Darkseid's Configuration

Disclaimer: I own nothing (unfortunately). All rights and characters in this fic belong to DC Comics, Clive Barker and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this. It's purely for fun. I only own my OC's.

Note: The following is a rough outline of what was to happen in this chapter. I apologise for not being able to write the full chapter as intended, however, life has proven hectic and along with my plans to start writing original stories, I don't have the time needed to finish all my stories. I didn't want to leave them abandoned, so I decided to give a rough outline of the story's events so that you could see how it would have progressed and ended. I hope that you understand. Maybe one day I might come back and fully finish them as intended, but as that's up in the air, I thought that I'd end things this way rather than leave unfinished. Thank you for your time.

Chapter 3 (Rough Outline)

Pinhead and the Gash kneel before Leviathan, awaiting their creator's response to Darkseid's deal. They feel the atmosphere change. The God's intrigue burns like fire around them. Despite Pinhead showing apprehension over Darkseid keeping his end of the bargain, it is too tantalising an offer for Leviathan to ignore, so he commands the Guardian to go to Metropolis to find Superman.

At the Daily Planet, Lois and Clark are quick to report their story of the Toyman's attack to Perry White. As the chief editor plans for tomorrow's headlines, Lois is quick to point out that Jimmy is nowhere in sight. Clark goes to look for him and finds the photographer in a dream-like state, staring off into the distance with a cherry smile plastered over his face. Dragged out of his thoughts by Lois, he heads into Perry's office to showcase his photos.

Lois knows that it doesn't take the most experienced reporter to know when someone is smitten. Immediately, she beings to hatch a plan that will bring Jimmy and Tiffany together, and she doesn't hesitate to ask for Clark's help.

''Come on, boy scout,'' Lois teases. ''Playing cupid can't be any more difficult than wrestling with a giant robot clown?''

Clark shrugs, pushing his glasses up his nose. ''I wouldn't know. I've never had the chance to be a match-maker.''

Kirsty and Tiffany are sat together in one of the city's many cafes, trying to relax after the crazy day they have experienced. Even though the attack happened many hours ago, Kirsty is still showing concern for Tiffany's well-being, and sad that her friend missed the opportunity to find a new job. Tiffany is quick to brush aside Kirsty's worries, saying that she is just thankful to be alive to find another job on another day. As they talk, Tiffany can't help but mention the 'cute photographer' they met earlier. Kirsty tries to probe for more information, but Tiffany retreats into her blushing shell and changes the subject.

A moment after they share their goodbyes and give each other their phone numbers, Kirsty receives a call from Lois. At first, she thinks it's about Superman, but Lois asks if there's the possibility that they can find a way to arrange a meeting between Tiffany and Jimmy. Kirsty is enthusiastically on board with Lois's plan to set up a date for the two of them.

The next day, Kirsty sends a text to Tiffany asking for a chance to meet up. Once she gets a confirmation from Tiffany, she lets Lois and Clark know. The reporters ask Jimmy to come with them to help with an investigation. The photographer suspects nothing at first until he is required by Lois to come along with a specific set of fancy clothing and a bouquet of roses. However, he fears to question whatever Lois is planning, and is unable to ask Clark for help, who plays his role of the blissfully unaware accomplice perfectly.

At noon, they send Jimmy towards a bus stop with the flowers and ask him to wait there. Reluctantly, Jimmy does as he is told, mumbling to himself as he ponders what Lois and Clark are planning. Stuck in his own world, he fails to notice Tiffany walking in front of him and the two bump into each other. After an awkward start, the two of them realise what is going on, but decide to go along with it. Jimmy suggests a park that he likes to visit and he leads the way, wrapping his arm nervously around Tiffany's.

Kirsty and Lois watch on, feeling proud of their accomplishment. The women decide to celebrate with victory hotdogs. Clark volunteers to go and get them. On his way, he almost stumbles into the Guardian, who Clark believes to be a homeless man asking for change. As Clark reaches into his pocket to find spare coins, the Guardian grabs his arm and presses a golden cube against his chest. Clark breaks free just as chains explode from the box and try to ensnare him.

''The pain you experience will be legendary, they will make sure of it.'' The Guardian threatens, dropping the box to the ground.

It folds and shifts before Clark's eyes, crackling with lightning and oozing with blood. Before Clark can question what is happening, he witnesses four figures emerge from a blinding light bursting out of the golden box. Chains and hooks are summoned from the ground and the walls. The weapons cannot pierce his skin, but they do wrap around him, trapping him and leaving him at the Cenobite's mercy.

The Metropolis crowd witnessing this attack begin to panic and run away in all directions, alerting Kirsty and Lois. They try to see what is happening but are halted by the dispersing crowd getting in their way.

Pinhead marches towards Clark, showing no emotion as he unsheathes one of his blades hanging from his cassock. ''We must forgo convention to experience your unique flesh, Superman.''

Clark narrows his eyes at the Lead Cenobite. ''If you know who I am, I guess I have no reason to hold back.''

The Man of Steel pushes back against the chains with all his might. The chains crack and bend before exploding as Clark breaks free. He stands his ground, ready for a fight. He reaches up to remove his glasses and pulls open his shirt slightly to reveal the familiar crest of his alter-ego.

At that moment, Lois and Kirsty find their way through the stampede and see what is happening. Kirsty's heart stops when she sees Pinhead standing before her for the first time in years. Instinctively, she walks towards him, only to be pulled away by Lois who wants to get them to a safe place.

''What about Clark?'' Kirsty questions.

''He'll find his own way out! Trust me! We need to go!''

Lois's yells are heard by the Cenobites, who all turn to the source of the noise. Pinhead's eyes widen when he gazes upon Kirsty. Their eyes lock. The reluctance that Pinhead felt earlier returned but for another reason this time. Unsure of what to do now that Kirsty was part of the equation, he orders his Gash to retreat for now. They follow his order, disappearing through a portal ripped open by the box. The Guardian retrieves the box and disappears into the shadows, escaping even Clark's sight.

Lois immediately rushes over to Clark, pretending to inspect him for wounds.

Clark sees Kirsty approaching them and pretends to stumble. ''Golly, I feel like I'm going to faint. What were those monsters?''

''They're not monsters,'' Kirsty whispers nonchalantly.

Although Lois doesn't hear Kirsty's words, Clark does. He stares at her curiously, noting how pale her face had become and how quickly her heart was racing.

To Be Continued…