Two years. It had been two years that Mack had been working for Wayne. Two years since Clark was killed. Mack had kept in touch with Mama Kent, making sure that the two of them never truly felt alone. Once a month, they would visit the gravesite, sitting quietly in the sunlight. Wayne had been working on his project with her help, gathering information on a collection of people who were like Clark; strong, powerful, capable of amazing feats. Diana had been a constant companion as well, and after a long two years, it didn't hurt Mack quite as much to walk past the Superman memorial in the park, or see his symbol emblazoned on the chests of dozens of children every Halloween.
Then Wayne had called. Said to get his butler, Alfred, and Lois Lane and meet them at the memorial. To be prepared for the worst. The entire ride had Mack's heart in her throat, fingers drumming against her thigh as Alfred wove through traffic, going likely faster than was actually allowed. Lois sat quietly next to her, the picture of calm though Mack knew there were likely a million questions in her mind. Mack knew there was only one reason that Wayne would have called, why he would have asked her to bring Lois. She didn't dare allow the thought to even register.
They arrived with a squeal of tires, Mack helping Lois to hurry out of the vehicle. And then, he was there. Alive, well, standing above the team she had helped to create. Mack felt rooted to the spot, heart slamming in her chest as she looked up at her lost friend.
"Clark!" He turned as Lois shouted his name, confusion coloring his gaze as he looked at her. Mack took a hesitant step forward, ready to push Lois aside if something went wrong. Judging by how the others looked, it was likely he didn't fully remember them all. Her movement was noticed; his gaze jumped to her, eyes widening slightly. Mack froze, worried that any movement would set him off. Slowly, he walked towards the two women, brushing past Lois to stand just a little too close to Mack. She cleared her throat as quietly as she could, aware of all the eyes on them.
"Mack." His voice was so quiet, and it released the tears she hadn't known she'd been holding. His gaze hardened just a bit, and very suddenly all the air left her lungs as he shot them both into the air. She barely heard the team yell for her as she wrapped her arms around his neck as tight as they could go, squeezing her eyes shut against the wind. This was far faster than the last time he had taken her flying, and she found herself focusing on trying not to puke. Soon enough, it was over, as Clark brought them both down to the ground gentler than he had taken off. Snow blew around them and Mack pulled her jacket tighter around herself, noting how quickly the chill was settling into her bones. Squinting against the brightness of the snow, she allowed Clark to lead her into what looked like a cave. Imagine her surprise to find metal walls and a warm interior; if she hadn't known any better, she would think it was some sort of starship. Clark stood a few feet away now, looking around as though taking it all in.
"Clark?" He turned at her voice, and suddenly her throat felt tight. "Are you...I mean…" She couldn't quite form the words, couldn't believe that he was here in front of her. Shakily, she moved towards him, looking up into his face.
"Mack." He pulled her into an appropriately tight hug, and she gave as good as she got, the tears falling freely again. They stayed that like for an indeterminate amount of time before she finally pulled away, sniffling and wiping at her eyes. "What happened?"
"You died." Her voice broke and she cleared her throat. "During the fight with...whatever that was, you died. And Bruce...Bruce Wayne brought you back, somehow." She gestured towards him, and he looked down at his chest.
"Why would he do that?" There was a small note of anger in Clark's voice, and Mack wondered if he had even wanted to come back.
"We need you. I promise, I never would have let him if I didn't think we absolutely need you." He glanced to her. "We're under attack. The world, I mean." His brow furrowed as she continued. "His name is Steppenwolf. He's here to destroy the Earth and remake it into his own. We need you." Mack dropped her gaze. "I need you." There was silence that seemed to echo in the metallic halls.
"I'm in." Her head snapped up, seeing the small smile on his face that she had missed so much. "Whatever you need, Mack. I'm here for you." She gave a watery smile, wiping quickly at her eyes.
"I've got to stop being such a big crybaby." She gave a small laugh, pulling her bag into her lap. "We have bigger fish to fry." Slowly, she pulled his uniform out, a little rumpled from it's journey but otherwise intact. Approaching him, she offered it. "You'll need to suit up." He nodded, taking the suit and wandering off. Left to her own devices, Mack looked around before heading down another hallway. Whatever this place was, it was beautiful, with matte silver walls and floors. It clearly meant something to Clark, and she decided she would have to ask once they won. If they won.
"Mack." She turned around, and there he was. Superman, standing before her. Immediately her eyes dropped to where the wound had been as he approached. Wayne had done a good job repairing the fabric; if she didn't know any better, the whole incident would have been a dream. Slowly, her hand moved to the spot, fingertips brushing ever so gently against the fabric. "It's time." They locked eyes and it felt like an eternity. Then, he turned and she followed him back out of the mysterious cave-ship, grateful when he gave her the chance to get comfortable before taking off. It was a longer flight back, and Mack gave Clark instructions on where to meet the team.
"Try not to kill them." She smirked up at him and he rolled his eyes as they landed. Wayne waited for them with Diana, both still in uniform and giving Clark a wary look. Mack stood in the middle, glancing between the three of them. "We're good." Diana and Wayne shared a look before nodding, seeming to relax. Clark moved to take her hand, and she looked up at him in surprise.
"Mack gave me a brief run-down, but what exactly are we facing?" If the others questioned his grip on her hand, they didn't say anything. Instead, they started inside. Mack hesitated and Clark looked back to her.
"I just have a phone call to make." It would be an immensely hard call, but one that was necessary. "I'll meet you inside." He seemed to hesitate before letting her go, following the other two heroes inside. She waited until she was sure he was out of earshot before pulling out her phone, swallowing as she picked the contact. It rang a few times before being answered.
"Mama Kent? I have some news. You...you may want to sit down."