A/N:This is a collaboration effort between myself(Genevieve05), FWvidChick & KatherineKent. It's our version of what a season 11 of Smallville/season 1 of Metropolis would play out like, keeping with the Smallville continuity. We are trying to honor Smallville and the comics/mythos, comments are greatly appreciated.
Episode 1: Superman
Summary:The World has come out of it's darkest hour and is now looking to the skies for hope; hope that comes in the form of... The Blur? Okay, maybe Lois and Clark need to work on a better name. Clark Kent has embraced his destiny, taken to the skies and revealed himself to the world. He has become the hero he was born to be, but how will the world accept this new Superhero? Lois Lane is determined to make them love him. Meanwhile, in the wake of Apokolips, Lex Luthor finds himself jolted back to reality with a body on his hands and no memory of who he is or where the body came from. How will he deal with the situation?
Guest Staring: Justin Hartley as Oliver Queen and Cassidy Freeman as Tess Mercer
Lois' body bounced off a table and into a wall before gravity caught up and she was slammed into the side of the plane, her face pressed against a window. Panic began to fill her as her senses came rushing back and she realized the plane was going down.
Clark. She wanted to cry out to him but what good would it do? Even if he did hear her he had to save the world, that was top priority. Besides she was 30,000 feet in the air and he had no way of...
No way! She saw the familiar red and blue. Clark? If there was one thing she had learned it was that nothing seemed impossible when Clark Kent was involved. Lois smiled when she saw the figure fly under the wing and the plane leveled. How? He was flying. Clark was flying! Lois' face beamed as Clark flew toward the window and gave her a nod and reassuring smile before he stopped, watched the plane for a few seconds, then turned and flew toward the massive planet that was approaching the earth.
Lois fell to the floor once the plane's gravity had evened out. She knew what she had to do. She had to tell the world what just happened and what was about to happen. She grabbed the first video camera she saw, turned it on and took a seat at the table while the other people aboard the aircraft picked themselves up and pulled themselves out from under fallen objects.
"This is Lois Lane of The Daily Planet reporting from aboard Air Force One."
"Miss Lane."
Lois looked up at the man who had just spoken her name. "Mr. President," she commented as she turned the camera from herself and stood up. "Sir, would you care to comment on America's plan of action and explain what our military was planning on doing under your orders?"
"We were going to attack the meteor that was headed to earth."
"Meteor? You mean planet, don't you? Were you aware that there was a planet about to collide with the earth?"
"We weren't clear on what it was until it was almost too late."
"Then why were only a few Americans notified of the danger the country was in and why were you able to escape?"
"We did not have an adequate amount of time to plan an escape for everyone and had hoped that, by at least getting a few to safety, we could return and look for survivors."
"So you were going to let millions of people die?"
"That was not my intention or the intention of our government."
"Then what was your intention, Mr. President?"
"Our intention was to save as many as we could."
"Well, how does America plan to respond knowing that one of our heroes has just saved us and the planet?"
"We extend our deepest gratitude to whoever just saved us. America is in your debt."
"Even though the VRA just tried to imprison all of our heroes?"
"The mistakes of our past make us learn for the present and the future. My deepest apologies go out to the heroes you speak of, America owes them an apology."
"What does it feel like to know you were just saved by... by a..." Lois hesitated as she tried to think of the right thing to call Clark. "Superman?"
The black of space was darker and more silent than portrayed in media or the big screen. Deep, dark … unending. Clark didn't mind as he took a moment to drift, watching at first as the hellfire that was Apokolips drifted away, before closing his eyes. The rays of the sun felt good and though really he had no need to recharge, as he had surpassed even what he had thought he could and felt fine, he absorbed the energy regardless.
After a minute he turned to look down at the world below him. It's colours, too, were more vibrant, out doing his memory of the last time he viewed the world from above. Then again he hadn't the same opportunity to enjoy the view or the feeling coursing through him.
He felt complete. He had Lois and now he had saved the world and flown, taking the final step towards fulfilling his destiny. The weight of the past lifted off of him in other ways he hadn't even realized he carried.
All he could think in this brief moment of exhilaration was how he wished Lois was there to share it with him.
In thoughts of her and all he had accomplished, he felt a wave wash through him, carrying with it a rhythm like that of a heart beat but not fully. The sensation passed quickly, leaving him feeling a sense of comfort; peace. The urge to find Lois was strong, he resisted, they would have their moment, but first there was something more he had to do.
Be a beacon.
Flying down at hyper sonic speeds he re-entered the atmosphere. The sound barrier echoed its protest across the skies, announcing the return of the hero who had saved them to cheering crowds and the anticipating faces uplifted skyward with bated breath.
Before the sound had finished heralding his return the hero was above them. Far enough away that his features couldn't be clearly made out yet close enough that the citizens of Metropolis could take in the suit and the symbol it bore.
"It's the Blur. It was the Blur!" One man standing next to Oliver declared with awe, others joining in with the recognition of their hero. Oliver nodded, "Yes it is," before he moved back, watching the crowd whose joy was not just in being saved, but in the sight of the one who saved them.
With a relieved smile, he moved out of the crowd completely and made his way down the street, gasping when he suddenly was standing in an alley, at least a block away.
It didn't take a genius to guess the how, or by who. Turning to his friend in red and blue Oliver complained, "Warn a guy will ya?" He glanced behind him at the street before continuing, "I take it you ditched your fans."
"I flew over the city and doubled back." At the myriad of expressions passing over Oliver's face Clark stopped, "What's wrong?"
Oliver shook his head, a grin breaking over half his face. "Nothing! You did it and ... man ... have you seen yourself? You're like the party version of Peter Pan. See? What did I say about colour? And it even has the cape and tights." On the last of it the grin became a bit of a smirk.
Clark stood for a moment unsure of how to respond to that. After everything he'd just experienced, a commentary on his hero get up wasn't something he could wrap his head around at the moment. "Glad you approve," he responded dryly, which only seemed to encourage Oliver.
"I do. And I think someone else will when she see's you in that. " Oliver took a deep breath, letting his smile fall. "Look, Clark, I just want to say again, thank you, and sorry for earlier."
"Oliver ..."
Holding up a hand Oliver took a step back, "Let me finish. I did try to free myself. I went after the Bow of Orion so sure it would free me from the Darkness." He glanced down then back up, feeling like a child, " But I failed. I ... I couldn't do it on my own. I realize now I shouldn't have even tried. I should have come to you."
It felt good to admit it. The look on Clark's face only made the sense of relief more intense.
"Oliver, I understand. We've all tried to deal with our problems alone at one time or another." He knew all to well the consequences of trying to deal on ones own. "But hopefully you realise that you're not alone. You don't have to fight by yourself, we're a team. No, we're a family."
Oliver gave a light snort, "Yeah I get that now. And I'm sorry it's taken me about ... five different wake-up calls over the years. I think it was the sense of shame that held me back, because I know I can count on you."
"I had my own battles, you know that."
"I know and you know you can count on me too?" Just maybe, Oliver thought, he could begin to make up for his past mistakes.
"I do," Clark replied with a light smile.
Oliver returned the smile and then slapped Clark on the back. "You didn't happen to take a scan did you on your fly over? If the reactions out there are anything to go by that mark of Omega is long gone."
Tilting his head as if listening in on something Oliver couldn't hear, Clark nodded, "Yes I did and they are gone." The two men broke out in grins, like excited little boys.
Less then a minute later Clark turned, "I better go. A crowd is moving this way and I need to go find Lois." He didn't bother hiding how much he wanted to see her.
Oliver gave a knowing grin before something else hit him. "Clark there is something else ... Tess ... Still haven't seen or heard from her, or whoever took her."
Clark frowned, "I had tracked her to the Luthor mansion, Oliver... Lex was there."
"Lex! Lex is alive?"
"Yes, I'm not sure how. I'll head to Watchtower, after finding Lois, see if we can find more clues on Tess." He had been holding onto some hope that Tess would show up on her own, or at the very least, there would be some sign by now.
Oliver took a deep breath, "I'll come with..."
"No. If there is anything you can do, Oliver, I'll let you know. I promise." Clark interrupted placing a hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Go see your wife. Avoid Lex till we know what is going on. I'll find Tess."
Merely nodding Oliver took a step back, "I'll see you later."
Unspoken words on Tess hung in the air between them. Clark returned the nod before stepping forward and taking off into the air, hovering above Oliver.
"I'll find her." Then he was gone in a flash of red and blue.
Andrew Neilson and his wife Julia drove their red pickup truck down highway 2 and toward their country home after spending an eventful day in Metropolis. The radio played a portion of Lois Lane's interview with the president, which had been replayed over and over for the past hour. Ever since the red and blue blur appeared in the sky and pushed that planet, at least that's what it was being called in the news reports, away from Earth news stations were going crazy trying to figure out what had happened and the first report broke live by The Daily Planet's Lois Lane who was aboard Air Force One during the event.
"How does America plan to respond knowing that one of our heroes has just saved us and the planet?"
"We extend our deepest gratitude to whoever just saved us. America is in your debt."
"Even though the VRA just tried to imprison all of our heroes?"
"The mistakes of our past make us learn for the present and the future. My deepest apologies go out to the heroes you speak of, America owes them an apology."
"What does it feel like to know you were just saved by... by a...Superman?"
Andrew smiled at the name. It was the most appropriate name he could think of for the hero.
"Andrew, sweetie," Julia started tapping Andrew on the arm.
"Yes, dear?" Andrew asked looking over at his wife who was staring out the window on the passenger's side of the truck and pointing to the sky. Andrew lowered his head a little and saw the red and blue blur fly across the sky until it disappeared.
"It's him," Julia said looking to her husband with an excited smile. "That was Superman."
Andrew smiled at his wife then looked back to the road. "So it was, dear, so it was."
Lois ducked her head as she stepped out through the short door on the side of the aircraft and onto the first step of the rolling stairway that the ground crew had rolled over to the plane. She descended the stairs along with the other passengers who had been on Air Force One and followed them through security.
"Now what, Lois?" She asked as she walked out of the military hanger and looked around at the empty lot. "You could always call the General, see if he can pull a few strings to get you out of here," Lois shrugged. "Where the hell am I anyway?"
A gust of wind suddenly blew Lois' hair and a familiar voice spoke.
"Heading my way?"
The corners of Lois' lips lifted into a smile and emotion flooded her being as she turned to look into the face of the man standing behind her. Before she had her senses about her Clark's arms were already wrapped securely around her, embracing her in a warm hug.
"I'm so glad you're okay," Clark whispered as he held a moment more, then released her and pushed some hair back from her cheek letting his fingers gently run through a lose strand.
"Thanks to you," Lois smiled as she looked Clark in the eye and leaning toward him. Lois suddenly realized what Clark was wearing, where they were standing and realized she wasn't talking to her husband, but to a hero who had just saved the world from a planet crashing into it. She knew they had to get out of sight before people started coming out of the hanger and putting the pieces together.
"Come," Lois said grabbing Clark's hand and dragging him around the side of the hanger and behind a small shed to make sure they were completely out of sight.
"What are you doing?" Clark asked as Lois spun to face him.
"What are you doing?" Lois asked in a panicked voice as she did a pantomime motion, making circles around her eyes to remind Clark that he wasn't wearing his glasses.
"What?" Clark asked as he gave Lois a strange look as if to say she was behaving as if she were insane.
"Glasses, honey," Lois said. "Why is the Blur picking me up at a military airport hanger?" Lois said trying to get her point across to Clark. "Busy day," she commented as she looked at Clark in his red and blue suit.
"Yeah, but I wanted to make sure I was here in time to pick up my wife."
"And you couldn't come as Clark Kent?"
"Clark Kent can't fly and I was running late as it was, but hopefully I'm not too late?"
"You're right on time," Lois smiled her face suddenly changing when a thought crossed her mind. Lois' eyebrows drew together as she asked the question that was now playing on her mind. "How did you know where I was? We didn't know where we were landing until ten minutes ago, it was all classified military information and we had to get clearance to land. Of course that's not too hard when you have the President on board your plane, but still. How did you know where we'd be? Watchtower is good, but it's not that good is it?"
"I don't know how to explain it. I just knew you would be here, like something inside of me pulled me to you. You're part of me," Clark said.
"That's so romantic," Lois smiled as she leaned close to Clark staring at his lips.
"So, how about a test flight?" Clark asked with a half smile as he pulled Lois close to him.
"If I'm going in your arms then yes," Lois smiled as Clark wrapped his arms around her and crouched down before pushing off powerfully.
Lois stared up into the handsome features of the man who she loved. A look of pride came over her as she watched him and he looked down into her eyes and smiled.
"You knew I'd fly some day," Clark commented.
"I've always believed you could do anything," Lois replied as her smile grew.
"With you I can," Clark said as he looked back down at the land they were flying over.
Lois looked at Clark again, studying his face before she looked down at the landscape below. Flying through the sky in Clark's arms was amazing. The world seemed endless, limitless, like anything was possible. She could only imagine how Clark felt right now. If she felt this free the feeling could only be even more amazing for him. It amazed her that this man was the one actually moving them through the air with his abilities, and this man chose her.
"Are you okay?" Clark asked as he looked over at Lois again.
"I'm fine," Lois smiled at Clark, then looked back to see the Metropolis skyline getting closer and closer. "Everything is fine."
Clark smiled at Lois as he examined her features once again. The loose brunette wisps moving around her cheeks and neck, occasionally a piece blowing across her face as the wind blew through her hair. Every time Clark looked at this woman he couldn't help but smile. She had faith in him and because of her he felt like he could do anything. How had he missed it before? She was his greatest strength and his inspiration. Her faith in him made him a better man, made him want to be the hero she knew he was and could be. She was incredible, she was everything he was not and he always found himself wondering how she had ever chosen him over all the other men she could have landed. What made him deserve her?
"Are you okay, Smallville?" Lois asked pulling him back from his thoughts.
"Everything is perfect," Clark said as he looked down into Lois face, his eyes filled with all the emotion he felt for his wife. Clark's eyes seemed to sparkle as he suddenly began to lower their altitude and weave through the buildings of Metropolis.
Lois suddenly grabbed the hand Clark held around her waist, a nervous thrill passing through her at the sudden change in height. Flying felt amazing all on its own, but there was something about being with each other that made it even more special. Clark slowed his pace a little trying to take in every moment he could with Lois. Flying over Metropolis with each other was an experience both had been wanting to experience again since being in the virtual world and now, here they were, finally experiencing it together.
"I love you, Clark Kent," Lois smiled with pride.
"I love you, Lois," Clark smiled. "I think it's time we checked in to Watchtower. I want to see if Tess has checked back in yet," Clark said as he veered to the left and began to head in the direction of the Watchtower.
"You still haven't heard from her?" Lois asked noting the worry in Clark's voice.
"No," Clark shook his head.
"Well if there's one person who can make it it's Tess," Lois said trying to reassure Clark even though she had her own doubts.
"I know," Clark nodded then fell silent as Watchtower appeared in the distance.
Erica Fellows threw her handbag down on the kitchen table and slid into a seat letting out a big sigh. Life as a single mom was hard, but somehow, today, the burden seemed to be lighter. Less than an hour ago the world had been on the brink of destruction and all she could think about was holding her son tight until it was all over. But the danger had passed, and with it her cares seemed to have lifted.
"Mama, mama, can I have the red table cloth?" came Tom's four year old voice as he took off his coat. She smiled at her beautiful son.
"Of course you can dear." She reached over and slid open a drawer, pulling out the tablecloth which only saw the light of day at Christmas time due to it's colour. "Why do you want it, honey?"
"Cause I need it mom," and he ran off, the red material trailing behind. After a minute passed Erica began to wonder what Tom was doing so she stood and wandered into the living room. She gasped out in shock when she saw her son balanced on the back of the sofa.
"Tom, no!" she called out and stepped forward.
"It's ok, mom. I've got my cape on. I'll be able to fly like the man in the sky before." With that he leapt off the sofa and landed on the floor.
Erica laughed at the wonderful scene. Her son was smiling, and already emulating the new hero. The red table cloth stuffed down the back of his t-shirt looked both ridiculous yet cool. Suddenly it dawned on her why her burdens seemed lighter.
Him.
The flying man.
He brought hope. It showed Erica that there was more, so much more in life and, even though it was hard, just her and Tom, it was worth it.
McPete's Bar and Grill wasn't usually so busy or filled with excitement, which was one of the reasons he had chosen it. Sitting at the bar Oliver tried to tune out the noise and nurse his drink; if anything just to think. So much had changed and in such a short time. Not to mention he was trying to wrap his head around his own part in the events that lead up to the topic being excitably discussed around him.
The TV in the corner of the bar had been playing footage of the hero of the hour nonstop. Oliver glanced at it again as he swallowed his drink. Though the sound was down he didn't need to hear it to know what was being said.
With a slight proud and awe influenced smile, Oliver watched blurry footage of a fast moving red and blue blur zip through the sky and a planet move away. Clark really had done the impossible, had saved the day, saved his life.
Pushing his glass forward he asked for another and took a deep breath, half from relief that the worst was over. The other half came from the question of where did he go from here?
"Did you see him? "
"Well, not up close! I mean he moves fast and I had to push through the crowd but ya I did. I'd say he was at least seven feet tall," a deep voice responded. Though it didn't slur, the man it came from sounded like he was on the verge of being drunk.
"Oh, Seven feet! Was he hot?" The pretty blonde sitting next to him asked with an almost giddy laugh.
"What? That … that is what you ask? I wasn't paying attention to if he was hot! "
Oliver glanced over to see the trio laughing. Their tones of voice were light. Since the release of Darkseid's influence and Clark's debut he had noticed an obvious change in atmosphere. Metropolis was high on hope. He now worried that the hope would be ruined by the return of Lex Luthor.
Yet Oliver knew, deep down, that Clark's change in hero status wouldn't be so easily undermined in the eyes or hearts of the people. He could see it on their faces, reflected in their voices. The VRA wasn't just overturned; the mark of Omega banished. No! Things had changed. Something fundamentally important had taken place only a few hours before. A new kind of hero had risen and the world would never be the same.
Where did that place Oliver Queen?
He was happy to see Clark fulfil all that potential. Yes there had been a time where he had felt jealous or inadequate next to Clark, but more then anything he was proud now. Proud to have him as a friend, proud to see him become this hero. None of this changed the predicament Oliver found himself in, though.
Oliver Queen was at a crossroads. Where did it lead him?
He felt the familiar vibration of his cell and shifted on his stool to pull it out and answer it. "Hey pretty lady!"
"Hey back.." He could hear the smile in her voice before she asked the question of the hour. "So, have you decided?"
"You sure you're alright with either?"
"Ollie, I'll be fine. Its not like I can't find work or help out in only one location."
He gave a soft smile, eyes once again flickering to the TV in the corner and noting the name given to Clark. "You've seen the news?"
"If this is deflection its a poor job at it."
"I'm serious, Chloe."
"I'm dying to give them a call, and I've been glued to the screen, so what do you think?"
"I think Clark is going to have a cow when he sees what they're calling him." Her laughter and light-heartedness was a blessing, it told him that earlier wasn't held against him.
Oliver slid off the bar stool and headed out of the bar, excited and clamouring voices steadily growing in volume. The bar had been filling since he answered his phone, more people coming in to talk about the day. Oliver could imagine it was the same all over Metropolis.
"Chloe there are a few things we need to discuss including Tess, but first I think ... I think I know what I want to do."
He did know. It was time to reinvent his own path and reclaim some of what he had lost.
Clark landed softly, out of sight, at the entrance to Watchtower. Hidden around the back of an innocuous seeming building there was a small, plain door which lead up to the technological 'Garden of Eden' which was the headquarters for the small superhero group that Clark was proud to consider himself part of.
He lowered Lois gently to the ground but she refused to remove her arms from around his neck. The moment her feet touched the floor she felt unsteady. Her equilibrium was shot; missing; caput. Minute trembles in her muscles made it clear that she was not going to become accustomed to flying in the near future. Not that she wanted to; the experience had been out of this world and Lois was determined to feel the same wonder each and every time Clark took her flying. And she would see to it that he took to the sky with her in his arms frequently.
"Lois?" he smiled.
"Hmmm?" she replied looking dreamily into his eyes.
"You can let go now."
"Oh!" she blinked and then stepped back. Lowering her arms to her side they met resistance when Clark tangled his fingers in hers.
"Are you ok?" he asked with a slight worried frown crinkling his forehead.
She nodded. "Mmm hummm. Just." She breathed out and smiled. "It couldn't be more perfect. You flew. We flew. For the first time. On our wedding day."
Clark grinned and she was overwhelmed by the love in his eyes when he spoke. "Our wedding day. I like the sound of that." They spent moments gazing into each others eyes and then Clark eventually dropped his gaze. The hand holds loosened and Clark adjusted his hold on Lois then turned to enter Watchtower.
As they ascended in the elevator, hands together, fingers entangled, Lois couldn't help but stare at Clark's new … suit. The love, wonder and … desire were shining from her eyes as she let her gaze travel from his red boots up his muscular thighs, linger on his … belt … and then pass on up and over his powerful chest. When she reached his eyes she saw the answering love and they both smiled.
They were broken out of their silent conversation when the elevator doors slid open. Clark stepped out into the small foyer and released Lois's hand. He stretched out his arms to push open the intricately patterned double doors and strode inside. Lois followed marveling at how the long red cloak swayed as Clark walked. The gentle ripple accentuated his movements yet made everything seem graceful.
"Welcome, Clark," came an emotionless voice. "I have a message for you." Lois frowned as she stepped inside and the doors swung shut behind her. Watchtower never spoke unless asked a question.
Clark opened his mouth to ask what this message was but all the screens flickered to life suddenly.
"Clark,"
Tess's alto voice played from every speaker. Clark turned suddenly to look at the monitor closest to him. Lois could see the confusion on his face. She felt a little uncomfortable, surrounded by Tess's visage. It was enough to give a lesser person a complex. But Lois could, and had, held her own against Tess Mercer.
"If you are watching this then I am probably dead."
"What?" came the blurted statement from Lois. Clark stepped back from the console in shock. His eyes were wide with sudden fear.
"I can't believe I actually just said that, but it's true." Tess put her hand to her temple and shook her head with a slight self-deprecating chuckle.
"Anyway." She brought her hand back down and looked straight out of the monitor.
"Clark, by now you can see Apokolips in the sky. It's an actual planet and it's about to crash into ours. The thing is ... I have complete faith in you. I know you'll find a way to stop it. I know you'll save us all. You always do."
At Tess's words of faith Clark forgot his worry and shifted a little uncomfortably. It still amazed him that he was able to be a symbol of hope and faith. But he was also incredibly proud of the way he had helped to turn Tess around. She was such a valuable asset to Watchtower, and also a good friend. Clark smiled.
"But there's an even greater danger out there now. And once you've freed us from the Darkness it will rise up. And it's something YOU can't fight, Clark. Not in the way you would want to. Your way wouldn't work. And you can't compromise who you are for an empty victory."
Only a year ago he would have thought it impossible to be friends with another Luthor. So many of them had attempted to force a way into the intimate parts of his life. Lex, then Lionel. Both after information and power. Out to use or destroy him. Both feigning friendship at different times, possibly even meaning it some of those times. Then came Tess, initially following the identical path, without even knowing her true origin. But something in her had fought against it and now she stood, alongside the heroes, a hero in her own right.
"I ... I need to deal with this, Clark. But I get the feeling I won't return from this confrontation."
Clark stepped forward again. Concern once more at the forefront of his mind. "What has she done?" he whispered. "What is this danger that would end her life?"
"Lionel ... he kidnapped me."
Clark felt his stomach drop. Lionel!
"He wanted to use my heart as the last part to heal Lex. It didn't work and I escaped. Lionel is dead now, but Lex isn't. He's alive. He knows your secret and we all know how much he considers you his enemy."
"Lex?" Lois spoke behind Clark. "That's not possible." Clark began to shake his head as if his disagreement would make Tess's words not true.
"I can't let him threaten all that you've worked for, all that you've accomplished. You've given hope to the world. You've inspired us all to be better people. And I ... I want to thank you personally for the change you brought about in me."
"When I thought my life was over you gave me a reason; a reason to keep going, a reason to live. I wouldn't be who I am without you."
"And so, I'm going to confront Lex."
"What! No!" Clark shouted.
"I'm going to make it all right. I'm going to make this world safe. Safe for you to be who you were born to be, without the threat of exposure."
"If ... if I don't return then ..." Tess paused and swallowed nervously. "Then, please look after Connor for me. Tell him ... tell him that I'm so proud of him. Proud of the person he's chosen to be. Proud ..." Her voice faltered and she let out one sob before finding control again.
"I have to go. If this works then you can rest easy. I've even protected your jobs at the Planet by hiring a new Editor. Someone who's had previous dealings with the Luthors; someone who won't be intimidated by Lex."
Clark tipped his head to one side and turned to look at Lois. New editor! he mouthed. She shrugged back at him, casually but he could see tears threatening to fall.
"After this Lex will no longer be a threat. And you can be the world's saviour. And maybe I'll see you again soon."
As suddenly as the monitors had sprung to life they shut off. Clark turned back from looking at Lois to see them blank. Lois watched as he looked up and around at the empty air in Watchtower and she felt a shiver travel up her spine. The sudden silence was deafening. Lois could hear her own shallow breathing. Her eyes flickered back and forth, searching into every corner of Watchtower, but for some reason she dare not actually move.
"Tess?" Clark called out, hoping to hear a reply. He began to stride around. "Tess!" There was a sudden blur and Lois felt wind whip around her. After only a second Clark stood back in front of her.
"I don't think she's here," Lois said, then nibbled on her lower lip worriedly. Concern was etched over her features.
"I've searched the whole building, and you're right. She's not here." His brows crinkled. "Why would she do this? Why would she confront Lex? And how was she going to stop him from being a threat?"
"Clark," Lois put her hands on his arms. "She chose to do it, and she explained why. Let's just hope she was wrong about her chances of survival." Suddenly his whole face changed and he smiled.
"Hey, I'm usually the optimistic one."
"Yeah well." Lois grinned and leant in till their chests touched, her head tipped up to look at him. "I guess you're rubbing off on me, Smallville."
Clark smiled down at Lois, bringing has hand up to her cheek and tipping his head down for a brief kiss. "Thanks, Lois. Lets see what we can find in the computers then. Maybe she left a file trail and we can track her down." Lois nodded and then stepped away from Clark. They both turned and headed for a computer terminal.
He stood at the window and surveyed the scene playing out down below. It all seemed so strange, so unreal. Less than an hour ago he'd emerged from blackest oblivion into a world on the brink of destruction. People had been running around in fear as the giant asteroid slowly advanced. Now they sauntered around, contented looks gracing their faces. All because that red and blue blur had streaked across the sky and pushed away the encroaching apocalypse.
A self-important, self-appointed world savior.
He turned away from the high window, away from the bright, blue, optimistic sky, to look on the opposite scene inside. Dark, oppressive and fearful. He thought it rather odd that the macabre tableau played out before his eyes did not elicit anything more than a dispassionate calm, though. It were as if he didn't really care that a woman lay dead in the centre of the office, a pool of blood surrounding her.
Who am I? he asked himself for the hundredth time. Who is she? The only emotion he seemed to be experiencing was one of curiosity. Although the gentle sounding nature of that word belied the insatiable desire that was actually groaning in his stomach.
His memory was one gigantic hole; bigger than the asteroid that had been heading this way.
He stepped away from the floor to ceiling window and began to casually walk around the room. It was his third circuit since his memory began an hour ago. The first time around he had stopped at a desk and discovered paperwork pointing to his identity as Alexander Luthor. It felt right, yet also not quite, to think of himself as Alexander. It also meant that this was his office.
He'd taken a few moments to study the office and was inordinately pleased by the impression it gave him of his wealth.
The second circuit had found him daring to encroach on the body, current centrepiece to the room. As he'd crouched down next to the red headed woman it had soon become clear that she was past help. Although, Lex suspected, help was the last thing he wanted for this women. It was quite obvious that he'd been the one to cause her demise. But why? And was it linked with his amnesia?
Lex. He realised that he'd referred to himself by that particular shortening of Alexander. That sounded better. The slight difference between Alexander and Lex had shifted him all the way to comfortable with the name.
Somehow he'd known that touching the body would be a mistake. Forensics and micro sciences could pick up on a single cell out of place, so he'd avoided any contact. But that precluded him discovering who she was.
As time passed he'd felt a confidence growing. What did it matter if his memory was missing, he was still Lex Luthor. And somehow he knew that that was something to be proud of, something to provoke respect. It filled the griping hole in his stomach and allowed him to find peace. Lex Luthor had at his disposal a whole array of people who could help him, cover for him.
On this current, third and final circuit of the room he surveyed it with a feeling of control; mastery. Striding to his desk he quickly studied the intercom system and pressed what looked to be the call button. No voice came back at him. It was possible that he had chosen the wrong button, or it could be that the system was actually faulty. That didn't seem possible, though, in an office as obviously superior as this.
When the doors at the far end of the office swished open and a well dressed man strode in Lex realized that his button had summoned an employee actually into his presence.
"Yes Mr Luthor?" spoke the man.
How to deal with this? Control, always stay in control.
He watched as the newcomer noticed the body. "Miss Mercer," he breathed out; the sudden shock evident in the young man's eyes. It was quickly brought under control; the only sign being a slight twitch of his cheek. This gave Lex the confidence to speak his next words.
"Would you be so good as to dispose of this for me?"
"Yes sir," came the affirmative answer. Lex turned away to gaze out of the window again not watching as the aide struggled with the body. "I shall arrange for … um … maintenance to see to the carpet, sir."
"Would you tell me how she managed to get by security?" Lex spoke, not acknowledging the aide's efforts.
"Sir?" he questioned, confused. Lex turned and just stared at him. "Um, well. She was CEO while you were thought dead." Dead? I was thought to be dead? Is that a possible explanation for my blank memory? "And I understand …" he paused and coughed as if unsure whether to continue, " … that she was your … sister."
Lex felt the first inkling of emotional pain at those words. Is it true? Were you my sister? he asked of the body. Unable to look at her any longer he turned back to the window again. The scene outside was no less calming. Somehow the happy, hopeful people mocked him with their smiles.
"Is that all Mr Luthor?" said the aide, still struggling with the body. Did I actually kill my own sister?
"Yes," he spoke emotionlessly but did not turn. After a minute of silence he presumed that the aide had finally left with the body and he then turned back to the room. Striding clear across the office in seconds he exited the room and glanced both ways down the corridor to determine whether he was alone. Back in his office he sat at the desk and began to methodically work his way through every piece of paper, trying to determine the reason for his blank memory.
What happened an hour ago? Well apart from the homicide of the former CEO, who is possibly my sister. Something must have happened.
CEO.
CEO of what?
Rifling though papers he easily determined that the international company he owned and ran was named LuthorCorp. The rest of the papers revealed nothing to explain his memory loss though. As he continued to search he began to experience light pain in his forehead. Jumbled pictures swam through his mind and then disappeared. He placed a hand to his head and rested on the table.
Glancing to his left he noticed a small bar area. He strode over and lifted out a whisky decanter. After pouring out a large shot he want back to the table and sat down. He pushed the chair back and lounged in it while sipping the whisky. The pain returned accompanied by jumbled memories. He squeezed his eyes tight shut and pulled the chair back to the table.
Lex opened his eyes and, desperate to grab onto the memories, he physically reached out, but there was nothing to grasp and he shouted in frustration. He balled his free hand into a fist and slammed it on the desk; onto the stacks of papers bearing his name. Lex Luthor. But who is Lex Luthor? He gritted his teeth. Anger began to rise from the pit of his stomach. He began to breath deeply.
Placing the whisky down, slowly, he reached for the papers and flattened his hands out over them as if by feeling them, touching his name, he could soak up some knowledge. When, inevitably, nothing happened he thrust his arms out in disgust sending the papers flying.
He stood suddenly and the chair shot out from behind him. No longer able to hold onto his emotions he grabbed the whisky glass and hurled it through the air back at the bar, screaming in frustration.
"I will find out who I am. I will have my memory restored."
The doors to Watchtower swung open as Oliver walked in to see Lois and Clark standing on the opposite side of the room looking at a computer monitor.
"That's lucky, huh? The first place I look for the two of you I find you," Oliver said in his usual sarcastic manner as Lois and Clark turned to greet him.
"Oliver," Clark nodded.
"What are you working on?" Oliver asked as he looked at the mounted monitor.
"Just going over a message Tess left. Have you seen her since we talked?"
"No, I haven't. I guess you didn't find her then," Oliver said as he got quiet and looked around Watchtower seeming almost lost as he did so.
Lois and Clark exchanged a concerned look before Lois finally spoke. "Oliver?"
"Yeah?" Oliver asked his attention suddenly snapping back to Lois.
"Are you okay?"
"I, umm ... I've been doing some thinking," Oliver said as he walked to the round window and looked out into the street below. Lois and Clark watched him, waiting for him to continue with wherever he was going with this.
"What's going on?" Lois finally asked, her curiosity winning out over her patience.
"I'm leaving Metropolis," Oliver stated as he turned back to face Lois and Clark. "For good."
Clark looked at Oliver, his eyebrows narrowing. Oliver met Clark's eyes and gave a little nod to show Clark that he understood his concern, but had thought everything through and there was no changing his mind.
"I mean you've got everything under control here, Clark, you're their Superhero, and Chloe's in Star City. You don't need me, Metropolis doesn't need me. I can be more help somewhere else. You've got Lois," Oliver said as he took a step forward and made a gesture with his hand toward Lois. "And you've got, ah... You've got Tess."
"Oliver, I'm worried Tess might be dead."
"Dead?" Oliver asked his body language suddenly changing. "Whoa, whoa, when did we go from missing to dead, Clark?"
"Apparently when she went to confront Lex, she didn't think she'd leave. Now I've listened for her and there's no sign. She's gone."
"No," Oliver shook his head in disbelief. There was no way Tess was dead. "No. I know Mercy, she wouldn't go down without a fight. Not unless she was planning something."
"She did plan something, Oliver. She was fighting to keep my secret, she knew what she was doing, she chose this," Clark stated.
Oliver looked at Clark with a sadness Clark had seen in his friend before. The same sadness he saw when Oliver thought Chloe had left him.
"She left a video to tell us what her plan was," Lois said.
"She sacrificed herself so that I could be the hero I needed without the threat of Lex knowing my secret."
"What did she do?" Oliver asked.
"It's possible she used an experimental neurotoxin," Clark answered as he turned and typed on the tiny keyboard, bringing up a file about the neurotoxin. "This was one of the last files accessed. Apparently it paralyzes all cognitive activity."
"So he'll lose his memories," Oliver stated as he moved closer to the monitor.
"Yes."
"And she managed to pull this off?" Oliver asked. "Well, Mercy, I'm impressed," Oliver commented as he read a little about the neurotoxin.
Clark watched Oliver trying to figure out what he was thinking.
"You don't have to stay, Oliver," Clark commented as Oliver looked at him a little surprised. "If you still want to go to Star City you should, Tess' possible death doesn't change that."
"You're sure you don't need me to stay?"
"Not if you don't want to."
"You should go be with Chloe," Lois commented.
"If I need you I know where to find you," Clark said.
Oliver thought everything over for a moment. "I'm going to go. If there's anything to be learned from this it's that you enjoy the time you have with the people you love."
Clark smiled and gave a nod.
"Thank you, Clark."
"Thank you, Oliver," Clark said as he held out his hand.
Oliver looked at the hand then back to Clark. "Oh, we're past handshakes, man," he stated as he pushed Clark's hand aside and gave his friend a hug. "Here's ah... Here's your wedding gift," Oliver said as he pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket.
Clark looked at Oliver as he reached out and took the envelope.
"It's an open ended plane ticket for your honeymoon," Oliver stated. "Of course when I bought it I didn't realize you'd be flying on your own. I guess the two of you will be flying 'Air Clark', not that I blame you."
"Thank you," Clark smiled.
"Bye, Lois," Oliver said as he turned to the brunette.
"Bye, Oliver," Lois said as she hugged him. "You take good care of my cousin or I'll come kick your green leathered ass myself."
"Yeah, I will," Oliver laughed and gave one final nod to Clark and Lois before he walked out the doors of Watchtower.
The old washed up fighter looked up at the TV screen. "Hey, Lamarr. This fer real?"
"Sure is Bibbo. You slept through the whole thing."
"Naw. I'd have known if there were a giant flaming planet crashin' down on us."
"You were sloshed Bibbo. You wouldn't have known if the President had crashed down on us and demanded a tequila."
"Huh," the grumpy man harrumphed. He propped his head up on his hands and watched as the news item rolled on.
"And disaster on a global scale was averted when a flying superhero pushed the approaching meteor out of the way. We have a report from on board Air Force One which, earlier today, was caught in the wake of the giant asteroid."
Bibbo watched, wide eyed, as the picture flickered to an unsteady shot of the President of the United States.
"Well, how does America plan to respond knowing that one of our heroes has just saved us and the planet?"
"We extend our deepest gratitude to whoever just saved us. America is in your debt."
"Even though the VRA just tried to imprison all of our heroes?"
"The mistakes of our past make us learn for the present and the future. My deepest apologies go out to the heroes you speak of, America owes them an apology."
"What does it feel like to know you were just saved by ... by a … Superman?"
"A Sooperman." Bibbo slowly stood up from his stool by the bar, awe in his voice, and watched as many more scenes flickered through the newscast.
"So far we have been unable to confirm the identity of this … Superman … but a flying, colourful blur has been spotted and caught on camera all over the city. These are a few of the clearest pictures."
"Clear!" shouted the burly fighter. "Why my old Grandma could see clearer than those shots. And she had multiple cataracts." Bibbo stalked round to the serving side of the bar and flicked off the TV. "Ok, Lamarr. Open up. Let those bums in."
The apartment was silent. The only sounds were of someone preparing for bed. Silence once would have been a torment, a reminder of things left unsaid, a hope slowly diminishing. Now it was time to reflect on a week of overwhelming feelings, change, and a start to a new future. A future filled with so much promise and at times danger. It was a lot to take in.
Lois stepped out of the shower reluctantly. Between the hot soothing water, and hoping he'd show up in time to join her, she was loathe to leave it. Her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror and grimaced at a few bruises she was sporting. Her trip on Air Force One had been eventful to say the least.
A small smile graced her lips at the memory of Clark righting the aircraft and flying. Then their flight together over Metropolis, she knew he could do it but to see it and share those moments with him were far more then she had expected on her wedding day.
That thought sobered her from the momentary high she had. It wasn't that her wedding day had been interrupted that bothered, but other losses. Oliver had paid a price and Tess was missing, maybe dead, because she had protected Clark.
How did one absorb all of it?
Sighing, Lois continued to dry off and slipped her robe on. Coming out of the bathroom she walked in on a sight she knew she'd never tire of seeing; Clark walking towards her, still in his suit, hair wind blown. Pride flowed through her as she stopped, waiting for him to close the distance between them.
The hero she admired and the man she loved coming back to her after helping those in need.
His arms went immediately around her. Lois buried her face into him as he put his own into her hair. "I think it may be quiet, at least for a little while." He said after a moment.
Lois nodded, unwilling to let him go just yet. "I guess everyone needs a chance to digest today's events."
"I took care of the worst of the fall out; anything that couldn't wait till tomorrow." His eyes glanced at the clock noting how late it was.
"I'll take you for however long I can, Clark."
There it was, the quiet reflection on Tess they both would find themselves going to. Hoping she was alive and that they'd find her. Clark refused to give up all hope though he could not dwell on it either, not when there was nothing he could do. Earlier he had done all he could to search for Tess. Answers would have to wait till tomorrow. He had a feeling that he'd be doing that a lot in his future; pushing aside the feelings and situations he could not change in order to go forward.
Mentally shaking himself out of his thoughts Clark pulled back, noting the bruise on her shoulder that peaked out from under her robe. Cupping her face he searched her eyes. "How are you really, Lois?"
She gave him a soft smile, placing one of her hands over his that held her face. "I'm okay, Smallville. I am. I promise. I'm just soaking it all up, you know." She stepped back letting her eyes fall from his face to take him all in. "You flew.. you saved us and the world has seen you!"
Clark smiled at her tone mixed with awe and love. He gave a deep sigh at her words, it was a lot. No amount of preparation and dreams could take away the enormity of what he had now become.
Lois could see it on his face. Despite the new found confidence he had been displaying more and more naturally, as well as the Clark Kent demeanor he was putting on for others Lois wasn't fooled into thinking that he wouldn't have moments where it felt heavy. One of the very things she loved about him was that despite all that god-like power, or why he loved her of all people, he was so normal. More normal than most men. More 'human' than nearly all born on this world.
"Do I need to ask if you are okay?" she ventured softly.
Clark looked down at his suit, at the family crest, and then back to her. "Yeah I think I am. I guess I'm having my own soaking it up moment. Lois, it was nothing like I imagined and yet everything I had expected all at once. "
Laughing softly Lois pushed him down so he was sitting on the edge of their bed, one of her hands resting on his chest, 'You're starting to sound like me, Smallville."
"You're rubbing off on me," he returned quietly with a smile, leaning into her hand that came to rest on his face.
Lois smiled back wanting to imprint this moment in her memory forever. Biting her bottom lip she finally found the words to ask, "Honey, have you seen the news at all?"
Clark looked up at her fully, "No, though I have seen cameras out. "
Lois took a step back, torn between grinning because of her own excitement and wringing her hands in apprehension at what he was going to think.
Trying to find the words she glanced around, noting their bedroom window partially open, a cool breeze running through. Alarm bells rang in her head. Looking back at him Lois shook her head, "No ... You can't stay there. Not like that"
Clark was lost. "What?" still wondering about the news and the expressions she had pulled in relation to it.
"Clark, you're in the suit!" She grabbed his hand and pulled, he found himself following as if she were the one with the powers and not him. "We can't afford for pesky neighbors from the building across the street to accidentally see Superman in all his red and blue standing in our bedroom."
Lost in confusion Clark found himself being shoved into the bathroom. Spinning out of his suit he began, "Wait.. Lois, I'm not so sure the top floor of that building even has apartments or that they can see us, the windows are barely open and…" He paused as something she said hit him: leg suspended slipping into the P.J. bottoms that had fallen to the floor when Lois began to thrust clothes at him. "Superman?"
Their eyes met. Clark's brows knitted together as he repeated, "Superman?"
Lois gave a small smile as she nodded. "Yes."
Clark hurriedly finished putting on his sleep wear and walked out of the bathroom, heading for the TV. Lois followed wondering if this was a good thing or a bad thing. "Clark I didn't really mean for it to be picked up like that. It just seemed the right thing to say, I mean you are a Superman and not just because of your powers, but who you are," she rambled as he turned on the TV and flipped through the news.
Station after station was reporting it periodically, even under scheduled programs the words "Saved by Superman" scrolled by. Lois grimaced at some of the other lines which tended to border on over the top. Still she could not blame them. The world had been about to end and he had prevented it, they were grateful and amazed. A hero was needed, a hero had come.
After several minutes of watching a news station and seeing her news report from Air Force One, the blurry footage of him flying over the city, and one of him hovering above it, Clark looked down at Lois who stood at his side. He could tell she was nervous and if he didn't ease her mind she was going to bite a hole in her lip.
"Doesn't it sound a bit egotistical? "
"I gave you the name, not you. If you had suddenly appeared and said "Yes I am Superman" then..." she tilted her head with a relieved smile. "Okay that would be very egotistical. I can actually think of several arrogant men who would do that. But Smallville ..." She lifted her hand to turn his gaze from the TV again, "I said the name. I didn't mean for it to become so... popular, but you deserve it."
Shaking his head Clark reached for her hand, "I deserve it? No Lois, I don't. Thank you, though, for believing in me."
"Anytime." Lois squeezed his hand, "So are you okay with it?"
He pressed his lips in thought and gave a slight nod of his head, "I won't pretend I love it. But since it came from you I can learn to." He sat down on the couch pulling her down with him. "I don't know what I thought I'd be called, we discussed that The Blur would have to go, but I didn't think it would be that."
Lois laid her head on his chest as she sat next to him, still wrapped in her robe. "I know. We have a lot to work out yet... it will happen Clark."
Clark absentmindedly brushed his fingers through the ends of Lois' hair as she leaned against him, "But Superman? "
Chuckling softly, Lois leaned up and kissed him lightly, "Yes, Superman, come on, it works."
"I'm never going to live it down." He knew it wasn't true, the peak at the future had told him that much.
Lois pulled back a bit and punched him in the shoulder. "You don't get to be down in the dumps today! You just saved an entire planet and gave people back hope, something to believe in. So okay... the name is a bit pretentious, but you didn't give it to yourself and the world ..." Her face was beaming so much Clark found his breath catch, caught up in her mood. She waved her hand at the TV "..the world has accepted it. No wait, the world has declared you are Superman. That you are theirs."
Clark smiled, "I get your point, but don't you think you are jumping the gun just a little?"
Sitting almost in his lap, Lois shook her head, "Nope. It's not just every American news station, or every North American one, its every major news station in the world that has been reporting on you. They know you were The Blur, Clark, with the symbol on your chest. Which does sorta look like an 'S' by the way." She ignored Clark's disparaging eye roll. "And they recognize what it stands for. You upped your game as The Blur and now it's like they got a bonus, a new version. Not just a hero that stands in the shadows to protect them, that gives them an impression of hope, but actual tangible hope!"
In her declaration Lois had stood, reminding Clark of the time she took the podium in order to protect the Blur. Now she was giving him a speech to encourage him as Superman. How did he ever get so lucky?
Standing up Clark took her hands once more. "Lois, " he began with a loving smile, "Thank You! Thank you for being my hope, for all the things I know you're going to do for me, for all the times its going to be hard yet you stay by my side."
Lois swallowed, "You don't have to thank me. I love you and I believe in you, in us. I believe we can do this."
Leaning down, Clark placed a gentle kiss on her lips before hugging her close. "I do too."
"I do have one question though, Smallville. I've been curious on this for some time actually."
Clark pulled back, "What's that?"
Lois grinned, "What do you do with your 'Clark Kent' clothes when you change?"
Eyebrow raised, he opened his mouth to respond but found himself pulled down for a long sensual kiss that turned into a dropped robe, a sharing of caresses, tender words, and breathless moans. The pretentious hero was title forgotten as the couch received a slow loving christening in their apartment, the beginning of a whole new life side by side.
They sat around the large circular table, waiting. Six shadowy figures. The light shining down onto the table illuminated the scattered papers. At one end of the table sat a monitor, switched on, connection secure. All eyes were on it but no face appeared to give them their instructions.
"What are we waiting for?" A man in black leather stood and slammed his fist on the table. "We know our assignments. We've each been planning; setting up."
"We have not been given the go ahead. Other plans, plans that we are not aware of, may not be in place yet." A calm studied voice came from the other side of the table. The first man peered through the barely lit gloom to see the other black clad member of the group. Where his black was styled in a rather natural and old-fashioned way, the other man's was sleek, body hugging and almost fully enclosed enabling him to survive in the depths of the sea. That was most likely the reason he had been given the aquatic target.
"We were told to meet here at this time. Every one of us knows why. He was going to say the word. It's time. Time to execute the plan." His gravelly voice was menacing.
Eyes narrowed in a wince at the word execute. For some it meant little or nothing, for others it was a new venture, not having strayed so far over the line before. But each person was willing and prepared.
"It is not your place to take control just because Toyman has not appeared, Vordigan." A deep feminine voice full of passion joined in the discussion.
"Well someone has to." A deep rumbling voice came from beside her. She turned and looked at the large, shabbily dressed gentleman. The thought of who … what … he was repulsed her. She worried about the level of cleanliness around him. "Toyman has obviously been found out, or whoever was allowing his outside contact has moved on."
"Then we should abandon the plan." A well built man with short cropped hair stood. His eye and words seemed without emotion; the green glow from beneath his t-shirt pulsed away slowly.
"Yes, without Toyman to guide us this could all be ruined." A high male voice spoke up in agreement with the human machine. "Where is the profit in that? How can we be sure of reaching our goal?" He shook his head and the white fur surrounding his blue hood wafted back and forth.
"No," shouted out the man who had taken charge and the green pulsing glow quickened. "No. We go on, we complete the job. And we find out what happened to Toyman too." He leaned forward and placed his hands on the table. He waited in that position for an inordinate amount of silent time. Turning his head gradually he caught the eyes of each other person. "Who's with me?"
He watched as they all glanced down to the paperwork scattered on the table. The only lady in the group reached out with her arm and grasped the one with a giant X. Dragging it towards her she studied it intently then slowly stood.
Vordigen smiled. That's one. He looked around again and caught Solomon's eye just as he pushed back his chair and stood. Slowly, one by one, they all rose to their feet.
He smiled. "Good, then the mission is a go." He looked down to the table at the scattered files. Reaching out with his half gloved hand he slapped it down over the picture of his own target; an arrogant, spoiled child. His smile dropped and he felt anger rage through him when he brought the paper closer and took his hand away revealing the hooded face; black glasses completing the look. How dare he defy me, his master? How dare he reject me and all our teachings?
He looked up and the smile returned, this time being joined by tight, focussed eyes. "They will all meet their Doom."