Batman is not in the Batcave, and while that may seem like an insane thought, it was early, the afternoon had not yet started, so it wasn't completely crazy. It is just that the situation with Sakura-El and then the Fortress shook him badly he hadn't given any thought about the time of day.
Superman knows better than to disturb Batman while he's living his life as Bruce Wayne, but this is important and potentially world-threatening. It was information that Bruce would want to know. So because of that Clark Kent stands outside of Wayne Enterprises with the intention to get an interview.
It is a terrible cover story. There is nothing special going on with Wayne Enterprises for a reporter of Clark's reputation. Perhaps if he were Cat Grant, who writes the gossip column, he could get away with it. However, he isn't Cat he's Clark, and anyone with eyes can see it.
His legs aren't anywhere near as great as hers, but maybe he is biased.
A voice from behind him startles him. It shouldn't, but there are special circumstances where things like that occur.
"And you going in or are you going to stand outside staring at the building all day?" Clark turns around to see Bruce smiling at him, and Clark suppresses a shiver. It always bothers him to see Bruce smile. Maybe it is because he knows that the smiles are almost always false ones.
Clark shrugs. "Actually, Mr. Wayne you're the exact person I was hoping with which to speak. Do you have time for an interview?"
Bruce raises a brow and starts walking away from Wayne Enterprises. Clark quickly falls into step beside him. "That depends on what you want to ask."
Clark debates whether or not to speak plainly. Realizing the longer the Fortress was left in unknown hands, the bigger their problems could get he decides just to speak up albeit in low tones.
"Someone has taken over the Fortress."
Bruce's eyes narrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean as soon as I entered it initiated a code and threw me out."
"What was the code?"
"625.12."
"And do you know what that means?"
"I don't have a clue."
Bruce falls silent. "Then logically it is something that was implemented while you were…under the influence. Your best bet would be to go to your ex-wife," Clark finches, "and see if she knows anything about this."
"You don't think someone has taken over the Fortress?" Clark would rather someone take over the Fortress than to have to go and speak to Sakura again. That thought alone probably says a lot of bad things about him.
"With the lives we live, Clark, it is a possibility. However, sometimes we overthink things—and by we I mean you."
And with that, Bruce turns on his heels and heads toward Wayne Enterprises. He pauses for a second and looks over his shoulder at Clark.
"If I'm wrong, though, Kent you know who to call."
Clark inclines his head, and Bruce turns. Clark knows he's been dismissed.
Clark doesn't go back to see Sakura that same day. That would be a mistake of epic proportions. Instead, he goes back to the Fortress and tries to get inside of it again with similar results. Since he can't get inside, he watches the place to see whether or not anyone enters or exits.
The Fortress remains quiet.
He does this for a full day before he retreats uneasily.
He returns to Sakura-El's home a week later. He doesn't go as Clark Kent though. He appears as Superman. When she opens her door and looks at him, her face immediately blanks. He sees nothing in her visage. Not rage nor disgust. There is nothing but a pair of empty eyes staring at him.
"I have not killed nor maimed anyone—although I can think of one particular person who deserves such treatment. So to what do I owe the honor of a visit from Superman?"
There is no inflection in her voice. It's wooden, and he last remembers it as being closer to melodic. Superman swallows harshly.
"I need your help."
Sakura blinks slowly. Then an expression crosses her face and he believes she is seconds away from slamming the door in his face when it fades away.
"And if I do help you, what's in it for me?"
Superman blanches. The Man of Steel has no idea what she could want. He has nothing to give her. He lives off a reporter's salary, and while he can make ends meet, he can't throw money away. It makes him wonder how she has been living since his return. Does she have a job? How is she taking care of herself? Panic begins to claw its way to the edge of his vision.
"I-um, what did you want?" Her answering smile is sharp and edged in cruelty.
"I want my husband back you son of a bitch."
The door is slammed in his face. He really should have expected that.
Clark contacts Zatanna next. He wants to know if magic is somehow being used against him and she's the best person to confirm or deny the presence. She isn't happy going to the Fortress. She's probably not happy at the prospect of being alone with him. Not all of the superhero community has gracefully accepted his return. He knows there are still trust issues yet for some reason Zatanna agrees to help him. He knows he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but in truth, Clark's doesn't want to take her to the Fortress. He doesn't want the location of the Fortress to become common knowledge. While it is probable that Zatanna won't be able to figure out a way back…he doubts it.
They aren't even there five minutes before Zatanna says, "This isn't magic Superman." Clark sighs.
"Any idea what it could be?"
Zatanna frowns before shaking her head. "Sorry."
Clark bows his head takes a deep breath before saying, "Thanks for coming out to take a look."
Zatanna places a hand on his arm. "When was the last time you were able to get in without trouble?"
"I don't know. Before the Kryptonite incident, I guess."
"Do you think the Dictator has been here?"
"I wouldn't know."
"I could—"
"No! No magic will be used on me." Zatanna chuckled.
"You know I wouldn't harm you."
Clark shuddered briefly but covered it quickly. "I know you wouldn't. I just don't like magic-no offense."
"None was taken." Zatanna withdrew her hand. "Alright then if you don't want me to use my magic then maybe you should go talk to your wife. She'd probably know for certain."
Clark said flatly, "I'm not married."
Zatanna stared at him for a long moment before saying, "I'm sorry Clark. I thought she loved you."
"She loved the Dictator," I want my husband back. "And that's not who I am. You don't have to be sorry about that. I don't regret not being him. I regret being him." Clark thinks of Sakura-El and wonders whether or not he's lying.
Zatanna stares at him for several moments before wisely letting the subject go.