2012 Metropolis:
Clark hung his head; his world was over. Since he could remember he had felt responsible for everyone around him. He had sacrificed so much to be there for others. Now it meant nothing, he had failed her. It was entirely his fault; he had done this. Lois, his Lois was dead because of his carelessness.
He hears the soft rush of air almost to quiet for his super hearing to distinguish. "Please leave me be." He whispered unable to keep the pain from his voice.
Quietly she stands behind him unsure what to do. Unable to help herself she places her hand upon his broad shoulders. She feels him shudder and he turns; tears streaking down his handsome face. Her heart breaks with the sight. He falls to his knees sobbing, and holds onto her as if to let go would be to fade away. She gently strokes his hair, "Kal, I am so sorry…" she begins.
"Diana, I failed her…" he whispers.
She wanted to tell him, she needed to tell him. She knew she would not. She had loved him for so long his pain was magnified in her. She knew he loved her, but not like Lois. She was a companion, a collogue nothing more. Lois had been his life, some small part of her had longed for an end to their relationship. She knew it was wrong, as much as she wanted and needed him. She would move heaven and Earth to take away this pain.
"Kal, let me take you home." She said softly, lifting him to his feet. He responded slowly, as if he were any empty shell. Gently she took his hand in hers and together they lifted off the ground.
As they descended upon the small farming town of Smallville, she saw in the distance his home. She guided him to the door only to be greeted by Martha Kent, tears ran freely down her face as she embraced her son. Jonathan Kent guided them into the house with a grateful glance toward the Diana. "Come in please." He said somewhat hoarsely.
Diana shook her head. "No, I have something I must do first. But I will be back to check on him." She said as she again took to the air, this time toward the mysterious caves that seemed to be the cause of this.
As she entered the cave, she looked around at the drawings. She was saddened as she saw the pain of Clark's life reflected on the walls. She approached the main wall as it began to glow. "Jor-El I need your help." She pleaded
In response to her plea the cave wall opened. A bright light surrounded her and when the wall closed again she was gone.
TBC…