A/N: Okay folks here it is.. long.. not overtly angsty but hopefully chock-ful of surprises you'll enjoy.

~ღ~ Chapter 10 – Warnings, Revelations and Preparations ~ღ~

"I know...I am proud of you, you know...I just want you safe is all!"

He could hear it in the tone of her voice. The concern about him, the danger he could be in. Rick found he could never be mad at her for it...no matter how over protective or worrisome she became. Stacey loved him despite the fact that he was a freak. She had been there through so much of it that she knew how it affected him.

Years before, when his life had changed from the meteor rock, she had never left him. They had been high school sweethearts and Stacey had been the very reason he never ended up killing himself.

It had been the help of the Isis foundation though,that had put him on a path of using his ability for good. To think there was a benefit to his ability, had really improved things, and it benefited others, something that meant even more to him.

Rick was relieved when he could hear the change in her voice, that she wasn't upset, as they continued to talk. He'd rather come to a happy home, even if it meant the dog got his dinner.

"Says the man who, after seeing the latest in the zombie trilogy, had a baseball bat under his bed."

"Zombie or robber...it would work." He quipped while glancing at his watch,wishing he could get this done and be home.

"Hmmph..." He had to smile at her reaction; she never did appreciate a good zombie movie.

The docks was admittedly not his favorite place - it smelled, not everyone was the kind of company he felt safe to hang out with, and perhaps as Stacey had implied, he had seen way too many movies.

That, however, didn't change the fact that he saw a figure move quickly between the large storage containers lined and stacked at the one end of the docks.

"Hey!"

The other thing he hated was the way light failed to reach between the cargo containers, casting funny shadows. There it was again, a movement. He found himself chasing after it. Thinking through, he knew it wasn't the smartest move.

"Just stop! Hey," A part of him was wondering if it was a kid, freaking out, not wanting to get caught. It wouldn't be the first time.

Coming around to where he knew he'd seen the figure go, he found...nothing. Sighing, he decided to head back to the open, so his contact could find him. As he made his way around another container, he saw 'it'.

'It' was the only description that came to mind.

A cloaked figure stood with a shriveled arm held out towards him. For the space of ten seconds,they were both still - neither moved. Then Rick blinked and like the tales of banshees, it came at him, screaming.

It wasn't the scream of anger, but of hunger. Despite that fact, it was already too late; Rick turned to run, but its deformed hand reached out.

A sharp pain ran through him, like he was on fire. Screaming, he found himself pulled back by the neck, then released. It was too late however; something was wrong - he could feel it to his core.

He scrambled up, trying again to move away. He could hear Stacey worried on the phone.

"Oh!...please,oh god!.. please!.. please don't... it hurts...Stacey, it hurts, Stacey!" He managed to get out in between breaths, glancing around, knowing it was coming back for him. He could feel it, like it was inside him.

He couldn't move quick enough - his chest felt heavy, his stomach continually threatened to come up his throat. His legs wanted to give out.

"Rick baby...what's going on? Did you get hurt?..Rick!"

Her voice cried back to him. It was ultimately what kept him going, as he tried to escape the inevitable, to get back to his Stacey.

Looking over his shoulder as he continued to stumble, he thought he saw it again; it felt unreal, how the thing had flown at him - fast and screeching, causing every nerve to revolt.

"It touched me ...oh God,it touched me... just like in the movies... call 911 ...I can't breathe!"And he couldn't, not without great effort. Gasping, he slid down the side of a container. Phone clutched in his hand, he couldn't focus to bring it to his ear, but he could hear her anyway. Calling out to him, letting him know she was there.

The world started to spin wildly and he found himself crawling, trying to get away from the pressure inside of him. It grew and grew, consuming and shredding him.

He hadn't gotten far,before he saw it again. Everything came back into focus and all he could see was that thing, glowing a funny grey. .. its cloak moving to an unknown wind, though whatever was within the black of the hood remained obscured. The only visible flesh was that arm, the one that had grabbed him.

It moved closer slowly and spoke, "You... I feel your power... your bond is mine!"

Even before it dived on him, before it began to rip at his flesh, Rick had begun to scream. Desperately trying to live, while watching his blood spill and a strange glow leave his body, to flow up into the thing hovering above him.

It didn't take long for the human to die, for his essence to fill it up. It felt good, something to hold it over while it worked to get the Kryptonian's love back. Though if unable to achieve this goal, it was still strong - the power it had already taken pulsated throughout itself.

Leaving the carcass behind, the soul splitter refocused its attention, searching for more bonds. It was close to taking the last necessary step to having a completely corporeal form; it just needed a little more. Something especially strong, there had to be someone like the one it just devoured, filled with abnormal energy and a love or hate bond to enrich it.

Oh, there trapped inside enclosed walls,were angry hateful men, a few who's blood were marked, freaks among the humans. These were what it needed.

With its targets acquired, it shifted to just outside this prison. Drawing on its weakening connection with the Kryptonian, it found a place to sleep.

Despite the urgency it felt and the recent feeding, it was still changing. The change left it at times tired in a way it never had been before.

It could be patient - it would sleep hidden, unseen and waiting. Then when the moment came, it would fill the prison and feed. Hate... hate and rage felt just as good as love and happiness.

~ ღ ~

The hall was dimly lit, long and cold, with an endless array of doors. Clark could hear someone weeping - it sounded like...Chloe. He followed the sound, past door after door, each one different from the last. Some were wooden and others metal, some had plates with numbers or names, though he couldn't make out what they said. Some were etched with patterns or symbols that at times reminded him of the caves, of Kryptonian.

He found the door he was looking for; he could hear not only Chloe crying, but Oliver speaking softly behind it, murmuring comforting words. Just before he pushed the door open, he realized how different it was. It looked like the door to the farm house, but Kryptonian symbols were painted in blood around the edge, and in the middle of the window was a name plate, with 'Lois Lane' inscribed on it; it looked like the Daily Planet office signs.

A sense of trepidation flooded inside him, his hand hesitated, he wasn't sure he wanted to go in. A part of him knew what he would find-maybe it was because one of the symbols was the sign for death.

The door creaked, increasing the sense of doom. The room was blaring white, causing his eyes to ache, but once they focused he saw a bed, a single bed with a figure laid out upon it as if asleep.

Oliver had his arm around Chloe,who was holding a small wrapped bundle. Clark wasn't sure what it was as their backs were turned. They were dressed in black and Chloe had a dark mourning veil pulled over her head. Oliver continued to whisper words to her and though Clark knew they were meant to comfort, he could not make them out.

Stepping closer, he recognized the dress on the figure - it was the one Lois had worn the night of their first anniversary. It had always been a favorite - backless, deep violet in color, long in length but split up the sides, almost all the way up her legs. The first time he had seen her in it, his breath had been taken away.

As he came up to the bed, he ran his hand up her leg. He knew it was Lois...his Lois. But he stopped as he realized she was cold, all her warmth was gone; her skin was the color of ash. Eyes wide, he started to step back, not wanting to see her face.

But as he turned, he came face to face with Chloe. She looked at him, or more accurately through him as If he wasn't there, then back down to the bundle in her arms.

"I am so sorry...so sorry we couldn't save you..." she sobbed.

Clark then realized with horror that she was holding a child, a baby in her arms. Like Lois, the child was the color of ash. Oliver carefully took the baby from her and moved towards Lois. Clark stepped aside and was then forced to look at her.

She was laid partially on her side, face set as if she was asleep, though he knew she wasn't. Her arms were positioned perfectly to take the baby Oliver placed beside her.

"It is time to let them go...all of them." Oliver softly said, brushing a strand of Lois' hair away from her face, before taking a corner of the blanket wrapped around the baby, covering its face. "We couldn't save them."

Clark shook his head, this couldn't be...

"No...NO!" He moved to try and wake Lois,but instead found himself standing in an empty street.

He yelled out, "Looois!"

There was no answer, her name simply echoed off the buildings and onwards. It was too much; taking to the air, he flew high over the city and all he found was more empty streets.

Then in the distance, he saw the farm and a figure. Landing, he realized it was the creeper, the thing slowly consuming him.

Enraged, Clark demanded, "What have you done!"

"I took them all when you fell."

Clark bolted up so fast, he slipped off the side of the bed; weakly he pulled himself back up, laying back down, shaking.

It had been so real that he found he couldn't get the image of Lois and the baby out of his mind. He rolled on to his side to watch her sleep now, tuning his hearing to hear heart beat. Still missing the way before all this started, when he had been able to not only hear her heartbeat always in the background, but had been able to feel it too. Now he had to focus. It was wrong...just as the dream had been.

Taking a deep breath, he ran his hand over her stomach, wanting there to be a baby, not believing there was. He knew the dream meant something, a sense of danger, just like before the second meteor shower. Sighing, his eyes began to water despite himself; he was trying not to worry.

"Lois...no matter what that dream means...or doesn't, I'll protect you. I won't let him have you...I'll..."

He was interrupted from these thoughts by the opening of the door. Chloe tentatively poked her head in, her expression softened at the sight of him.

"Clark...you okay?"She asked softly, coming around to sit near his side of the bed.

Sitting up, he nodded before rubbing his hands over his face. "What is it, Chloe?"

"I thought I heard you yell out..."Her eyes searched his face.

"I probably did...had a nightmare." He took a deep breath,"Tired of resting...tired of waiting..."

"Well I think we'll be getting closer to ending this soon. Unfortunately, I've traced new victims..."

Chloe's eyes glanced to Lois. Clark didn't need a further hint, he pulled himself out of the bed and they both walked over to the other side of the room, next to the bathroom.

"What now?"Clark asked in a hushed tone.

"A family - Rick and Stacey Evans. He was found dead at the Metropolis docks yesterday, ripped to shreds. His wife, as well, at their home. The children are in comas."

Clark frowned, "You sure it was the creeper?"

"Yes!" Chloe gave an affirmative nod before sighing, "I knew Rick, Clark...I worked with him briefly. He was a meteor freak, had been since the second meteor shower. I helped him and Stacey sort out how to deal with his gifts. He was a good man and now he is dead!"

It wasn't hard to see that she was far more upset then she was letting on. He put his hands on her shoulders, "I'm sorry..."

"Its fine, but it tells me one thing Clark."

"It's attacking those with powers."

"Yes, it lost its hold on you and Lois and if John's right, it's still trying to change."

Clark sighed, "I don't think it lost its hold...not completely."

Chloe looked at him alarmed, "Do you still feel it? Or is Lois..."

Shaking his head, he sighed, running his hand through his hair. Chloe didn't miss the tremor in his hand or the way he clenched his jaw. She couldn't help but wonder if it was more than a nightmare that had made him call out. It was worrying what he meant by it not losing its hold.

"Chloe...I think the fact it's taking so much time to feel...normal...again is a sign in itself that I am not free."Chloe couldn't deny that; it had occurred to her, to them all.

"I believe Lois however, is free and it's why I am improving." Clark glanced at his wife as he said it, taking in how beautiful she was when peacefully sleeping. But then that thought reminded him of the dream and he involuntarily shuddered.

"Hey!"

He looked back at Chloe, eyebrow raised.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Nothing...I just need to get this thing out of our lives, Chloe. I can't keep sitting here waiting...yet..." He leaned his arm against the wall. "I am not ready...I don't even know how to fight it."

"I have an idea." She held up a hand before she added, "I have some things to work out, then I'll let you know. In the meantime, Clark, just please, please get the rest you need and that includes not staying cooped up in here. As sweet as it is to stay with her, you need fresh air and a change of atmosphere."

"Yeah," he didn't sound convinced. "You will tell me soon Chloe...this plan of yours?" It wasn't really a question.

She smiled, "Of course. I am just crossing my t's and doting my i's before I can tell you. I don't want to suggest it before I know it has a real chance."

Clark nodded.

Chloe headed for the door, getting the feeling he wasn't in the mood for her company. "Oh, if you don't leave this room for a bit this evening, I'll come pull you out."She threw at him before departing.

Despite himself, he smiled and headed back for the bed, crawling in next to her. Suddenly he felt very tired, so much on his shoulders. He had to fight this; break away and save them all. He hoped whatever plan Chloe had, would work and that his dream meant nothing.

Exhaustion claimed him as he put his arm over her and closed his eyes. As far as he was concerned, the best cure for his troubling thoughts and ailing heart was Lois.

~ ღ ~

The sounds coming from his office, well the room that looked like an office but he rarely actually used, told him exactly who it was.

Stopping just inside the door way, Bruce watched her as she read with glasses on, the papers before her. From the scowl on her face and the color of the folder, he knew exactly what she was reading and why she was unhappy.

"Despite what you may think Lana, it is an improvement."

She looked up, slipping her glasses off and leaned back in the chair. "Is it? All I am seeing is very little change." She looked defeated.

Bruce sat in the opposite chair and tilted his head to the side. "I know, but the results show a decline over all. Which means we are getting somewhere."

She raised a brow at him and shook her head, "Until I have another attack. Then what?And right now that would be the worst thing possible!"

"Why, because he is here? It changes nothing."

"Bruce, it changes everything! He is far from being at his strongest, and one attack and I could bring him down. If what you and Chloe have said about this Soul Splitter is true, then we can't afford to take chances,not even for a small incident to happen to him."

She shifted in her seat at the way he was looking at her; it drove her crazy that Bruce wouldn't give her an inch when it came to Clark, but then he knew all of the garbage... every bit of darkness she couldn't bear to another soul.

He was really one of the few people she could tell things to and could handle them looking at her; he never did so with pity or disdain. He gave comfort when it was really needed, otherwise always pushed her. It was ultimately why she stayed -she knew where she stood with him.

"I told him you were here, and I gave him the general idea of why you were here to begin with."

"You mentioned the treatments?"

"Yes!"

"Bruce why? Don't you understand, it just..."

Bruce stood and held up the folder, "This. Lana, this has no bearing at all right now. The episodes have been more and more infrequent, so you can't hide behind that. If you don't want to face him, then don't, but you and I both know that you can't move forward till you do. You said you wanted to give him that chance. Then do it. "

Lana pushed out of her chair, heading for the door. "I wish it was that easy!"

"It is."

"Is it, Bruce? If it was, then why haven't you called her? How many days have gone by?"

He growled back, "We are not talking about my love life here."

"Nor were we mine."

"We are, if you include the good Doctor. How long you going to leave him hanging?"

Lana snatched the folder back, somewhat faster than humanly possible, "You know Bruce,there is a reason why they call you cold." Her glare and tone could have taken down lesser men. "Taking the form of a bat it suits you...gives off the right heartless feel!"Then she stormed out.

Bruce shook his head, more amused than upset. Her moods and insults didn't bother him; it wasn't the first time nor would be the last.

He knew he was often rough on her, but he also knew how she now viewed herself and didn't want to be treated. Lana despised feeling like she was made of china. Bruce figured,after the complex soap that had been the triangle of Clark, Lana and Lex, it wasn't surprising she felt that way. It also explained Clark's reaction to finding out she was here.

Bruce was beginning to wonder if he had bit off more than he could chew,having the cast of the Smallville soap residing under his roof. A part of him wondered what Lois' reaction would be and what remarks she'd have for him.

"Master Bruce,"Alfred's soft voice spoke from the door way.

Looking up, Bruce stretched, hoping the older man was bringing him news of some dilemma...anything to excuse him from playing host.

"Yes, Alfred?"

"Ms Chloe told me to tell you that..."he cleared his throat, voice taking on a barely noticeable difference as he mimicked Chloe, " There has been a new development that you should see, so get your behind down here and take a look, and no you can not disturb Clark."

"I take it she is in one of those moods?"

"She and Mr. Queen both."

Bruce stood and followed Alfred out, "Yes, how could I forget about him. I trust you made them comfortable?"

"As much as they would allow.I do believe that Mr. Queen took offense to the room you chose."

A slight smile perked at the corners of Bruce's mouth. It was no secret amongst the others that Oliver and himself could barely be in the same room without being in a verbal sparring match. Not that at times it was much better with Clark, but he actually liked him. Oliver? Not so much.

"Did he now? Alright, then. While I check with Chloe, check on the Kent's. Oh, and notify Doctor Dubois - I think Miss Lang could do with a check up."

Alfred's only response was to raise a brow,before moving off.

~ ღ ~

He watched her sleep, having woken a while before, relieved there hadn't been another dream. She looked like an angel, at peace, untouched by any care in the world.

Clark wanted to join her in the place, but couldn't; his thoughts focused on the baby from the vision. Wishing more than anything that it meant she was pregnant, but the likelihood of that was slim. And if she was, then didn't that make the dream more real? It seemed he couldn't win.

Careful not to interfere with her monitors and saline line, he pulled her close, putting his face into her hair. Remembering the day they had found out that being natural parents was likely to never be an option.

~ 8 months before ~

Clark opened his eyes to find her watching him. He gave her a smile and she smiled back, but it didn't quite reach her eyes - it hadn't the last few days.

"How long have you been watching me?" He had crawled into bed after she had gone to sleep, having spent most of the night on the other side of the planet as Superman.

"Oh, an hour or so."

"Why?"he asked softly, avoiding the elephant in the room for the moment.

Lois reached out and rested her hand on the side of his face. "I don't get to see you sleep often. Usually, the only time I get you here for very long is after we..." she stopped. Mentioning sex wasn't usually a problem for her, it was his thing to get bashful at times. ".. then we both tend to be exhausted."She finished, withdrawing her hand.

He wanted to take the sadness from her eyes, but he was unsure of what to say.

"Lois," he began knowing he had to try. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She turned to stare at the ceiling. "There is nothing left to say. I didn't think...I'd be the problem...I mean, Kryptonian and human do not have the highest chances, but..."

"Lois its not your fault,"he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Fighting tears, she shook her head, "No it isn't, but it doesn't change anything Clark!"

Sitting up, he took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. "Your right Lois, it doesn't change anything. It doesn't change how I love you or that you make me happy. When we are ready, we can adopt. We've discussed this before - you were happy with the idea, to give a child a home the way my parents gave me one."

Lois nodded, closing her eyes. She couldn't speak, not with the hurt so fresh. To be told that the odds of her ever getting pregnant were low had been the biggest blow she could have imagined.

Not caring if she fought him, Clark pulled her into his arms. She didn't fight it, but the moment his hand began to rub her back, offering comfort, she broke down.

"I wanted to..." She sobbed into his shoulder, "I wanted to...give you a child of our own...our baby..." She pulled back to look him in the eyes. "I thought one day...one day we could really try...and..."

Seeing her so upset caused his chest to ache. He cupped her face and wiped a tear away with his thumb. "Lois, listen to me. I wanted that too, but nothing...nothing will ever change how much YOU mean to me. A baby, from us or otherwise, is a bonus. You are what I need...all I need. Please, I know it doesn't help how you feel now," he swallowed, wishing he could find better words, "but please know that when your ready to be a mother, we'll find a child to love, Lois! You know that - we'll love the baby as our own. No question."

She stared into his eyes, soaking up every word. Wondering, as she often did, how he did it - always knew the right thing to say.

"I know,"she said, touching her forehead to his. It still hurt, they both knew it would for a long time. But she knew if he was there being "Smallville", the man that always found the silver lining, she knew she could handle this.

"I love you,"He whispered.

"I love you too."

"Always and forever."

Lois smiled; it wasn't a smile of happiness, but of knowing she was loved. He cupped her face and tenderly kissed her lips.

"Clark.," she spoke against his, pleadingly, "Please, make it all go away!"She needed him, needed to know that he would always want her.

He kissed her again, repositioning himself, pulling her all the way into his lap.

She lifted her arms as he swept of her night gown, his hands brushing at all the right spots. Her fingers dug into his back, pressing him to her in the way she knew he liked, not having to worry about hurting him. He kissed her again, only this time it wasn't tender, but passionate and demanding, answering her need.

~ ღ Present ღ ~

The Wayne manor was huge and distracting, a change of pace from the last few days. Clark hadn't really wanted to leave Lois' side but Chloe had chased him out insisting that he needed to move and it wouldn't hurt to take a break and stop staring at his wife.

It annoyed him that she was right. It wasn't healthy to wallow at Lois' side, he knew if she was aware, she would give him a tongue lashing, calling him 'Dopey Mopey Kent' and then kick his butt.

How he wished she would..

Clark had no idea where he was going as he walked the halls. Atleast the weakness was less and he could move without feeling overly sick or tired. He found one hall that seemed familiar and followed it, remembering a previous visit with Lois and how she had teased Bruce about his library - asking him if the ridiculously large room, with its two story windows and balcony, were his way of making up for a lack of something somewhere else.

Lois could never resist the urge to poke fun at the male ego, especially when she detected the competitive streak between the 'Super' men in her life.

Coming through the library doorway, he was surprised to see Lana standing at the far side of the room, in front of the one of those two story stained glass windows.

"Lana..!"

"Oh Clark.. I.. uh"She backed up further, putting more space between them though there was plenty.

"Been avoiding me?"

"No!" He gave her a weary look, not really believing her.

"No, Clark I haven't..I just .. I just didn't know how to face you yet.. its not exactly like I can be in just any room with you."

He nodded, this was true - the suit prevented that. Keeping a wide berth between them, he walked over to the other window on the other side of the room.

Lana turned back to look out the window as he stood in front of the his. It was quiet between them though after having looked him over when he came in Lana couldn't help herself.

"Those .." Lana nodded indicating his pajamas, "Really don't suit you."The rich luxury silk pajamas really didn't.

"No, they don't.. " Clark looked down at them with a half smile then back out at the window. "But they'll do.."he closed his eyes soaking up the coloured sunlight that shined down on him. He found himself in front of windows often in the last few days - it was if his body craved the feel of sunlight.

The creeper had taken a lot from him and it worried them all. Was it now strong enough to be a bigger threat? Was he still connected to it? Feeding it?

Ronnie and John weren't sure, they only knew that whatever connection it had with himself and Lois was at the most weak. Some how they had to end this; Clark had to regain all his power back without feeding it, so he could defeat it.

Lana watched him soaking up the sun. It didn't escape her that it wasn't just his appearance that was different, though in time he'd get that back. The way he stood, his tone, just the general vibe told her he was not the same man that she had last seen. She knew this, had already seen the evidence, but in this moment it struck her hard. She wanted to say something, unsure what..

"You seem to be doing better.."

Eyes still closed, Clark nodded, "Yeah.. slowly.. a few more days. Then I hope to be ready to fight it.. to get Lois back!"Pain etched his voice as he mentioned Lois' name. Lana took a ragged breath from the way he sounded, unable to stop worrying for him.

"Clark don't push yourself too soon.. "

"Don't!" Clark growled as he had whipped around to face her.

Taking a step back, Lana stared wide eyed at him from the intensity of his response. She put her hands out, but at the look on his face didn't say anything. She was still trying to figure out how to read him, how to understand this version of Clark. Not to mention she had been warned that his emotional responses could be extra strong, consequence of the creepers' hold on him.

"Don't ..Lana, you don't get to do that.."

"What?"It came out before she could stop it, or the frustrated tone. She was afraid she already knew what he meant.

Clark pressed his lips together and took a deep breath, unable to look at her now as he spoke. "You didn't come back for me...?"

"What?"Lana was genuinely confused.

"Before.. at Chloe's wedding.. you weren't there for me. " He took another deep breath, " I realized it then too, after you took the suit but I ignored it.. as I did so much with you!"

The hurt in his voice stung, but she had nothing to respond with. She continued to look at him, unable to hide the swallow, afraid of what else he would say. Was she ready for this... now?

Clark had turned to look at her again - his eyes were like steel, he hadn't expected to feel this upset.

"Don't get me wrong," He continued, wanting to make himself clear. "I love Lois!.. I love her so much and I've never felt like this with anyone else, but you let me believe that it was about us. I let myself believe that we had a chance and I hurt Lois doing it.. "

"Oh," Lana inhaled sharply, not having realized there had been anything between Clark and Lois when she had come.. he had never hinted at it, though she supposed he wouldn't have.

"Over and over, Lana.. we played that game.. why?"

"What do you expect me to say?"

"Tell me why you're here now!.. Tell me that its not another game, I won't hurt Lois again!..I won't have you.. "

"Is that what you believe, that it was always games?"

"Yes!.. No!.. I don't know.. "He threw his hands up in frustration.

"I didn't plan on it, Clark," Calming herself, Lana added quietly, "You're right, I didn't come back for you.. but you weren't a game.. you were never a game! "

Clark's eyes held hers, the distance between them holding no meaning. She felt like she was pinned down. Each word said with such authority that he left no room for interpretation, it was all fact for him. "You took the suit.. you had that plan all along ..it wasn't to be equal with me, but to hurt Lex, which you accomplished.. but what hurts, Lana, was knowing that I was the after thought and you had lied again!"

Lana outwardly grimaced "We talked about this then.. " Sighing, she held up a finger when he opened his mouth, "Yes you're right! I lied.. I had another plan.. but when I saw you, it was harder than I thought it would be to see you and not feel something. Then I thought it couldn't hurt to be like you.. to help save the world" she snorted. "I was a fool.. is that what you wish to hear Clark? Because I know it!"

Clark continued to stare at her - he wasn't letting it go or giving her a single break and she was reminded again that he was not the same man she last saw.

"I didn't know you had started something with Lois. How was I suppose to know that?" She added, wanting him to know that at the very least, she hadn't plotted to ruin any ground he may have had with the woman he so obviously loved now.

"We didn't.. not really.. but letting you back in ruined it for a while.. " He shook his head, " I blame myself.. "

Lana threw her hands up, annoyed now. "Blame yourself for what?.. Okay Clark, are you blaming me for returning and not telling you the truth, or are you blaming yourself..? "

"Both.. I blame myself for not letting you go when I should have."

She couldn't hide the hurt from her voice " Letting me go..? What does that mean?"

His voice softened a little and he turned to look back out the window again. "When you went off with Lex..I should have let you go then.. I don't mean that I shouldn't have fought to save you from him.. but.." he hung his head, then looked back at her. "I fought for you and tried to keep you, but I shouldn't have."

Lana swallowed and wrapped her arms around herself; she never thought she'd ever hear this from him, and it hurt.

"So.. what? You regret us.."

"Yes.. in some ways yes!"It was spoken quietly but that didn't lesson the pain. Somewhere deep inside, she knew he had a right to feel that way. This was what she had wanted, to make things right. One way was to face mistakes.

"I should have let you go, Lana.. it doesn't mean that I didn't love you, because God knows I did..but it wasn't the right kind of love..and it just hurt us both and that's what I regret and I blame myself for dragging you deeper into that mess between Lex and me."

The words came out and surprised even her, "Don't! Lex..what happened between Lex and myself.. that was my fault."

"Was it? You always said it was my secret..that I couldn't be honest with you."

"Yeah.." she lifted her head, refusing to cry in front of him. Not only did she have some pride left, but she was tired of crying.. for anyone.. even for herself. "I hated the fact you had this secret, I did.." she turned away from him, " and yeah I ran to Lex, but I knew..I knew how you felt and I still .. You warned me enough times, you really did." She sighed and look at him again, "Not a day goes by where I don't regret that! Regret that I couldn't see it that I had to .."Words failed her.

Silence grew between them as they both looked out the windows. Each lost in their own thoughts, the tension began to ease.

Clark broke the silence, "Why are you here..?"

"I've no where else to be.. I want to help but I told Bruce it wouldn't be a good idea for me to stay."

Clark found he couldn't disagree with her. The sight of her brought back so much, a mixture of a painful love and hurt feelings, some for himself and others for Lois, and even some for Lana.

Truth was, he had never thought he'd see her again and had been alright with that. But during the years he had the time to think and in that time he had realized so much..learned to hate himself at times. He only felt forgiven when he looked into Lois' hazel eyes and she'd remind him that the past was the past.

"You shouldn't.. there isn't anything you can do.."

Lana turned to leave, knowing she had to walk near the edge of the far wall so as not to risk triggering a reaction in him. What could she possibly say to that anyway? She didn't blame him, but she wasn't going to beg. If Bruce wanted to have it at her, so be it. But she didn't have it in her to hurt Clark again. If leaving made it better, then that was what she would do.

His next words surprised her; he seemed to be full of them, surprises. "Thank you.."

"For what?"

"When I was sick, Emil says your presence..helped."

"I.. you're welcome."

She was almost to the door when he turned to look at her and again asked, "Why?"

She knew what he meant.. why couldn't he let it drop?

"I said I wanted to help.."

"Yes.. but why here.. why the treatments? "

Lana sighed, "Because it was killing me..because Bruce .." She found it hard to admit, "pulled me back from the brink"

Clark took her in for the first time and really noticed. She was a bit thinner then she should have been, her hair, while short, did not have the healthy shine it once had. He wondered about all that had happened to her. When she had first left, he had tried to keep track of her, just to know she was okay but eventually had given up. He had let her go the more Lois had taken his heart. He didn't regret that, but a small part of him felt bad for not trying harder to make sure she was okay.

"Brink? What was killing you?" He didn't mean for the questions to come out like an interrogation. At the expression on her face, he sighed and softened his tone, giving her a concerned look.

"Lana, what do you mean 'it' was killing you?"

Lana leaned back against the door frame, "I had far too much kryptonite in my system.. over the course of several years, I had tracked down meteor freaks, remaining bits of projects, governments or Lex's..anyone's. There was a price though for that much kryptonite.. my sanity. "There was more to it than that, but she felt unsure of what to say or even how to say it.

How did she say that she had become someone she hated, or how much she owed him and Lois? She never wanted him to know of the night it had all changed, afraid if he did that, he'd misunderstand or look on her with pity.

~ A night in 2010 ~

It all came down to two men.

One she was trying to desperately find and the other to avoid.

It took only a 25 minute meeting with Lex Luthor and the unfortunate soul not only found himself infected with kryptonite, but imprisoned and experimented on because of it. Then when everything fell apart Liam had been released back into the world. He headed home to the UK, continued on with life the best he could but over time he had gone mad and found everything he touched turned to ashes..quite literally.

Not only had Lana been searching for him, but meeting him had been accidental. She had never realized he had slipped through the cracks, but when she had seen him, his face, it had come back. She knew so much on Lex's projects, cleaned up huge chunks of his mess. Now she was doing it again.

Liam however suffered from paranoia and hadn't seen her as a friend; he had bolted before she could help him, absorb the kryptonite in his system. But now the living- breathing kryptonite version of death himself was walking the streets of Metropolis and Lana had to find him before he hurt anyone or ran into the other man.. the one she was avoiding.

She had spent most of the day trying to find him. She had found over time that she could 'feel' kryptonite and sense its presence. A handy skill, but one that came with repercussions she was still trying to deny. Truth was. when she absorbed. it she felt not only powerful but good; it had become like a drug and when she sensed it, it took every ounce of control she had to think things through. Meeting Liam had been no different. Not only had she recognized him but felt him and her instinct had been to immediately touch him, but that wasn't always the wisest course of action.

What got to her though was how he managed to slip by her; she had the advantage in both speed and strength yet he continued to allude. She often only found him by finding the damage his presence caused. She didn't want anyone else to suffer, especially not Liam.

When it was obvious that he was no longer in the vicinity, she began to move. It was night now and two things played against her - the man she wanted to avoid, needed to avoid, and the VRA movement. While Lana wasn't really worried about them she didn't want her presence to make things worse.

Then there he was, as she jumped over on to the top of the next building, far too fast for the average human eye to see but slow enough that she caught him out of the corner of her eye. At the sight of him she stopped cold, staring down and watching him.

But it wasn't just him..he was with her.

Clark and Lois.

Clark and Lois walking arm in arm, talking, smiling.

Knowing that your ex had moved on was one thing, but seeing it was another.

Lana instinctively started to back up after a moment, wanting to keep her distance from him. Hurting him was something she couldn't bear; the memory of their last moment together haunted her. Though now in this moment, he could literally be standing directly below her and she was still far away enough to not hurt him.

Despite her fear of hurting him and guilt for spying, she stayed watching the way they interacted. A small part of her hoping she'd see some sign that it wasn't working, but there was nothing. They stopped in front of a restaurant, their hands lingered. Lois moved away after a moment to post something on a street sign. While it was obvious the discussion was fairly serious, neither seemed upset. In the end, Lois stepped back flirtatiously to Clark and grabbed his arm again. Lana noted though, the way he looked at her and felt a pang.

Jealousy was a horrible feeling, made even worse when you don't want to feel it. When even entertaining, it makes you feel like scum. She wanted to be happy for him, even for Lois. But it was hard.

For the most part, she had gotten over him. It hadn't been easy to let him go, but the dream to find a higher purpose, to be a hero had pushed her, filled the hole that she knew she had ultimately made by her own choices.

Watching him with Lois caused an unexpected reaction that grew worse by the minute. They hadn't walked all that far before Clark had blurred off. His speed was incredible.. not just a little faster then hers, but far more so. She had barely seen the blur, to the average human, he simply would have just vanished.

For a moment she panicked, hoping he hadn't felt her presence but then it rained rose petals..

Her attention returned down to the street below where Lois stood by the phone booth, and then it happened. As if in slow motion, Lana watched the man she had loved and let go, the man she could never get it right with, ask someone else to be his wife. From her angle, she could see his profile.. the nervousness, the beaming smile he gave Lois as he placed the ring on her finger.

Inside, that slow burning reaction exploded - a mixture of happiness for him, because she honestly wanted him to be happy, but also a seething rage of jealousy and even hate. For a single span of a heartbeat, she felt a desire to hurt Lois and that was when Lana Lang's world changed.

They kissed in an embrace that spoke volumes of love and Lana seethed, putting so much pressure on the ledge of the building as she leaned, causing a part of it to crumble. She stepped back, closed her eyes, unable to watch another moment. Lois had everything she wanted.. Clark Kent. But another voice whispered in the back of her mind, "You will be known for more than your relationship with Clark.. the things you will go on to do.."

Imra had said those words, looked at her with admiration and in that moment several years ago, she had wanted to be the person Imra had spoken of. How could she be if she wanted to hurt Lois?

Lana suddenly felt very sick; when she reopened her eyes, she saw them still embraced, talking softly. It was obvious the rest of the world didn't exist and Lana didn't want to either. What had she become? A monster willing to steal and to kill? Because in that second, that eternal second, she had imagined speeding down there and ending the love she saw. What could be more horrific, more evil than to desire that?

For all her mistakes, for all her lies, she had never thought of herself that way. That title had been reserved for Lex and Lionel. Now she had it too. Unable to stay, to handle herself. Lana took off and ran..far away. Liam would have to wait for a day, because Lana Lang could not stay there and become the monster she had been avoiding for so long.

After that night, the descent into madness had spiraled out of control, but one thing had kept her from giving up - the epiphany of that night. When the delusions had started and the shakes from the kryptonite in her system raked her body, the repulsive idea of becoming a monster gave her enough strength to hold out.

Then Bruce had come..

He pushed and prodded, relentless in his tactics. Helping her to focus on what she wanted and what she really needed. In the process, she fell unexpectedly in love. The doctor Bruce brought into help her.. he had irritated her to no end when they first met, but over time, she found something she had missed with Clark - love that did not hurt.

The feelings between them were on hold however, because Lana had known she had to make what she could right and what had remained was Clark. Somethings couldn't be repaired, but the best way to mend what could be was to allow him to say what he needed too.

Forgiveness she didn't expect, not even friendship, but if some how he could have whatever peace he needed, then she could feel relief. Then maybe, what she felt for Philip would have a chance.

She had been trying to work up the courage to go to Clark in some way and give him that opportunity, but then this with the Soul splitter happened and Bruce had said it was now or never. He was right - she would have put it off indefinitely if she hadn't of stayed to help.

It annoyed her that Bruce always seemed to be right, reminded her a lot of Clark. If only she had of listened all those years ago. But "if only's" would not change what was and now she had to live with that. She would, she was a different person now.

"Sanity? " Concern was etched all over his face and she felt sick from it. She didn't want him to worry over her, to pity her. Even so, she had to tell him the rest.

"I .. became really ill. I made the wrong choices.. and Bruce found me, he pushed me. Now I have the treatments that not only work on reducing the levels of kryptonite in my system, but also the suits general affect on my perception. Lex didn't have a chance to test it, but long term use has a high price.."

Clark frowned, "What do you mean high price..Lana, what is going on?"

Swallowing. Lana turned for the door, giving Clark one last look. "A sort of schizophrenia.. not the real disorder but.." she shrugged. " I'll be fine Clark.. I've got Bruce.." And Philip she thought.

After she left, Clark stared at the space she occupied for several minutes, unsure of how to feel. Even in moments of anger with Lana, even when he had felt betrayed and hurt, he had never wished that on her.

Sighing, he turned back to look out the window. Fighting the urge to blame himself.. her words echoing in his head..Yeah, I ran to Lex but I knew..I knew how you felt and I still .. You warned me enough times, you really did' .

"Maybe Lana.. but he didn't help.. if only he had really loved you. "

~ ღ The next day ღ ~

"Chloe, you do realize what you're asking? The risk for Clark - we don't even know how it would affect him!"Lana was clearly not happy.

Chloe hadn't been surprised at the reactions she was getting after revealing her idea. It was to say, at the least risky, but more then that, it held a huge unknown variable. How would it affect Clark? Could he fight under that condition?

They stood in the library, with a large screen set up so that Tess, Dinah, and some of the other JLA could be involved. Oliver, herself, Lana, Clark, Bruce, Ronnie, Emil and John sat or stood at a table in the center of the room that allowed them to look through the evidence of the creepers activities and possible whereabouts.

Emil and Oliver had been the only two privy to her idea that had begun several days ago, although she had told Oliver the general outline only that morning. His reaction had been pretty similar to Lana's. Bruce looked to be thinking the same thing, even though he had not known them the last time Clark had been through what she was suggesting.

Was she crazy? Probably. It seemed wrong to suggest that her best friend be 'high' when fighting the Soul Splitter. But with Emil's help, they had been able to gather a pretty good idea that the only way to truly disconnect Clark and give him leverage was to give him a kryptonite cocktail.

It was the variables that put the concerned and questioning looks on the faces around her. The only one who didn't seemed so worried was Clark, and he was the one she had expected the biggest reaction out of. Instead, he sat, as far from Lana as he could, quiet and stoic.

A small part of Chloe wondered if he even had been listening. It wouldn't have surprised her if his thoughts had been elsewhere. When it came to Clark's heart, Lois was number one and Chloe could not blame him; if it had been Oliver in Lois' condition, she knew she'd be the same. But at that moment, she needed him in the game - to give his all, for his sake and Lois'.

"I thought exposure to...what is it?...red kryptonite? Brought out a more..."Bruce seemed unsure how to put it.

Clark finished for him, "Primal version of myself.. aggression, no inhibitions, to name a few of my reactions." His tone though held no feeling, didn't reveal at all how he personally felt about the topic.

"What else are you suggesting be in this Red K cocktail?" This came from Tess, who had such a sour expression, one would have thought she had inhaled a lemon.

Emil spoke up, "Over the years, we have found that certain chemicals...are capable of enhancing or diluting the effects of kryptonite, specifically Red K."

Oliver finally spoke up, " Why...why mess with it?" He knew about the cocktail, but hadn't gotten from Chloe why.

"Because it helps us to understand how it works, which gives us a chance to help Clark, Connor or Kara to defend themselves if it should ever arise."

Emil continued explaining what Clark and Chloe already knew. "Red K affects a number of physiological systems; its very similar to having both steroids and alcohol in ones system. Inhibitions, as Clark said, are stripped, and aggression is increased...reasoning is also affected. "

Holding a up a hand, Bruce shook his head "Tell me why we would want to do this?" He glanced at Clark. "No offense, but why would we want to have a drunk, steroid-high, abusing Superman fight against a creature that, if I understand things correctly," he now nodded in John Jones direction, "could feed off Clark's emotions. Wouldn't a Red K influenced Clark's feelings towards Lois or Lex be enhanced? Would that not just make him a bigger meal ticket?"

A grin spread across Chloes face, the sort that said there was something more to what she suggested. "Exactly." She looked around at the others' faces. "The plan is multi fold. We bring the creeper to the point where we can actually fight it. Since we can't find it...I am pretty sure this will bring it out, not to mention the most important part..." She looked to Clark now.

"We over dose it on Clark...we know its sensitive to green K, but we" she nodded to Emil, "...are certain that red K will cause a similar effect in it as it does to Clark. It feeds off emotions, and primal responses are part of that. A revved up Kryptonian, who wants it gone is bound to cause a reaction."

Chloe then looked to John, wanting to know what he thought.

John nodded, "I do find this plan worth merit, Chloe. However, over-dosing it does have risks, such as it becoming too powerful for us to control. I've seen the destruction it can cause, the body count could be quite high."

"It could be endless," Clark spoke up softly; he was looking down, unable to see the various reactions to his comment.

When it was obvious he had nothing more to say, Oliver cleared his throat and added. "You said 'we fight', meaning not just Clark. How?"

"Green Kryptonite."

"But that puts Clark at risk," Tess commented.

They all glanced at Clark again. He was now looking at them, but he made no reaction. A tension filled the room. No one was sure what to think on their leader's seeming indifference to his own fate being discussed.

Chloe took a deep breath before continuing. "Yes, it does, but it's all we have. With us all in this battle, we can force the Soul splitter into a lesser state and then banish it the phantom zone or..."

"Kill it," Bruce nodded. "We'll need to draw up a plan of attack. How we will do this without killing Clark?"

Eyes again rested on Clark. He stood, feeling tired, but not showing it. "Do so for now. I need to think."

Then he was gone out the door.

~ ღ ~

Clark knew his refrained reaction to Chloe's plan had them all concerned; he also knew he should have told them of his dream. The thing was, he didn't want to cause undue stress when they were all on edge as it was.

As the last two days had gone by, he had sorted the dream in his head. While he wasn't sure what the baby meant, he knew that the dream warned of death. He also knew it was his death that was the catalyst...if he failed to make it, failed to protect them, the world would fall.

He picked up Lois' hand as he sat next to the bed, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. Finding relief in her warmth and the softness of her skin. Sometimes, he was unable to comprehend how he had ever handled this life without her, how it had taken so long to seeher.

As first the Blur and then Superman, he had to appear and be strong all the time. Lois, however, gave him the chance to be vulnerable to express his weakness as just a man. She helped him work through his moments of darkness, encouraged, made him feel normal and alive.

When he failed to make it in time and save lives, when things didn't go as planned, Lois Lane-Kent would drag him out of his self induced remorse with her smile, her kind and loving hazel eyes. The woman who thought she couldn't handle 'sad' or find comforting words was perfect for him; sometimes it was the snarky comments and her awkward pauses that did him the most good.

"Lois, I am not sure whether to do this. Do I wake you? Do I risk this all on red kryptonite?"]He didn't expect a response, but he looked at her wishing she was there to say something. She had a way with helping him to organize his thoughts and come to a decision. She didn't pressure, didn't tell him what to do; often, she just reminded him of what he knew, forcing him to deal when he wanted to hide.

I know if I don't,I could lose you and condemn this world. I dreamt, Lois -a world consumed...there was nothing. Empty streets and you were..." He shook his head, putting her hand to his mouth. Thinking.

He knew what his decision would ultimately be. There was no other option than what Chloe had suggested. They had to force the creeper into this position. He knew he wasn't alone either, the others would be there...the plan was set, just waiting for him to say 'go'.

He knew if something happened to him and she slept through it, it would break her. But also to risk her being claimed or have her aware if he failed was something he wasn't sure he could handle.

Lois please!Tell me! " He whispered against her hand.

~ღ The Next morning ღ~

Rise and shine, ladies!" The guard of the Kansas state prison loudly intoned down the prison hall, before switching the lights completely on and walking down the hall to make sure every one was stirring.

First half dozen cells he saw stirring - movement, men already standing. Then he found the first of the reluctant risers.

Wake Jones...get a move on..."

The man didn't move, so he tapped the bars with his nightstick "Hey!"

Still no movement.

Marcus..."

Turning from Jone's cell, Marcus followed over to where another guard stood. Another prisoner laying in bed, unmoving.

Frowning, Marcus signaled for the cells doors to be opened. "Denton,"he called out, getting an unpleasant feeling before he pulled the covers back; there was a bad smell in the cell, like excrement and blood.

There was an intake of breath not only from the guards, but any prisoner who was able to see from their cells. Denton was dead, his face contoured as if he had died screaming, his skin shriveled and ashen.

In the matter of twenty minutes, the prison found over 5 men dead, all in the same state. Each body, upon removal from their cells, crumbled apart.

Outside, it slept...momentarily satisfied, changing and still hungry for more.

~ ღ/ღ ~

Feedback is definitely cookies on this chapter..so feed me..tell me what you think on this chapter.

Next one will be one of a two parter..

Chapter 11: Facing off in Red (part 1)..coming soon!