By Alicia U. <lxu2@cwru.edu>
Rated: G
Submitted: October, 2003
Summary: Lex Luthor discovers that he has a use even for hyenas in this challenge vignette.
***
"I never thought hyenas essential," the tall, calculating man muttered as he paced in front of his large window, looking out at the entire city of Metropolis sprawling below him. His office was at the highest point in the city. He could see everyone and everything and everyone had to look up to see him.
Everyone but one slimy, dirty alien.
Lex Luthor was the most powerful man in Metropolis, the third richest man in the world. Yet he needed help. He needed hyenas.
Hyenas. Did he really need them? Utterly disgusting. Disgusting enough to revel in his dirty work.
"They're crude and unspeakably plain."
The city groveled at his feet, and he didn't want that to change. Thus, he needed something, anything to eradicate his one challenge. That's where the hyenas came in.
Lex Luthor owned senators, mayors, and judges. He had buildings named for him. Hell, he'd built over half the city and employed three-quarters of its citizens.
He was the king. He'd always been the king! Everyone in the world rightfully bowed to his majesty. They cowered under his iron fist.
It had been the paradise he had dreamed of as a young boy.
Until.
Until.
Superman. The mere thought of the name made him want to spit in anger. But he was too dignified for that. Again, the work for hyenas.
He hated to admit it, but he needed help. What a tricky beast, that Superman. Seemingly invulnerable, but he must have a weakness that Luthor could exploit. The pillar of society, this year's man of the year, would crumble at Lex Luthor's feet! It would be a beautiful day.
That horrible alien was almost more than Luthor was prepared to handle on his own. He needed help; people to do his dirty work. Hyenas.
"But maybe they've a glimmer of potential if allied to my vision and brain."
A sly grin spread across his face. When that dirty alien was finally out of his hair for good, the world would be his again. Again, he would be the undisputed king of Metropolis. His one challenge would be eliminated for good after his tenacious, meticulous plan was finally executed by his hyenas.
He turned on his heel and swung around to look out over the entire town through his window. His town. He would be the king forever. Nothing would get in his way, definitely not one big, blue alien. He had ways to deal with such insurrection. That's where the hyenas came in. "Superman! Superman! Be Pre-PARED!"
The primal scream released all his frustration. He was ready to face the enemy.
"Nigel!"
"You called, sir?"
Luthor clutched his fist triumphantly. His edge was back. Superman had no idea what would be coming to him!
He was Lex Luthor, still the most powerful man in Metropolis. Even his hyenas were the best in the world.
No one crossed Lex Luthor and lived to tell about it. "Be prepared, Superman!"
The End
Disclaimer: This story was written to satisfy Julie Stars' "Lion King" Challenge issued on the lcficmbs. Many lines in this story are from "Be Prepared" from the "Lion King" Soundtrack Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, Performed by Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings in the movie Disney's "The Lion King".
THE END