Chapter 7 – Looking for Answers
Previously:
She was one amazing woman, but Clark wouldn't hurt her, not if it was within his power. "Lois, I can't ask you to do it. So, I'll understand if you don't want to see me anymore."
"What did you just say?" Lois was shocked. He did not just say what I think he said.
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What did you just say?" Lois was shocked, truly shocked.
"I said..." Clark tried to explain, but Lois cut him off.
"I heard what you said. That is the most ridiculous thing you have ever said to me, Smallville, and you have had your fair share." Lois couldn't believe he would even suggest such a thing.
"But, Lois." She must know I'm doing this for her own good, to protect her. She cut him off again.
"Clark, we're not breaking up, ok. You can just get that thought right out of your head. We'll figure this out together."
"I don't see how we can. I don't see any answers. Believe me, I've thought about this." I have to make her see reason.
"Well, if we put our heads together, we can come up with a solution." There must be a way to make this work.
"Wait, maybe..." This may be worst idea ever, but it may just be a miracle for them.
"Maybe, what? What are you thinking?" Lois hopefully asked.
Clark really did not want to go this route, but it might be their only hope. "We could ask someone to help, someone who knows about our unique problem."
"And who in the world would that be?" I don't know if I want to talk about this with a stranger, Lois thought.
"Actually, it's my Kryptonian father, Jor-El. He's an AI in an ice fortress in the Arctic."
"Oh, an AI? But, wait a minute, an ice fortress? Do you mean...?"
"Yes, Lois, you were there before." There was no point in keeping it from her any longer.
"That was real? It wasn't heaven? But Clark, you lead me to believe that it was true. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Why didn't you tell me the truth?" How many other half-truths are out there, she wondered.
"Lois, there was a lot going on at the time. You and my mother had almost died, the city was in shambles, and it just wasn't the right time."
"Clark, that was years ago, but looking back, there must have been many times when you wanted to tell me, but you couldn't because you felt you couldn't trust me. Am I right?"
"Trust had nothing to do with it. My secret is dangerous, and people have actually died because of it. I couldn't let that happen to you, so I told myself I wanted to protect you. I've always wanted to protect you. Looking back, those feelings were pushed way down, until there came a time when I just couldn't ignore them anymore. And besides, there are only a handful of people who know the truth besides my parents. Chloe, Lana, Oliver, and a few other people you may know." Clark cleared his throat, not liking the direction of this conversation at all.
Lois did not like any of this, but she supposed Clark had his reasons, and considering all that he had told her about how he had come here from another world, the fewer people who knew the truth, the better. It just hurt to think he hadn't trusted her enough, even though they are friends, very good friends.
When Lois had not said a word for a while, which was uncharacteristic of her, Clark asked, "Lois, are you mad?" He really hated lying to her, but he had to protect her. He had no other choice.
She could see he regretted those decisions, and he really did not want her to be hurt. She had lost count of the many times he had come for her, and the times when she might not have even known it was him saving her. How could she be mad? "No, Clark, I'm not mad." She could see how relieved he was.
Clark was so relieved. He could see how much she wanted to believe him. He hugged and kissed her. "Lois, believe me, from now on, I will tell you everything. I don't want any more secrets between us, all right?"
"Okay, Clark, no more secrets." Lois hoped Clark would keep his word.
"Good, now, back to what I was saying about my father, Jor-El. He may be the only one who has answers for us. It's worth a try, and there is a way for you to come with me, too." I really hope Jor-El behaves himself.
"You mean I can actually travel to the Arctic?" Clark must be kidding.
"Yes, we can be there in mere seconds."
"Really, how?" This is impossible. The Arctic must be thousands of miles away.
"Through caves located here in Smallville. You see, there's a special key I have that will enable us to be transported there. All you have to do is dress warm, very warm."
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Lois could not believe her eyes. This place is actually real. She was standing in Clark's Fortress of Solitude, waiting to speak to his father, Jor-El, an AI from Krypton. It's all so unbelievable, Lois thought. Clark told her about his tenuous relationship with his father. Lois just hoped bringing her there wouldn't make things worse. I really hope he can help us.
Clark called out his Father's name. "Jor-El?"
"My son," Jor-El responded.
"Father, I have brought with me a very special earth woman. Her name is."
"I know of Lois Lane."
How could he know of Lois? Well, she had been here before. "She means everything to me, Father. We have a question to ask. We want to know if it would be safe for us to consummate our relationship."
"I see no reason why that would be a problem, but it would not be possible for you to produce offspring if that is your intention."
"Well, we hadn't thought about that," Clark said. He glanced at Lois. She was very pale. Maybe it was from the cold, he thought. "Father, I have one more question. How do you know Lois?"
"Lois Lane is your true mate, Kal-El."
Clark was shocked speechless. Lois paled even more. They stared at each other.
"It is true, Kal-El," Jor-El said. "When do you plan to marry Lois Lane, Kal-El?"
"Married?" Clark and Lois both spoke at the same time. Clark hated explaining things like this to Jor-El. "We haven't talked about marriage yet. Things are different here on Earth. There are many months of courtship and dating. Then if the couple want to get married, there's an engagement. It's a long process."
"Kal-El, there is no need for any of that," Jor-El said. "Lois Lane is your mate for life. Marry her."
Alright, Clark thought. It's time to go. "Thank you for your help, Jor-El," Clark said. "We have to leave now."
Lois managed to find her voice. "Thank you, Jor-El."
"Goodbye, Kal-El and Lois."
"Goodbye, Father" Clark said.
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"Well, that was interesting," Clark said after the revelation his father made.
"Yes, it was."
"Are you ready to go back now?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
"Let's go home."
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A/N: This chapter gave me fits. I thought of Lara helping them, but I didn't think she would have been as abrupt. I wanted to stir things up between them, and make them think of their future. So, tell me what you think.
