Hopefully enjoyable and will leave wanting more. The first scene is a bit risky but I promise to sensitive readers its not explicit and its important. Hope its enjoyed..I really kind of ended up hating this chapter as I kept getting stuck. But I am excited for future ones i've planned and this one sets up quite a bit for them.
Comments are cookies and I am hungry.
~ ~ Chapter Eleven: Preparing in Red ~ ~
~ 4 and half months before present: Kent Farm ~
"You owe me."He half growled.
Lois didn't even bother trying to contain her grin. Instead, she slipped a finger under the strap on her shoulder, running it up an down slowly, while maintaining the intense eye contact between them.
"Maybe I do. Hmm,you better make me pay up then."
Clark gave a deep sigh and shut the bedroom door slowly, taking off his tie and tossing it aside as he made his way towards her, forcing her to back up till the wall was behind her.
"I definitely intend to." His voice had gone husky, sending a shiver down her spine, straight to her toes. She knew he knew it too. He followed it up by taking a small step back and feasting on her with his eyes, which had gone dark with lust. " You're such a tease, Miss Lane"
Trying to resist the blush, Lois tilted her head, eyes flickering to his lips, "Hmmm...maybe I am, Mr. Kent. Is this a problem?"
"No." His hand went for the strap she had only moments ago been playing with, slid one of his own fingers down from her shoulder to her breast. "But it only means you owe me..." His eyes roamed back up to her face, "... double."
"Do I ?"
He scowled at her response, before crashing his lips onto hers. The kiss was like war, each competing to be in control, nipping and teasing. When they broke apart, Lois cleared her throat as her hand slid down to his crotch. "For someone who is determined to make me pay up, you have an awful lot of clothes on".She raised an eyebrow slightly.
Not quite willing to let her have the upper hand yet, he stepped back from her teasing touch and pushed her back roughly against the wall. Then in the blink of an eye, he had stripped off his clothes, standing before her in what she felt was all his masculine glory.
"Better?"He asked, his voice deep and filled with the same desire for her his eyes had.
"Show off." She threw back, taking her turn to look him over.
"You talk too much." Clark retaliated, invading the last of her personal space.
Lois' eyes went wide; she opened her mouth to say something, then shut it. The smirk he wore made heat rise in more ways then one. She had to wipe it off so she kissed him.
The kiss between them grew in passion and heat, the day's lust and desire finally able to be released. Her teasing little number was stripped off and she wrapped her legs around him as he lifted her up, their bodies becoming completely intertwined against the bedroom wall.
The pace between them climbed in intensity as a fire winded it ways through them. Clark pulled back from devouring her mouth to watch her face as they moved. Wrapping one hand in her hair, he managed in a thick voice, "Lois."He had a need to see the pleasure he caused in the eyes of the woman he loved. She moaned, but opened them - they locked eyes and smiled. Lois fought the urge to close them as she was lost in the sensations Clark was causing.
It was in that moment though, something changed. A pain deep inside, though not of muscle and bone, rose in her and she groaned. Clark responded with his own pain filled grunt. Their bodies had stopped rocking, breathing became hard for them both, Lois pushed at his chest in reaction to the pain while watching him grimace.
An eerie violet light filled the room from the bedroom window, Clark grabbed his head in a half yell and hit the floor causing Lois to fall as their bodies separated.
Clark rolled on to his back, still holding his head. Lois crawled towards him, her body shook from the agony inside her. Clinging to him, they rode out the wave of pain together as it finally dissipated, leaving them gasping.
"Clark, you okay? Clark!" He nodded, his eyes on the violet coloured sky out the window. Getting on his knees he pulled her close, still watching the sky. Whatever had caused the colour change was gone, but he had a deep sense of foreboding.
Once he heard her heart relax a little did he pull back to cup her face, "Lois, get dressed. I'm taking you to visit Chloe. I have to find out what that was, but I want you safe and away from here."
Lois didn't argue, a little scared at whatever it was that just occurred and slightly miffed that they had been interrupted. Mostly she was worried for him - there was an expression in his eyes that concerned her.
"Clark," she grabbed some of her clothes, "what exactly are you going to do?"
He now stood by the window. There was a low sound, something Lois obviously couldn't hear, but it disturbed him. Were they just attacked? The sensation he was being watched didn't help either, but he couldn't see anyone out there.
He was being watched, two figures stood below looking up at the window. One with brown hair cascading down in waves, watched him stand at the window, relieved once more that she could not be seen.
"I'll get you back, Clark!" She sprinted for the barn with the other beside her.
Lois handed Clark his clothes and suit. "Clark..."she said again.
He looked over at her and brought her into a hug again, "I'll talk to watchtower..."he didn't finish, but kissed her forehead and moved away. Lois knew it wasn't a good time to push him on what he was intending.
She watched him get dressed. The fact he took the time to do so at a 'human' pace only increased her anxiety. When he looked up and their eyes met, he seemed to sense her unease.
"Lois, its fine."
"Is it? Then why didn't you just..." She twirled a finger, "Clark, what aren't you telling me?"
"Nothing, Lois, just.. a feeling."His eyes tracked to the sky that was now back to its original nighttime colour.
"What kind of feeling?"She took a step towards him, placing a hand on his chest.
"Something's coming, Lois." Clark looked down at her and pulled her close, "I can feel it."
~ Present ~
Bruce felt anxious, which both disturbed and annoyed him.
He didn't like the way Clark stood still in the middle of the warehouse. From his angle, he could tell his eyes were closed, but the muscle tension was obvious. He wasn't relaxed, more like a tightly wound coil about to spring.
Feeling the capsule with Kryptonite in his hand, he continued to watch - both wanting to get this over with, but apprehensive of all the ways it could go wrong.
The look in Clark's eyes after they had given him the cocktail had seared itself in his mind. Reminding him, that if Clark wasn't playing for their side, how very dangerous Superman could be.
Oliver stood up on the railing on the other side from Bruce. He glanced at him and couldn't help the eye roll at the bat suit. But like the Bat, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trouble at the body language of his friend.
He touched the arrows on his back and felt them, reconfirming what he knew - the amount, type and then touched the piece of kryptonite on him. This had to work, it just had to. He had promised her it would and even more himself, he wanted this to. He owed Clark one and with the words "everyone dead because of me, because I died first"it made him scared. As much as he'd like to ignore the 'alien' side, he couldn't - knew he shouldn't. Ignoring the dream was just as foolish as giving it to much lead, but how did one find a medium?
Clark clenched his fist, fought the urge to move – instead, he waited. He could feel it now, more then he had before. The creeper had latched on to his soul like a parasite and it was time to remove it. He wasn't fooled that this would not be painful, but he could handle that. He could handle anything, as long as she was there waiting...as long as he could free her, protect her.
His blood felt on fire, not in the way that green k burned and boiled him from the inside out. This was similar to the way red k always worked, but more intense. The feeling of freedom, like a heady drug, it made his nerves tingle, his senses felt so much more alive like he literally opened up to everything. Only he wasn't, but the sensation always took over and it was impossible to think past it. His world was tinted in red and the worst part of it was the pleasure factor. Oh, he could feel anger, hate, even feel more inclined to kill or hurt, but the general feeling red k caused was addictive.
This time, unlike the other times, he had something playing on his side. Friends to watch his back, his lover and best friend as a reminder of all that he was fighting for, and a maturity to look back past the addiction, the red view that coloured his vision and thought. But in that thought, he knew if he was to get the Soul Splitter to them and end this, he'd have to indulge in the emotional torrent of red k, bask in feelings it caused. IT was a risk...one he felt worth taking.
It was in these thoughts and in the feelings of love and lust for his wife, hate for the creeper for everything it had done that he felt 'it' stir. He knew it was coming even before the air 20 feet above the warehouse floor crackled with lightening.
All pairs of eyes focused on that spot, waiting, tense.
~ Day before present, very early morning ~
David ran, hitting the door at the end of the hall.
He hated how eerily quiet it was, it was never this quiet normally. Swallowing, he forced himself to turn and look. The hall light flickered rapidly, adding to his sense of paranoia. He knew it was there.
The day before, other inmates of the penitentiary had been found dead, but that night and continuing on into the morning, death had continued to crawl through the prison.
No one was exempt.
One by one through the night, they fell - silently in their sleep, guards at their posts. By the time anyone had a chance to react, they were the next to go. More then half the prison had fallen to death before the screams had started. Death itself was no longer shy and stood seen, it had even spoken. Announcing to them all that they were what it needed and it was time.
It was only a matter of time before he'd be next. But if he was going to die, he didn't want to go that way - screaming in agony, shredded to pieces till all that was left was a disintegrating husk. He had no idea if anyone had managed to escape, not that it mattered - he was going to try.
There was nothing in the hall, so moving back, he rushed for the door that needed a key card so he could pass. Fumbling, he fished the one he had taken from what had remained of a guard and slid it through.
Come on!
The door finally opened and he burst through, racing for the next.
But it was too late - it had felt him and his fear.
David barely got out a scream as the air around him crackled and a soul wrenching pain filled him.
~ Day before Present - Wayne Manor, noon ~
The sun was at its hottest point, providing necessary warmth for the October day, though Clark himself didn't feel the chill of the wind or the actual heat from the sun. However, his body was loving the sun bathing. It was a strange activity for him to be doing at all. It would have been more than physically enjoyable if he didn't have the mental guilt to contend with.
People were dying, a world was at risk, while he languished in the sun. It went against the grain and he found himself analyzing the situation they were all in from every angle he could, trying to see if there was anything they missed.
"You know," Oliver's voice came from behind him suddenly, "when Chloe told me you were sunbathing, I didn't actually expect to find you like this."
"I wasn't expecting company."Clark half growled back as he grabbed his robe. Atleast, he had kept his boxers on, but he wanted to soak up as much sun as he could. Though he wasn't sure what Oliver's deal was, Clark had seen him shirtless enough times he'd lost count.
Oliver's straight face lit up in a sudden grin, " Obviously, or you would have locked the door." He nodded to the balcony's patio glass doors. "Though, being as the curtains are left open, it wouldn't have done you much good."
Clark rolled his eyes and sat down. He should have known it was just a joke to his friend. He knew his mood wasn't currently the best and that the others didn't need him snapping at them.
"Well, I didn't come to admire you, but to show you the locations we've found." Oliver held up a folder, growing serious, then sat down on the bench.
Clark nodded and sat down beside him, taking the folder and flicking through the photo's. Not really seeing them so much as musing on how Bruce and Oliver had managed to get along long enough to do this. For all their similarities, they were so very different, that usually he refrained from putting the two of them together on a project. This time, he needed them...and they came through.
"Thought you could do with the distraction," Oliver glanced down at the lounger Clark had been laying on. "I know if I were you, I'd be going stir crazy"
"Yeah, its something like that."Clark responded with a snort, taking out a particular location shot.
"That," Oliver tapped the photo, "is probably the best place we could find. 15 miles out from Metropolis, boonies, old warehouses etc. Secluded enough to keep the public from interfering, or at least give us time before they gather to watch. Not to mention, it gives us decent maneuverability."
"Yes, I know the area, have made a few saves a year back at the time when they were renovating the power plant."
Oliver pulled a face, remembering all the difficulties the heroes had faced during that time. The repercussions of Apokolips, Darkseid's red world ending planet, impending collision with earth were still felt and natural disasters continued at an all time high.
It was obvious that such thoughts weren't far from Clark's mind, Oliver was pretty sure he heard him literally grind his teeth.
"Chloe made sure to get your suit freshened up. You must have crawled through some sewage because it really reeked."He knew it was an obvious change in subject. It wasn't as if they wouldn't go back to the planning, but the jaw clenching of Clark's had him worried. Could a weak Kryptonian have high blood pressure, develop a coronary? He figured it was best to let Clark bring it back up.
As if relieved to be momentarily diverted, Clark tipped his head forward and gave a dramatic sigh, "I don't remember, though I do remember the tights itching." He looked back up thoughtful, "I've a new appreciation for what Lois had dealt with."
Oliver laughed, " I don't know how you deal with it at all! I thought the leather chaffed, but the idea of those..."he shuddered.
"It has never been the most comfortable."
"I didn't actually think you could feel.. .you know... that sort of irritation." Not wanting to directly imply what they both knew he meant.
The two men exchanged looks, "Don't tell anyone, but yeah...I do." Clark admitted then grumbled, " I really hate costumes." And he did, the only reason he really wore it other then the symbolic factor was well, Lois. He knew it completely turned her on. So when it irritated and he felt self conscious to the point of wanting to go back to his old jeans and red jacket, a thought that crossed his mind but he never really entertained, one look at her and her admiring eyes and he knew he never could.
Still, it didn't make him love the suit. Yes he loved how his mother had made it, how the spirit of Jonathan had handed it to him, that he had finally got Jor-El's approval, and even how the public viewed it. But the suit was...there wasn't words for what it was.
"Well, I admire your fortitude, Clark. Man of Steel doesn't cover it."
Clark glanced over at him to see if Oliver was serious or joking, the deadpanned expression on the other man's face as he looked ahead indicated he wasn't messing around.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
"Tess still on you about your 'tights'?"
"Oh Man! That woman is worse than a propaganda committee. And Chloe...she just jumps on the bandwagon."
"I thought Chloe liked the whole green getup."
"She does, but when Tess starts cracking on the tights..."
"They're not tights...not strictly speaking."
Oliver glanced at him, before shaking his head and turning back, "This is what I keep saying.."
"They just don't get it."
Snorting, Oliver felt thankful atleast one person got it. They sat in silence for a while longer, Clark with his eyes closed soaking in more sun, both lost in thought.
Oliver shifted, having gone tense with unease. Clark could sense it, having become accustomed to recognizing uncomfortable silences. He turned and looked at him, waiting.
"I know after everything that I am hardly one to talk, but are you sure you want to do this...keep her under?"
Clark frowned, stood and walked over to lean on the balcony, taking in the beauty of the Wayne Manor grounds.
"I've made a decision...I realized that I have to give her a choice."
Oliver joined him, staring at his friend, wondering what was going through Clark's head. He had long ago realized that though he knew Clark, that he was a good man, that ever the boyscout, he was also far above him.
Even when he had been the 'boy' who hadn't wanted to step out of the shadows, Clark had always been in another league entirely when it came to being a hero. It had disturbed Oliver to watch and know that he could never be that sort of man that Clark was and had become. Now though, it didn't so much as bother him; he had found his place, made his bed – more than once, and had come to accept that.
But knowing Clark was a good man and a hero, did not enlighten him to what was going on in his head. The more he embraced his destiny as Superman, the less Oliver understood how Clark thought. He wanted to think it was the whole Kryptonian thing, but wasn't sure anymore. Perhaps it was just simply that Clark was now comfortable in his own skin.
Clark was the one that bound the heroes of the JLA together - his opinions, thoughts meant more to any of the others. Oliver knew that it had always been fated to go that way. He had pulled some of them together, but it was Clark that was the binding, the glue that kept them as a unit.
A family that continued to grow, a family currently suffering.
"A choice...how? Once she wakes up, the whole game plan changes."
"Yes, I know. Oliver, I need you to do me a favor."
"Oh?"
"I'm going to see Jor-El and I want her to be woken, allowed to decide. But I need her, Oliver,to understand. I can't see her till she makes it, I can't look in her eyes and do this if it will make her feel obligated to stay awake and risk herself." A visible tremor passed over him; he pushed away from the balcony to lean into a wall instead, his voice pleading, "I need you to make sure she understands that..."
"Lois doesn't listen well to anyone, but you, Clark..."
"I know.. .call it your project." He looked at the reflection of the sun in the glass doors, wishing there was a better way to absorb its strength and give it both to himself and Lois. He turned to face his friend again, resting his back against the wall, "You know her well enough to know how to help her. I can't. If I go in and talk to her myself,it will be unfair to us both. She'll make the decision to stay awake without regard for herself. I need you to find a way to appeal to that side of her that will think about it. I want whatever she decides to be, what's best for her, not for me. "
Oliver came to stand next to him, "Clark, Lois will do anything for you. I don't see how I am gonna change that."
Closing his eyes, Clark gave a deep sigh before turning to look at his friend, "Find a way."
"Its more than just this,isn't it?"Oliver looked into his eyes and saw something he hadn't noticed before, something that alarmed him, "You're not expecting to make it, are you?"Now he understood why he was saying this to him and not Chloe.
"I don't know. It was a dream. I keep telling myself it was just a dream."
"What was?"
"I dreamt it was all gone, everyone dead because of me, because I died first. I can't shake it. It replays in my head over and over. "
"Clark, because of...I can't pretend to understand how that feels or how it works, but you are not alone. I know Chloe's plan has a lot of 'what if's' but we have your back."
"I know."
Oliver waited quietly as he could see the cogs working in his head.
"I also know that even if I make it, something is going to happen. I can't explain it, but that dream...there is something I'm missing."
"Hey, lets focus on one thing at a time. There is enough irons in the fire without fanning the flame. Okay?"It was strange to be the one pointing this out - usually it was the other way around.
Once again with a clenched jaw, he gave Oliver a brief nod before moving for the balcony doors. "You're right, let Ronnie and John know I'm ready for Lois to wake up."He was through with delays.
With hands in his pockets and a weary heart, Oliver watched him go, wondering how exactly he was to convince a woman who acted on her heart to step back and think and even consider the idea of not being there for the man she loved. Lois, he knew, was more afraid of living without Clark then suffering for him.
"Right, Clark. Just give me mission impossible, why don't you."
One moment she had heard Chloe's voice, reassuring her, then John and Ronnie had been in her head, which was a strange experience. There had been dreams and shadows that blurred away, leaving her in a place where nothing existed. Almost nothing, though she did not dream or experience the darkness, she could sense him. Sometimes hear his voice - it was the only thing that gave the perception of time. While she was never sure of his words, the simple sound of Clark's comforting tones gave her a sense of ease.
The next thing she was truly aware of, was her name being called - consciousness bled back in bringing with it light, sound and confusion, worst of all pain. The saying 'reality bites' never felt more true as it did in that moment.
"Lois...its okay, Lois. You're safe. I promise you, you're safe."
Ronnie repeated soothingly, knowing the woman wasn't fully conscious and reacting to the sudden stimuli. Lois' arms flung out, she tried to roll but neither action had any real punch to it. Ronnie evaded them easily and held her down gently, again repeating her name.
John put his hand back on Lois' forehead, "Lois, wake and know you are amoung friends."
This time, Lois calmed and her eyes fluttered open, but her thoughts went straight for her husband rather then why she was being woken, "Clark! Is Clark okay?"She frowned at how hoarse she sounded and the fact she couldn't quite get her body to respond the way she wanted - it felt like she had a great weight pressing her down.
Ronnie took her hands and got her attention, "Lois, he's fine, and please relax. Don't push it too hard, give it a few minutes."
Lois nodded, then groaned as the pressure on her shifted to feel like all her nerves were on fire,"I hurt..."
"I know,"Ronnie caught her eyes and felt the pain, pushing it back. It amazed her how strong Lois was - her body and mind continually battered and she fought with everything she had.
With the pain reduced, Lois pushed for the answer she needed, "Where is Clark? Is it gone?"Afraid she knew the answer.
John shook his head, "No, Lois. Clark is preparing to fight it, he asked that you be woken up"
Lois frowned and managed to sit up. "What's going on?"
Oliver opened the door and came in, "I can answer that."
John and Ronnie exchanged glances with him, which did not go unnoticed by Lois, and then left to wait outside the door.
Lois watched Oliver warily, not liking the vibe she was getting, "What the hell is going on? Why isn't Clark here?"Despite how hoarse she sounded, her tone rang like steel.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Oliver took a deep breath and looked at her, taking a moment before responding, "Lois..."
He had thought he knew how to begin, but the look on her face made him unsure. Lois had a way of intimidating with the simple, blunt, honesty of her expressions. She didn't even have to say a word at times. Maybe it was because he had continued to love her on some level, the fact she was family, that he found it hard to do this. For a split second, he cursed Clark for putting him in this position - he had a feeling he was going to get the brunt of her unhappiness.
"Yes, Ollie?" The way she said 'Ollie' was another warning - tread carefully.
He stood and rocked on his feet and than clasped his hands, "Lois, Clark wanted you to be woken."
"Okay. I got that. What else?"
"You have a choice."
"A choice?"
"Yes."
She was so not going to like the plan, he knew it. Maybe he should have gone for the Chloe approach - the cousin thing might have helped. " We have a plan to deal with the creeper and Clark felt you should decide your part in it."
"Uh huh. Spit it out Oliver."
Like a band-aid. Rip it off quickly or in this case, say it bluntly.
So he did. He told her everything about the plan, the varying opinions, the risks and why they thought it would work. Lois listened quietly, not saying a thing which made him nervous. If she had interrupted and even yelled at him, he would have felt better.
As he talked, she alternated between staring at him with her lips pressed and looking down at her hands. When he was finished, she continued to analyze her fingers, killing him with her silence.
"Lois?"
"Yes."
"Say something, please!"
She looked up at him, "I get it. I really do, and maybe this is the best option. Yet..."
"Yet? What is it?"
"I'm still so surprised."
Her voice unable to get above much more then a whisper cracked a bit with emotion. "If it doesn't work...do you realize..."
She couldn't even form the words from the feelings rolling through her, the memories playing in her head. Memories of Connor, along with everything Clark had ever told her about his experiences, about what they did, her and him, together.
Like Oliver, she would have preferred to rant, rave, but it wasn't currently an option.
"If it doesn't work, we could end up with..." She put her head in her hands.
"Lois, what other choice do we have?" He asked calmly, feeling rotten.
"I know." She looked back up, "Where is Clark?"
"Out, I think, talking to Jor-El. Lois, he wants you to decide before he see's you."
"The coward!"
Lois suddenly spat.
"Hey! Be fair! He didn't want you making the decision based on him."
Lois pulled herself out of the bed, struggling to stand on her feet. When Oliver went to help, she pushed his hands away - glaring daggers at him.
"What other choice is there? Of course I'm gonna be at his side."
"That's what he was afraid of, that you wouldn't even consider what it might do to you."
Oliver knew he sucked at this mission - not only was he failing to get her to see, but he also had blurted it all out. Clark was going to kill him.
Lois' face softened a little, but she pointed her finger at him, "Yeah, Mr. Overprotective, who honestly thinks I would even consider not being there for him. He's crazy!"
"Yeah, crazy for you, Lois. He wants you to consider it, consider what it means either way. To put yourself first."
"I can't do that! He knows it..."
"Why? Don't you think it would kill him if you were hurt because you 'stood' by his side?"
This time, her voice managed to hit the point of yelling, "DON'T you think I'd die if anything happened to him and I wasn't there!"
Oliver started to open his mouth, but she cut him off. "No, Oliver. I can't do it. I'd go through hell and back before I'd ever want him to be in that place. I will not sleep while he fights for us, not when it's obvious he needs me. Yes, before I thought sleeping would help him fight, but not if he is on some trippy red k power drink. No, I can't do that!"
Lois leaned against the wall, energy spent from the outburst. Oliver took a deep breath, "Fine. I told him you wouldn't..."
"Yeah, he knows it too."
"Just do me a favor, Lois."
She arched a brow at him.
"Say I had put up a good argument against you."
Lois laughed and came to sit on the bed next to him. "Ollie, you did. But I'm Lois Lane."
Chuckling, Oliver nodded, "Yes you are."
Lois sighed and laid her head on his shoulder, "Don't tell him, but I am so scared - not for me, but for him."
He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head, "I won't."
Lois' next words almost escaped him, but sent a fear straight to his core, "I think I dreamt he died."
"Lois, I promise you, I"ll watch his back. He's not on his own."
The landing wasn't as smooth as it should have been as he caused bits of ice to fly up when his feet hit the ground. It also jarred, causing a pain to rush through his body, a reminder that he wasn't one hundred percent, but he had to go forward despite it.
"Father, I am preparing to face the Soul Splitter. I have come for your guidance."
"Kal-El, my son. I have given you what you need."
Clark was not surprised by this response - he had prepared for it. "I've come with a specific question. I need to know how to send it to the Phantom Zone, but leave it powerless."
"You wish to know how it was stripped before? The technology to do so does not exist here, nor is it within my ability."
Clark felt a deep sense of frustration, but gave no outward reaction. To his surprise, Jor-El continued, "However, there is an alternative."
"I am sure you are aware, Kal-El, that you will need to completely break its connection with you before it can be sent away. There is no guarantee that this other option will work."
"Please Jor-El..." Clark found he had very little patience which he knew would only make this conversation harder if he pushed too hard because of it.
The tone of the AI, as it began to speak, was familiar to Clark as an instructive one, "The Phantom Zone prison, as you know, it was not the only such prison built. There was an additional zone, one that was prepared but never used."
"Why?" Clark frowned, it was the first he had ever heard of this. "This was not mentioned before. Why was it never used?"
"It was not needed." The voice responded as if it was plain as day. Clark fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"When the Phantom Zone was first constructed, it was uncertain if the original design for its expansive nature could be accommodated. However, it was a success, so the additional zone was then never touched. The information needed to access it though, is not lost."
"Is this zone exactly like the other?"
"Yes, my son, down to every detail." Clark knew what he meant - this included a backdoor for the house of El.
"Kal-El, while I can not help strip it of its power, I can advise you on how best to deal with it. Getting it into the Zone will not be easy. You must be prepared."
It was at that moment Clark felt like there was a real chance this could work. So he told Jor-El the details of their plan and in return, he was given what might tip the odds and prevent the future he saw in his dream.
~ Evening before present ~
Lois sensed his presence before he could say anything, "About time, Smallville."
"Wouldn't be me if I wasn't fashionably late." He replied, bringing up the running joke between them.
She turned and smiled, taking him all in. Dressed in his Superman suit, looking better than she had last seen him. "Excuse me, but aren't I suppose to be the one fashionably late?"
"I think," Clark closed the gap between them, reaching up to touch her hair, then the side of her face, "together we've cornered the market on it."
Lois gave a soft laugh, "You still owe me." Implying it in more than one way.
"I know," he said softly, his eyes drinking her up. Then he pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. How he had missed this, to hold her and be held.
They stayed wrapped in each other's embrace for several minutes, until the thoughts weighing heavy on Clark broke the peace he felt.
He pulled away, his hand staying lightly at the side of her face, wrapped in her hair. "Lois, are you sure this is what you want?"
Lois sighed, "I can't believe you'd ask that. Where else would I be, but at your side? Clark, you are not alone in this, you can't be, you won't ever be."
It meant something that his friends were insisting that he wasn't alone, that they had his back, but hearing it again from her was balm to his achey soul.
"I know. It's just...Lois, the idea of you suffering anymore because of me..."
Lois snorted and put her hand to his face, "Sorry, Smallville, but you do remember those words we said about being their for each other. Now, they were our words, rather than "for better or worse" but I know I implied it just the same. If you are hurt, I suffer, if you are sad, I am sad, just as when you are happy, I am too. You are a part of me, remember? And as Oliver and the Justice League will help you, I will have John and Ronnie, okay?"
He swallowed and nodded, before claiming a kiss, which she hungrily returned.
Once they were momentarily satisfied, Lois went into military mode, hands on hips, asking, "So, Superman, where do you want me?"
The words came out before he could stop them, not that it was necessarily a bad thing. "I don't think we have time for that, Lois?" He arched a brow, teasingly.
"Funny! Glad to see that has returned, bad timing though, hold the gutter thoughts, Smallville." She repaid the arched brow with one of her own and added a slight lift of the side of her mouth.
"Lois, I can't." The moment for humour passed. He'd never be comfortable with her being involved in any of this, despite how much he knew he needed her.
Interrupting, Lois shook her head, her face growing serious as she did, "Clark, don't, please. Now seriously. Metropolis? Here? Where do you want me to be when you deal with..."
Clark held up his hand, having already decided, "As much as I want you as far away from it all as possible, I think Metropolis would be a good idea. If I succeed, there is still a chance I won't at controlling myself after the events...you'll be needed."
She nodded and tilted her head, seeing as she often did straight into his soul, "I know it has got to be scary, Clark, but you are not a teenager any more. Nor are you in a place where you are so easily tempted."
Placing a hand on his chest, she continued watching the subtle flashes of expressions cross his face. "I believe in you and that you can not only defeat this thing, but you can walk away with nothing to be ashamed of."
Clark took a deep breath, letting her words sink in as he placed one of his hands over hers. "If I could keep you safe and by my side always, I would."
"I'll be there in spirit - my heart with yours."
"You're a sap, Lois Lane." He pulled her back into his arms, loving the way she looked up at him, humour and sass in her eyes.
"Correction. That's Lois Lane-Kent, and please, you eat up all the sap, Mister I-can't-get-enough-of-the-chick-flicks Kent."
He scowled playfully, unable to hide the smile, "Oh, you are so going to pay for that!"
"Aw,"
She grinned, eyes flickering to his lips, "Truth hurts, doesn't it?"
"Lois!"
"Oh, I'm so..."
His lips found hers, " scared...mmmm."
~ Morning of Present ~
"Clark, if you have an adverse reaction to the cocktail, it would be better to have you at Watchtower," Chloe found herself insisting for the second time.
Clark spun around, cape wiping behind him. "No, Chloe! The moment I take it, that's it and I want to be on location."
"I know. I get that, but there isn't a guarantee with this."
"Exactly. I should be there at the location we chose before I take it. If not and I don't react well, I could end up who knows where."
"Not if we are with you."
She had been following behind him as they made their way to Bruce's private sanctum; monitors and equipment were all set up and waiting. Chloe took a seat - she was staying to coordinate with the Metropolis Watchtower. It had been decided for Chloe and Tess to work from two different locations. A fall back, and Bruce had everything they needed to make it easily work. The second Watchtower had yet to be finished.
"Oliver, Bruce, Dinah and even Lana will be close enough to help keep me in control, plenty of kryptonite. And if I am there, my focus will be on 'it' rather than anything else."
He was trying to avoid the thoughts of what he could do to his own wife if he did get out of hand. A part of him wanted to believe she would calm him, but another wasn't so sure; red-k wasn't the best under the most normal of circumstance and this wasn't normal in the slightest. Either way, she was already on her way to Metropolis under the care of Ronnie and John Jones.
Clark would have had John's help on the field, but felt that was risking too much. If the creeper at all got to him, it would only make things worse. So far, it didn't even seem to be aware of him, which was 's face was on a screen while another held Tess'. Clark was sure they were mirroring each other with the same expression.
"Don't waste your breath, Chloe. He's not likely to listen."
Bruce remarked, earning himself a look from the petite blonde. He then signed out, on his way to Metropolis.
Clark ignored it and turned to a monitor holding the live footage of the warehouses they had decided to use for this. It all appeared quiet, but that was not what held Clark's attention. He flicked through each of the camera angles till he spotted her, the woman who had once been a girl that had held his seemed to sense she was being focused on and look directly into the camera. "It's all set. Are you ready?"
Clark rubbed his face before answering. "Yes."
She nodded, then was gone, fast enough that the average human eye would have only seen a slight back to the other two, Clark asked, "How did Connor react?"
Tess pressed her lips, a sign that told him she was worried. "He'll do it."
"He argued?"
"Yes, he's become good at the emotional manipulation. Not that it got the desired reaction he wanted."
Clark smiled and shook his head. Connor may not have gotten what he wanted out of Tess, but he knew how to make her feel guilty. There was something about family that could do that.
"Do you think he'll stick to it though? I can send..."
"Its not necessary, Clark. Besides, you're wife is talking to him now."
Tess gave him a pointed look. If Lois was handling Connor, then there wasn't anything to worry about. Connor may have grown past improper adolescent thoughts over her, but her ability to affect him in other ways had only increased - which often worked for everyone's benefit.
"Okay."
He felt a painful shudder pass through him, a reminder that he wasn't free yet. He was relieved that neither woman seemed to have noticed. Instead, he caught a look that passed between them. Then Tess looked at him, " I've a few last adjustments to do before they arrive here." He gave her a nod and she signed off.
Chloe called up the news and put the sound on "low". Clark didn't need to ask her why the evidence was there. They had, earlier that morning, received a report of an unexplained death toll at the Metropolis penitentiary. The news report now showed what looked like the CDC beginning to camp outside, while law enforcement had quartered off the area.
"How many?"
"All, but eight. Two are in serious condition, and three others have been raving non stop about I quote "Death walking the prison" or as another put it "The Death eaters came to claim them." All of them able to talk, have reported the same thing - a hooded figure appearing, panic, and those that died crumbled apart. Authorities are writing it off as some sort of hallucinogenic or possible infection." Chloe rolled her eyes at the last bit as she switched between several other broadcasts.
Straightening, Clark gave a heavy sigh. If he had been at his full strength, he could have prevented all that death. It was just another reminder of how they couldn't let the Soul splitter win.
Chloe looked him over and tentatively touched her hand to his, "Clark, its not your fault."
His face softened, but he didn't seemed convinced. "I better go. Thank you, Chloe."
Without warning, she hugged him close, "Just be careful okay?"
He nodded and than was gone. Leaving Chloe wondering why his eyes had held so much remorse.
"I want to help. How is it helping if I am still here and..."
"You say 'normal' Connor and I'll have this plane turned around so I can go kick your..."
Lois interrupted quickly, so he wouldn't have to listen to her tirade, "NO!"
He wanted to be normal, but not like this and while people he cared about where in danger. He was even more so, as of late, sick of being stuck and examined.
Lois knew exactly what was bothering him," I know you're tired of being there, but its for the best and you know it."
"I miss everyone."
"I know. I know Martha misses you."
"When this is over, do you think Clark could bring her to visit? Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm being treated badly, but its hardly home-like...and I've got no one I can talk to."
Feeling bad, Lois nodded, wondering how much longer Connor would be there. A year ago, he suddenly went through another change. His personality continued to alter, becoming unique, but he also had become sick as his body made new adjustments.
What it exactly meant, no one was sure and with Lex at the time still deeply embroiled in a legal war over assets of Luthorcorp and Queen Industries, Connor had to continue to stay away from Smallville, until they were sure he wasn't under Lex's radar. It also meant that while he was experiencing the changes, he couldn't stay with Martha.
From what she knew, Connor had been feeling better, but for whatever reason, had yet to go back to living with Martha, who she knew missed him just as he did her.
"Connor, once this is all over, I promise it will be better, okay? But we need you to do this. If this thing...this creeper senses you, it would go for you as it had gone for Clark and your power would feed it. The blue-k will hopefully keep you from being noticed. As much as I don't want to even entertain the worst case scenario, we have to think about it and if Clark can't get rid of it, you need to be protected."There wasn't much they could do with those like John Jones, but with Connor, atleast they had an option.
Connor sighed, knowing he had nothing to say against that - Tess had already explained it. "It's ugly..."
"So you've become a fashion guru?"
"Look, I happen to have other things than plaid in my wardrobe and this blue bracelet is ugly."
"Maybe Courtney can decorate it for you..."Lois grinned.
"Haha. Fine, I'll wear it, as if I wouldn't, but consider this an official protest."
"Noted. "
"Lois..."His voice became softer, a worried expression filled his face, one she recognized all too well on another man.
"Yes? What is it?"
"He is going to be okay, isn't he?"
Long distance hadn't been able to prevent Clark and Connor from bonding and she knew how much Connor admired and looked up to him.
Pressing her lips, she took a deep breath not sure what to say, but knowing Connor didn't react well to cover ups, lying or pointless platitudes.
"I believe so. I wish I could say for certain, Connor, but I do believe in him and we both know that we are all in this together."
He stared at her for a second, making her want to squirm. Sometimes, he was so much like Clark it was quite creepy. He seemed to decide something and changed the subject.
"I should go. Mr. Norris is quiz happy and I swear he makes up questions that have nothing to do with what I am studying."
Nodding, Lois gave him a light smile. "Bye, Connor. I'll call again soon."
"Thanks, bye, Lois."Connor returned the smile and switched off.
Barely thirty seconds later, the lap top beeped, informing her of another video call. Hitting the accept button, Tess' face filled the screen.
"How'd it go?"
"As well as to be expected. He relented in the end."
"Considering the Kent weakness for you, I'm not surprised."Tess remarked with a slight smile.
"It's my super power. I take it the results came in?"
"Yes, you are spot on. I've already taken the liberty of arranging the 'paper' trail. A little rough in some places, but with the right nudges as suggested, I think it will work. I've sent all you should need."
Lois nodded and pulled open her email. At one glance, she saw far more then she had expected. "Oh, Tess! You out did yourself. I didn't suggest half of these."
"The more, the better. Besides, it was my fault it all happened to begin with."
Frowning, Lois looked back at Tess on the screen. "Excuse me? Tess you are not responsible for Clark's mindless moments. And I'll be honest that he has his fair share of them. This was a wake up call for him, to be a bit more thoughtful about it - a call to all of us, but you can't control when he decides to just whoosh off. How many times have we been left mid sentence with him doing that?"
Tess didn't answer, but she got the point. She had been worried Lois would be the one person to hold it against her, but instead the woman hadn't laid one bit of blame at her feet. Their relationship had never been perfect, even after Tess had recovered from her near fatal death at the hands of her own brother, it had been rocky. But Lois had been kind and supportive, showing even more what Clark saw in her, yet Lois was Lois and there were moments of snark and tension between the two of them. Still, Lois never stopped acting as if Tess was family.
She couldn't imagine they'd ever get closer, nor was there any real need too. The status quo was enough.
"You're right, Lois. Thank you."
"No problem."It was easier to deal with Connor and Tess and the future, then it was to think of a future without Clark. Those feelings must have appeared on her face for Tess suddenly added.
"Lois, you'll be here in half an hour. Get some rest and I'll have a station set up for you."
Lois gave a slight smile and sighed, "Thank you."
Tess cut the connection off and Lois closed the laptop. She leaned back and closed her eyes, picturing his face, their last kiss. Abruptly, another image flashed in her mind - something from the dream. Clark in her arms, blood everywhere, she could hear her own voice calling out for him...pleading.
Shaking, Lois stood and paced down the aisle of the small private jet, determined in her heart that the dream held no meaning.
It couldn't.
~ Shortly before Present ~
"That's it?"
Clark looked down at the little red capsule, bemused. Oliver, Bruce and Dinah held similar expressions.
Emil followed his gaze, "Were you expecting some sort of brew?"
Grimacing, Clark held it up to look at it, noticing a strange gleam to the the surface of it. "What differences can I expect from this than what I'd get with regular red kryptonite?"
Taking out another small container, Emil began, "Everything you normally do, though with this particular mixture, we believe some of the sexual component should be toned down."He glanced at the others, but no-one made a reaction to the statement, not even Clark, so he continued.
"Plus, with your need for sunlight, I've included a little something of my own design that might help increase your intake. I suggest standing in some sun, right when you take it. And it should take its full potent effect within two minutes. Also, aggression will be high, but that includes the the emotional drive we are going for."
He opened the container, "The other red one, if you feel you need a second dose. I don't think I need to state how it wouldn't be good to take it if you don't need it." He placed a small dark capsule along with another bright red one in Clark's hand. "And as your father suggested. That one can be broken to get the effect, though it goes without saying you're not going to want to get it on you."
Clark frowned at the black sparkling capsule, knowing full well the consequences he'd be dealing with if he touched the inside contents.
Emil clear his throat, "Before I head back to Watch Tower, I want to see your reaction when you first take it."
"Wait, before you do," Bruce stepped forward to hand Clark a blue wristband with pockets. "Unless you are planning on holding them the whole time," he nodded to the large pills in Clark's hand.
Clark took the band, slide the pills inside, before placing it around his wrist. "Thank you."He had kind of forgotten that detail.
Walking towards the sun shining down on the warehouse, Clark glanced around at the others before swallowing one of the red capsules.
The effect was almost instantaneous as it hit his system – first, like a slow boil, he felt a heat rise through him. Looking up at the sun, he could feel it penetrating every part more so than what he had gotten from his previous sun bathing. The slow boil began to burn like a wild fire, raging through out his veins. For a second, he wanted to scream at the intensity of it, but then that passed, leaving behind a sense of strength and power from the fire itself.
The others watched as the remaining healthy colour flowed back into his face, his body filled out to a closer resemblance of what he was before he had been drained. Emil was the most surprised. A small suggestion had been given by Jor-El and he had added it to something he had already been working on, but to actually see it work, healing Clark further, was amazing.
There was a sense of hope felt from them all. Yes, the risks weren't gone, but if Clark could improve while he stood under the sun from the ingredients of a pill, then didn't that mean the red-k had a chance of doing what it was suppose to do?
When Clark opened his eyes, and turned to his friends, they flashed red and for just a second, an expression crossed his face that proved that the red kryptonite was working.
It had been slumbering, gathering more strength. Preparing for what it knew was inevitable...change internal and a kryptonian's last stand.
With all it had already taken, the kryptonian had no chance to survive when it took the last of what it needed. He was weak and it had grown in strength; the only thing holding it back from finishing off the diminished kryptonian and consuming the world was the metamorphosis it had felt begin.
There was pain in the change, an agony that reminded it of a lifetime when it too had been something more and it had lived a life like all the humans that walked this world. Clarity wasn't there, no memories, but like whispers from a persistent hazy dream, it knew it had felt this way before. It craved it...the change inside, while painful, was relished and it longed to see it to the end result.
The prison was dead. The few had escaped to tell of the horror it had visited upon them. It was aware of attention as the humans scrabbled to deal with what they had no clue of. He even heard whispers for the hero they believed in, though they had not seen him for days. They would have no time to mourn once it started to feast - all the human spirits with their varying degrees of volatile emotions. Hate of differences, love of the innocent and so much more.
Sleep was disturbed.
A twinge of a powerful of emotion. Flashes of images. Skin on skin of human bodies mingling, spoken words of love, euphoria, a fire deep that burned. The kryptonian and his love, it recognized them the way they felt, but it had never sensed it so clear and strong before.
No longer a twinge, now a powerful tidal wave, an onslaught of not just love but hate...hate for it. It was aware it was being called out, the how didn't matter because it had to answer...compelled for the need to grow, change and confront.
The time had come.
~Present~
The air around them crackled and not just from the residual static electricity left over from its arrival. Intentions of either party were thick in the atmosphere. Both desired the death of the other; one for power and one to protect all that was held dear.
When it had arrived, Clark felt a shift deep inside, something he hadn't quite planned on. To feel what it wanted as it could feel him. It was further proof that the Soul Splitter was sensitive to kryptonite, a weakness they both shared but one he knew how to exploit, thanks to Jor-El.
The desire to hurt it was strong and though he could not see a face, he knew it had smiled at him. It was time to feed it...stuff it full, so he could hurt it. Because of their connection, he knew it was just on the verge of changing. Clark delved deep, as Jor-El had instructed, as Chloe had intended, whatever he could feed it, he would. He had gained enough strength back to give some up. Letting what the red-k gave him flow from him.
All the rage and fear, all the love, lust, and everything else in between. In some ways, it was a release to be allowed to feel it all and know in the end, it could be the very thing that saved them.
The Soul Splitter's voice filled the air, "You have come to die. I can feel you...your power is mine."
Clark said nothing in return, continued to stare, noticing a change occurring already since it had arrived. It had grown in size, and to all there, it was apparent it now had a second fleshed out arm.
Bruce watched as Clark and the creeper stood opposite each other across the warehouse. It was if a battle was going on already, though neither had moved. He looked up to meet Oliver's face, who nodded. They both began to reposition themselves, hoping to anticipate what might happen next.
There was a crackle of sound, and a change in pressure of air that rolled through the warehouse. This time, its growth wasn't just noticed by Clark. The cloaked human form of the creeper expanded and filled.
Bruce shifted again, knowing any second, something was about to happen. Hoping that Clark could pull it off, before it grew to powerful.
They erupted, springing towards each other with equal velocity. Clark remembered what it felt like to have a phantom rip at him, how it was hard to stand his ground with one, even with powers. But this time, there was actual mass in which to hit. He only needed to bring it to the brink, feed it just enough and then deliver the small weapon that would weaken it dramatically, cutting off its connection with him.
He felt them collide and he reacted, reaching for its throat, but was disappointed. Despite the additional mass, when he reached through, he found nothing and a strange pain spread up his fist.
He had no time to recoil from it as the creeper reached a clawed hand out for him as well..tearing down the front of his suit, actually inflicting damage on the material that had been unaffected by most things till then. Whatever Jor-El had done to the suit, the Soul Splitter was apparently the exception.
They exploded a part, Clark went flying back, correcting himself mid air, landing hard on his feet causing, the ground beneath him to crack. The creeper attacked again just as he turned, slicing across his face, drawing blood.
Clark spun around as it moved passed, letting it all his emotional frustration and rage flow from him to it as he snatched out, knowing he'd miss. He was pleased that he could feel the metamorphosis, it was on the verge.
Diving deeper within, Clark pulled up a moment of intense emotion. One that was seared in his mind, that when ever being two people was a bit much or he worried about Lois, would reassure him.
"I saw the way Cat looked at me...I also heard what she said."
"Yeah, and its perfect."
"Its not perfect."The love and concern he had had for her in that moment refilled him.
"Lois, it doesn't matter what people say about me."He had taken the glasses gently off her face, touching the side of her face, moving her hair back. The memory of the touch of her was as strong as if it had happened yesterday. Her beautiful hazel eyes looking into his own.
"What are people going to think about you...the strong and extremely sexy Lois Lane wants to marry this new Clark Kent. How could they ever understand you'd be interested in this?"
The way she had reacted when he continued and had ripped his shirt. The gentleness of her touch upon his chest as she sat up, refusing to let him worry over her or what others thought.
"Trust me, Smallville, we can make this work, oh boy can we."She had cupped his face, and in that moment as a smile light up hers and desire filled her eyes, he knew he could do this and not just for himself. He would for the world, but for her as well, because she believed in him.
The memory shifted to them making love right there on the couch, how secured he felt in her love, that with her he could do anything. He had vowed then that he would spend his life making it up to her, the sacrifices she'd be forced to make because of him meant his love for her could know no limits ever. Not that it would. How could he deny her anything?
Clark let the love and memories of Lois continue.
The Soul splitter suddenly screamed, forcing all, including Clark to cover their ears. A wave of agony spread up from inside of it. Time had run out, the connection with the Kryptonian had become too much to bear as it continued on...another memory and with it each emotion. It needed to regain control of the connection.
It flew at him screaming. Growling, Clark grabbed at it again, as it made a pass at him, this time latching firmly on to it. He pushed off, bringing it into the air with him, using as much force as he could, he plowed straight for the ceiling.
Unable to escape the Kryptonian's hold so easily as it once did due to becoming more corporeal, it opted for another method. One still at its disposal and could give it the edge it needed - the Kryptonian's care for the people of this world would be his undoing.
To the alarm of all watching, as Clark lifted up, there was a sudden out shot of lightening strikes that crackled through the whole of the warehouse. All were forced to hit the floor which shook from the bolts; when it had cleared, Clark and the creeper were no where to be seen.
Bruce and Oliver spoke in union at Watchtower who didn't respond; it was Chloe who came through though there was interference.
"..Arrow..Batma...nary!..Respond."
Oliver threw out before she could worry further, "We're all okay, but Superman and the Soul Splitter are gone. Right over our heads!"
Chloe sounded a little more relieved at hearing his voice, but the worry was far from gone. She frowned, she could pull up Bruce's satellite, but had no control over the Watchtower one. "I can't get a visual of him.. .. could be anywhere! Watchtower 1 isn't responding, no...sual or audio con..."
Tess' voice abruptly came through, "They're in Metropolis! Practically appeared just above Watchtower, interrupted comm... I'm trying to track them, but they are moving fast..." She cut off for a moment before coming back, half her words broken up "...panic ... the streets... Superman and.. its changed... Oh My Go..."
Then it all went silent.
To be Continued..
~ / ~