chapter 3

Chapter 3: Destinies UnfoldSmallville High – Freshman YearThe halls of Smallville High buzzed with life as students hurried to their classes. For most, it was just another day, filled with lectures, assignments, and teenage drama. But for Clark and Lazarus Kent, every day came with the challenge of hiding what made them different.

Clark was careful, always cautious of his strength, his speed, his very presence. Lazarus, however, carried himself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance—not because he thought himself superior, but because he knew he was. He never flaunted it, but he never shrank away from it either.

"Clark, come on," Lazarus said as they walked toward their lockers. "You've had a crush on Lana for how long now? Just talk to her."

Clark shot him a glare. "It's not that simple."

Lazarus smirked, leaning against his locker. "It is. You're just overthinking it."

Before Clark could retort, a familiar voice called out.

"Well, if it isn't the Kent brothers."

They turned to see Whitney Fordman, star quarterback and Lana Lang's boyfriend, strolling toward them with his usual smirk.

Clark tensed, but Lazarus simply rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Fordman?"

Whitney crossed his arms. "Just making sure you two know your place. Some guys just aren't meant to stand out."

Lazarus chuckled. "That's rich, coming from a guy who peaked in high school."

Whitney's smirk faltered. "What did you just say?"

"I said," Lazarus stepped forward, meeting Whitney's gaze without flinching, "that you're a small-town quarterback who thinks that makes him important. News flash—high school ends. What are you going to do when no one cares about your little trophies anymore?"

Clark sighed, already sensing where this was going.

Whitney clenched his fists, but before he could act, Lana appeared, stepping between them.

"Whitney, don't," she said, placing a hand on his chest.

Whitney exhaled sharply, backing off with a glare. "Whatever. Just stay out of my way."

As Whitney walked off, Clark turned to Lazarus. "You really need to stop provoking him."

Lazarus shrugged. "He needed a reality check."

Clark sighed, but before he could say anything else, the first bell rang.

"Come on," Lazarus said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "We've got class."

After School – The Luthor MansionLex Luthor had always been different from the rest of Smallville's elite. Unlike the other rich kids, he carried himself with a quiet intelligence, always thinking three steps ahead. That was why, despite their differences, he found himself intrigued by Lazarus Kent.

He had been watching the Kent brothers for years, ever since the day his car crashed into Clark and Clark miraculously saved him. But while Clark was easy to read—kind, predictable, selfless—Lazarus was something else entirely. He was ambitious, calculating, yet strangely loyal to his family.

That made him interesting.

"I heard about what happened with Whitney today," Lex said as Lazarus entered his office.

Lazarus smirked. "Small town drama. Nothing new."

Lex leaned back in his chair. "You don't see yourself as small-town, do you?"

Lazarus shrugged. "Why should I?"

Lex chuckled. "Most people here don't think that way."

"I'm not most people," Lazarus said simply.

Lex studied him for a moment before smiling. "No, you're not."

There was a moment of silence before Lex stood up, walking toward the window. "You ever think about the future, Lazarus?"

"All the time."

Lex turned back to him. "And what do you see?"

Lazarus grinned. "Something bigger than this town."

Lex chuckled. "You know, I think we're going to get along just fine."

Lazarus tilted his head. "Maybe. Just don't try anything shady, Luthor. I might like ambition, but I don't trust snakes."

Lex smirked. "Duly noted."

As Lazarus left the mansion, he knew one thing for certain—Smallville wasn't big enough for his dreams.

And one day, the world would know his name.