The expl*si*n in the lab.

Lex #2: Freed me from your weakness. At last, I can embrace my true destiny.

Lex tries to lunge at Lex #2, but the chains binding his wrists hold him back. He screams in frustration which delights Lex #2.

Lex #2: Yeah! Come on! Come on! You can do it! Stop me! Come on! [Lex #2 grabs Lex's face roughly.] You disappoint me. [He pushes Lex away.] As always.

Lex: If I'm such a letdown, why don't you just k*ll me?

Lex #2: Nothing would make me happier. Unfortunately, I don't know what will happen to me if you die. Are we somehow still connected? Would I cease to exist as you gasp your last breath? I'm not keen on taking that chance.

Lex: You can't keep me locked down here forever.

Lex #2: Why? No one heard our screams when we were a child, and no one will hear yours now. Just like in that Dumas story. [He smiles, excited.] Oh, it was always one of our favorites, wasn't it? King Louis XIV imprisons his twin brother in the Bastille, forcing him to live out his final days behind an iron mask.

Lex #2 reaches onto a nearby shelf and grabs an iron mask of armor. Lex begins to struggle against his chains again, fearful.

Lex: No.

Lex #2: You see most people think Louis did it to hide his brother's true identity, but we know better. He did it because he couldn't stand looking at such a pale reflection of his own greatness.

Lex: Don't.

Lex #2 lifts the mask onto Lex's head and locks it into place.

Lex: No! No! No!

Lex grunts underneath the mask.

Lex #2: Shh. It's good to be the king.

Lex #2 leaves the room as Lex continues to scream and struggle.

Lex #2: I guess it's up to me to show the world the real Lex Luthor.

Lex #2 turns off the lights and leaves the room. Lex falls silent.

Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Day. Clark enters the Torch office where Chloe is waiting.

Clark: Chloe.

Chloe: Hey. It's about time. Pretty slow for the quarterback.

Clark: Ex-quarterback. What's so important?

Chloe: Dr. Sinclair.

Clark: Did he say something about the expl*si*n at LuthorCorp?

Chloe: He couldn't. He's d*ad, Clark.

Clark: What? What happened?

Chloe: Cardiac arrest. In a guy with no history of heart problems.

Clark: Well, I'd better go tell Lex.

Chloe: He already knows, I think. I bumped into him coming out of Dr. Sinclair's room just before he died.

Clark: When was this?

Chloe: Right after you left for the lab.

Clark: Well, Chloe, I was with Lex. We went to the lab together.

Chloe: Which would be about the same time I was talking to Lex outside Dr. Sinclair's room.

Clark: Well, that's impossible.

Chloe: Not in Smallville. You of all people should know that.

Chloe goes to her computer and sits down. Then she notices the strange look Clark is giving her because of her comment.

Chloe: You know, because of all the stuff you've seen.

Clark: Well, there must be a way to figure out the timeline.

Chloe: Yeah, there is. Smallville Medical Center has a surveillance system which, as far as you know, I've never hacked into because that would be wrong.

Clark nods, smiling slightly.

Chloe: It's just gonna take a while.

Clark: Call me if you find anything.

Chloe types on the keyboard and Clark leaves.

Lana enters her apartment with a bag of groceries. Day. She finds Lex seated on her couch and stops walking, confused.

Lana: Lex. What are you doing here?

Lex: I got a message on my cell that you wanted to see me.

Lana: So you just let yourself in?

Lex: My bad. Would you like me to go?

Lana: No, no. It's okay. You kind of just surprised me.

Lex stands up and walks toward her.

Lex: I've been doing that to a lot of people.

Lex chivalrously takes Lana's groceries and puts them down on the kitchen counter. Lana becomes even more confused.

Lex: So what can I do for Miss Lang this afternoon?

Lana: I wanted to talk to you about Jason.

Lex: [Flat.] Oh. Him.

Lana: I, uh, I really appreciate everything that you've already told me about Jason and his mom, but do you... Do you really think that-

Lex: What I think, Lana, is you deserve better. You deserve to be with someone who recognizes how extraordinary you are.

Lex walks toward Lana, getting uncomfortably close to her. He caresses her face with the backs of his fingers, making her flinch.

Lana: Lex, what are you doing?

Lex: What I've always wanted to.

Lex leans in and kisses Lana forcefully on the lips. Lana pushes him away and slaps his face, stepping away from him.

Lex: Well, I do like them feisty.

Lana: Get out of my apartment.

Lex: If that's how you want to play it. Oh, by the way, I'm closing the Talon.

Lana: What?! You can't do that!

Lex: Hmm, I think I can.

Lana: Lex, this is my home. Where am I supposed to go?

Lex: That's really up to you, isn't it? Lana, you could live like a queen by my side, or get tossed out with the rest of the garbage. Why don't you think about it? I know I will.

Lex leaves the apartment.

Lex and a female partner are fencing in his study. Day. They are wearing full fencing gear including masks. Lionel enters.

Lionel: Lex.

Lex's partner becomes distracted and looks at Lionel. Lex takes the opportunity to press the tip of his fencing sword to his partner's chest, winning the match.

Lionel: What's going on? What the hell are you doing?

Lex and his partner take off their masks.

Lex: Seizing the moment, Dad. Just like you taught me. [To his partner.] Same time tomorrow?

She smiles at him and starts to leave the study. As she passes by Lex, he slaps her behind and she turns around, startled but still smiling. She leaves. Lionel puts his hands on his hips, sighing disapprovingly.

Lex: Now, what's your problem with me this time, old man?

Lionel: It was your offer to hold a fundraiser at LuthorCorp Plaza, then you go behind my back and cancel the whole thing. Why would you do that?

Lex: [In a loud, mimicking voice.] Because helping those who refuse to help themselves is a waste of time and money, son! Isn't that what the old Lionel Luthor used to say?

Lionel: I've changed. People change, Lex.

Lex: No, they don't. They just get soft. Like you. All right, Dad. I'll let you have your little blue plate charity soiree. I'll even make a generous contribution.

Lionel: And what would I have to do in exchange for this contribution, hmm?

Lex selects two fencing swords and tosses one of them to Lionel and Lionel catches it.

Lex: I want you to prove you're still worthy to be my father.

Lionel: [Losing his cool.] Are you insane, Lex?!

Lex: No. Just curious.

Lionel: I'm not going to fight-

Lex lunges at Lionel with his sword, forcing Lionel to defend himself. They duel each other, walking around in a half circle as Lionel yells at Lex.

Lionel: Lex, stop it! Lex, stop it!

Lex stops for a moment.

Lex: Is the miraculous transformation into the man in the white suit genuine, or is it all just an act?

Lex att*cks again, and Lionel blocks with his sword.

Lionel: Lex, stop this! Stop it now! Lex, stop it!

Their swords clash above their heads and Lex pulls Lionel close to his face.

Lex: Do you even know the answer to that question or have you been too afraid to ask? What's inside you, Dad? Is it really just puppies and hugs now or is something else twisting in your gut, squirming to be free again?

In a rage, Lionel pulls his sword away from Lex whips Lex across the face with the handle, knocking Lex to the floor. Then Lionel presses the tip of the sword to Lex's chest.

Lex: I knew you were in there somewhere, Father.

Lionel looks down at Lex uneasily, realizing what he has done. Lex stands slowly, the tip of Lionel's sword still pressed against his chest. Lex strikes it with his own sword, causing Lionel to lose his grip, and his sword is thrown to the floor.

Lex: [thr*at.] You should've stayed in prison. You were safer there.

Lex whips his sword at Lionel's face, giving him a small cut on the cheek. Lionel gasps and touches the small amount of blood on his face. Lex tosses his sword to Lionel and Lionel catches it. Then Lex grins and exits the room. Lionel watches him go with fury in his eyes.

Fade to black.

Outside sh*t of the Kent barn. Day. Clark enters the barn and stops when he sees Lana sitting on the stairs looking upset.

Clark: Lana? You okay?

Lana: [Forcing a smile.] Yeah. [She stands.] No. Uh, did you know that Lex was going to close the Talon?

Clark: No. Who told you that?

Clark walks to her.

Lana: He did.

Clark: Well, I saw him last night. He didn't mention anything.

Lana: Clark, when I, um, when I came home, he was in my apartment. The way he was acting... It was like he was a totally different person.

Clark: Maybe he was.

Lana: Do you think that maybe he's having another psychotic break?

Clark: It's more complicated than that.

Lana: It always is, isn't it? You think you know someone, but there's this side of them that you never see. Until it's too late.

Clark: Well, you've certainly seen me at my worst.

Lana: And at your best.

Clark: [About to say something important.] Lana...

Clark's cell phone rings. He answers it.

Clark: Hello?

We see Chloe sitting at her computer in the Torch office.

Chloe: Clark. I found surveillance footage of Lex and me outside of Dr. Sinclair's room talking. And of you and Lex leaving the medical center.

We see the images on her screen.

Clark: What about the time stamps?

Chloe: They're identical. Looks like our favorite billionaire has one hell of a split personality.

Clark: Yeah. Thanks.

Clark hangs up and turns back to Lana, unsure of what to say.

Lex is kneeling before the f*re in his study, poking at it with a f*re poker. Night. Clark enters.

Clark: Lex. I need to talk to you. This is important.

Lex stands up and puts the poker away.

Lex: Well, I always have time for a friend, Clark. What's on your mind?

Clark: What did we talk about last night?

Lex: Well, we talked about a lot of things. The future, changing the world, reshaping it into a better place. And then you started to feel sick. You said it was from the apple.

Lex goes to the bar and makes a drink as Clark sighs with relief.

Clark: That's right.

Lex: Clark, what's this all about?

Clark: Well, I had to be sure who I was talking to.

Lex: What?

Clark: Lex, Dr. Sinclair is d*ad. Someone m*rder him.

Lex: [Shocked.] Clark, who would do something like that?

Clark: Well, you would. [Lex looks at Clark strangely.] Well, I mean, at least someone who looks like you.

Clark hands Lex two pictures, the two images of him with Chloe and with Clark in the medical center.

Lex: Where did you get these?

Clark: Chloe pulled them off the surveillance system at the medical center. She saw you leaving Sinclair's room at the same time we were gong to LuthorCorp.

Lex: How is this possible?

Clark: Something must've happened when the meteor rock exploded during your experiment.

Lex: What are you saying? This other Lex is some kind of copy?

Clark: I think he's a part of you that split off.

Lex: I'm gonna put a security team together. Get Chloe to meet me at the lab.

Clark: How will I know it's you?

Lex: Well, we can always try a secret handshake. But I like to think you know me better than anyone after all these years. Clark, this whole mess is my fault. But I'll put an end to all of it tonight.

Clark, Chloe, and Lex enter the lab at LuthorCorp. Night.

Lex: I want to thank you two for bringing this to my attention. My security team is working to detain the situation.

Clark: Is there anything we can do to help?

Lex's cell phone rings.

Lex: Excuse me. [He answers it.] Hello? I'll be right there. [Hangs up.] This could be what I was hoping for. I'll be right back. Don't worry. This will all be over soon. [As he is leaving.] Keep an eye out for my security team.

He exits. Chloe picks up a vial from a nearby table.

Clark: Chloe, what are you doing?

Chloe: Snooping where I don't belong. I'm thinking of making a career out of it.

Clark: Lex, said he was gonna be right back.

Chloe: How can you be sure it was really him?

Clark: I was careful. Besides, I think I know my own friend, Chloe.

Chloe: Clark, how many times has your friend done something underhanded that you didn't expect? People have a lot of different sides and sometimes they keep those sides hidden, even from the ones that they love.

Chloe walks to another table and continues to snoop.

Clark: Sometimes you have to, even if that's not what you want.

Chloe: [Slightly heated.] Yeah, but sooner or later you have to trust them with what's in your heart. Otherwise, you're gonna end up going through life alone.

Clark doesn't have a response to this. He lifts up a mangled piece of metal remaining from the expl*si*n and uncovers a piece of the black kryptonite. It glows a malevolent bluish-purple and Clark backs away from it quickly, holding his hand, but he does not appear weakened.

Chloe doesn't notice. She opens a cabinet.

Chloe: Clark? Clark!

Clark: What'd you find?

Clark comes to the cabinet and they see a LuthorCorp security officer sitting inside with blood on his chest. He is d*ad.

Unseen by either of them, Lex watches all of this. When they are standing in front of the cabinet, he pushes a button on a remote control and a huge platform begins plummeting towards Clark and Chloe from the ceiling. They both look up when they hear it, but it is falling too fast to get out of the way. Clark pushes Chloe to the ground and lies down over her, shielding her from the impact. The platform cracks in half on his back, completely covering Clark and Chloe.

Lex: [Satisfied.] Situation contained.

He turns to leave, then stops when he hears a rumbling coming from the broken platform. He turns around and watches Clark stand up and easily push the two pieces of the platform away. Clark doesn't realize he is being watched. Chloe is unconscious. Lex watches with the hint of a tear in his eye.

Clark:

[Kneeling down.] Chloe? Chloe?

Lex's eyes widen, and he leaves the lab.

Fade to black.

Outside sh*t of the Kent house. Night. In the kitchen, Chloe is seated at the counter holding a cloth to a cut on her face. Clark takes a pitcher of water from the fridge and pours a glass for Chloe.

Clark: We really should get you to the hospital.

Chloe: Yeah, ‘cause that worked out really well for Dr. Sinclair. Clark, I'm fine, okay? Although I still can't figure out how I survived the sky falling on my head. Can you?

Clark: The last thing I remember was I grabbed you and we dove underneath the lab table. It must've protected us from the debris.

Chloe: Good thing our ex-quarterback moves so fast.

Clark: Yeah, well, not fast enough.

Clark grimaces as he pushes Chloe's hair out of the way to look at a bruise on her forehead. Chloe smiles.

Chloe: Clark, I can live with a couple of bruises considering the alternative. You're always there when I need you, Clark. I just hope someday I can do the same for you.

Clark: Right now I just want to make sure you're safe.

Chloe: I can... I can stay with Lois at the military base. Perfect. Although getting between her and the general while they're trying to reconcile might be just as dangerous. [She stands up and puts on her coat.] Watch out, okay? Lex can be devious enough. There's no telling what his evil twin is capable of. I'll be on my cell.

Chloe leaves.

Clark enters the barn talking on his cell phone. Night.

Clark: Okay. But if you see him, call me. And be careful. Lex really isn't himself. He's more dangerous than we thought. Thanks, Lana.

Clark hangs up. Lex speaks to Clark from above him on the loft, startling Clark.

Lex: Is that what you think of me, Clark? I'm hurt. I thought we were friends.

Clark super speeds to the upper level.

Clark: Where's Lex?

Lex: He's standing right in front of you.

Clark: No, you're not him. The real Lex would never try to k*ll me or Chloe.

Lex: No, you're probably right. But he's thought about it! All the times you've meddled in his plans, derailed his ambitions. He's thought about k*lling all of you. He just never had the guts to go through with it.

Clark: What are you?

Lex: I was just about to ask you the same question. I dropped half the lab on you and Miss Sullivan and yet, here you stand.

Clark: I was lucky.

Lex: Don't be modest, Clark. We both know you're much more than that. It all makes sense now. That first day on the bridge when we met, how you were able to save me when my car went into the river. All of the other miraculous times you appeared in just the right place at just the right moment, almost as if you possessed powers and abilities beyond those of mortal men.

Clark inhales nervously.

Lex: You lied to me for years, Clark. But now I know your secret.

Clark: [Quietly.] I don't know what you're talking about.

Lex: Don't! I saw you after the expl*si*n. You lifted a half a ton of concrete like it was nothing. I should've figured it out a long time ago. All the pieces were there. I was just blinded by friendship. A factor that's been removed from the equation.

Clark: Whatever you are, whatever you're planning, I'm gonna stop you.

Lex: No, you aren't. You're gonna join me.

Clark: What?

Lex: Think about it, Clark. My intellect, your powers. Together we could rule this world. We'll walk as gods among men.

Clark: You're not a god. I'm not even sure you're human.

Lex: Are you?

Lex turns away and walks toward the loft window. Clark follows.

Clark: Is the real Lex still alive?

Lex: Oh, you don't get it, do you? I am the real Lex!

Clark: Is he still alive?!

Lex: Sort of. I mean, I couldn't really be sure what would happen to me if I k*lled him, so I tucked him away where I could keep an eye on him, maybe t*rture him a little when I'm feeling blue.

Clark super speeds to Lex and grabs his neck furiously.

Clark: Where is he? Where is he?!

Clark is suddenly weakened and falls to the floor.

Lex: What's the matter, Clark? You look a little sick. Just like back in the lab when you were with the other me when he opened the safe door and exposed you to the meteor rock.

We see that Lex is holding a small open box with a piece of green kryptonite in it. The kryptonite is affixed to a ring. He lifts the ring from the box and puts it on his finger.

Lex: Every man has a weakness, Clark, no matter how superhuman he may be. I've embrace my destiny. Now embrace yours. We could forge a new future together.

Clark: [Slowly getting to his feet.] I'll never join you.

Lex: Yes, you will. Or everyone you love will suffer!

Lex punches Clark across the face, sending Clark through the window of the loft and he falls all the way to the ground outside. Lex walks away from the window.

Martha: [From the house.] Clark?

Clark: Mom!

Jonathan: Son!

Clark stumbles into the barn and falls down.

Clark: Dad!

Jonathan and Martha enter the barn and run to Clark. He has a cut on his face from where Lex h*t him.

Martha: My God, Clark! You're bleeding!

Lex comes down the stairs.

Lex: I'm guessing that doesn't happen very often.

Jonathan: Lex. [Lex points a g*n at them.] What did you do?

Lex: I gotta hand it to you guys. I mean, keeping something like this a secret must've required an impressive ability to obscure the truth. Maybe the Kents and the Luthors have something in common after all.

Jonathan notices Lex's kryptonite ring. Lex nods, pointing to the ring.

Lex: Yeah, I know about the green meteor rock and Clark's unique gifts.

Martha: What do you want?

Lex: The world, Mrs. Kent. And your son's gonna help me bring it to its knees. Now, talk some sense into him before something unfortunate happens!

He fires the g*n, sh**ting Jonathan in the leg. Martha screams as Jonathan falls to his knees.

Lex: Like that.

Clark: Dad!

Martha runs to Jonathan's side. Clark tries to go to Jonathan but he is too weakened by the kryptonite and he falls down again. Lex smiles.

Lex: You were right about me all along, Mr. Kent. I am the villain of the story.

Fade to black.

Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Night. Jonathan is lying in a patient bed and Martha and Clark stand nearby.

Jonathan: Two Lexes? How the hell did that happen?

Clark: There was an accident at LuthorCorp, and I think that Lex was affected... by black kryptonite.

Martha: How did Lex get a hold of black kryptonite?

Clark: Well, I don't think he knows anything about the black K. I think he accidentally created it when he was experimenting with meteor rocks. [Thinking out loud.] Wait, that's how I can put the two Lexes back together.

Jonathan: How?

Clark: The duplicate Lex in the barn, he said he was keeping the real Lex alive, somewhere close to keep him safe. And if I can find him...

Clark leaves the hospital room.

Martha: Clark!

Cut to Clark super speeding into Lex's study. He focuses his super hearing and he hears the Lex in the storage room struggling against his chains. Lex is still in the iron mask. Clark super speeds into the room and kneels down next to Lex, breaking the iron shackles binding Lex's hands and feet.

Clark: Lex.

Lex is still wearing the mask and doesn't see Clark breaking the shackles. Clark lifts the mask from Lex's head. Lex leans his head back against the support beam, breathing heavily.

Lex: [Whispered.] Clark.

Clark: Don't try to talk.

Lex: Get out.

Clark: No, you're gonna be okay.

Lex #2 enters behind Clark, still wearing the ring. The pain is evident on Clark's face.

Lex: Get out.

Lex #2 grabs Clark by the jacket and throws him across the room.

Lex #2: The hero comes to the rescue. How predictable is that?

Lex stands up behind Lex #2.

Lex: Leave him alone.

Lex #2: I'm really starting to hate the sound of my own voice.

He elbows Lex in the face, sending Lex to the floor.

Lex #2: [To Clark.] I offer you a chance at greatness, and this is what you do with it?

Clark tries to punch him, but Lex #2 grabs Clark's fist and squeezes it tightly. Clark is too weak to fight.

Lex #2: I want you to remember this day, Clark. I want you to remember that despite all your amazing powers, there was one man that b*at you.

Lex #2 pounds Clark in the face, sending him back to the floor. Then he notices an old sword resting against the wall and picks it up.

Lex #2: Maybe this was always our destiny. How sad.

He lifts the sword above his head to strike Clark with it. Before he can, Lex comes up behind him and wraps a chain around his neck, choking him. Lex #2 drops the sword and gasps for air.

Lex: Let's see what happens to me if you die!

Lex #2 elbows Lex in the stomach, causing Lex to lose his grip on the chain.

Lex #2: You can't k*ll me! [He punches Lex's face.] I drive you! [Punches Lex again.] I give your life meaning! [Punches him again.] I'm your soul, you weak, pathetic little man! I'M THE REAL LEX LUTHOR! Aaah!

Lex #2 pulls back his fist to punch Lex again, and Clark focuses his heat vision at Lex #2's kryptonite ring. The heat hits the green kryptonite directly and turns it black. Lex #2 stops before he punches Lex and screams at the heat on his finger.

The black kryptonite explodes and the two Lexes are pulled toward each other. They spin around each other several times in a blinding sea of flashing light, so bright that Clark has to shield his eyes. Then Lex falls to the floor as one man. Clark goes to him.

Clark: Lex? Lex?

Lex sits up with a start.

Clark: It's all right. It's over now.

Outside sh*t of the LuthorCorp plant. Day. Lex is inside the lab looking at the rubble Lex #2 left behind. Clark walks up behind him.

Clark: It's not much to look at, is it?

Lex: Broken dreams seldom are. Clark, I want to say thank you for saving me, but words seem too small. Without you, I would've been lost. You're a true friend.

Clark: It's too bad your other half didn't think so.

Lex: I'm sorry for what I... he put you through.

Clark: How much of it do you remember?

Lex: Nothing, really. Once we divided we were two different people.

Clark: Well, you might want to go talk to Lana when you get a chance.

Lex: He didn't hurt her, did he?

Clark: Well, I'm not sure what happened, but she seemed pretty upset.

Lex sighs.

Clark: Don't be too hard on yourself. It really wasn't you.

Lex: That's what I've been standing here trying to figure out. Did the accident create an evil Lex, or is that what's really inside of me?

Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Lana answers her apartment door and sees Lex standing there.

Lex: Hi.

Lana: Hey.

They stand in silence for a while, unsure of how to proceed.

Lex: As far as awkward moments go, this is definitely memorable.

Lana remains silent for another moment, then backs away from the door, signaling Lex to come in.

Lana: Chloe filled me in on what happened.

Lex enters the apartment.

Lex: I wish I could remember exactly what my other half did so I could apologize properly. I just hope it wasn't anything we can't past.

Lana: Well, as long as you're not closing the Talon and kicking me out.

Lex: I said that?

Lana: Along with expressing certain... desires.

Lex: [Remorseful.] Lana, I'm sorry. It wasn't me.

Lana: Are you sure?

Lex: Look, whatever my feelings are, I'd never do anything to jeopardize our friendship.

Lana: I know.

Lex turns to leave then stops and turns back.

Lex: I really am sorry.

Lana nods, smiling unconvincingly. Lex leaves.

Lana: So am I.

Lex is seated at his desk in the study, deep in thought. Day. Lionel enters.

Lionel: Planning your next as*ault, son?

Lex: Dad. [Noticing Lionel's cut.] Your cheek.

Lionel: Well, it's a wake-up call. And I'm grateful for that.

Lionel goes to the bar and pours a drink. Lex stands up.

Lex: Look, whatever I've done in the last few days...

Lionel: Please, no need for an apology. Quite the contrary. [Lionel sniffs the glass of brandy, then walks to Lex.] I must say, you finally proved yourself to be the son I've always wanted, and I thank you for showing me so clearly the error of my ways.

Lex: What are you talking about?

Lionel: I'm closing down the foundation immediately.

Lex: What? You can't. The charity is your life.

Lionel: [He laughs.] Just a foolish dream. I'm awake now. A man can't deny his true nature, can he, Lex? [Lex doesn't respond.] No. We're Luthors.

Lionel hands the brandy glass to Lex and steps even closer to him.

Lionel: We're Luthors.

He exits. Lex remains still, staring at the door.

End
{"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x17 - Onyx"}