The next morning Lois was awakened by the wonderful aroma of well brewed coffee, along with something akin to bacon and perhaps just maybe…homemade Texas toast. Smiling, as she inhaled the wonderful aroma, she began to walk down the hallway. She could hear giggling coming from the kitchen, obviously whoever was cooking was receiving assistance from the children. Glancing through the doorway without a door, she saw Mara still asleep, looking like the she was dead; obviously she wasn't a morning person.
Lois was just beyond the kitchen door, trying to keep her presence unnoticed. Listening she heard the conversation between Clark and the children…
"Can I flip the toast?" begged Jordan, whose pout most often won such battles with Alfred.
Clark smiled affectionately saying, "Maybe another day, buddy, but today me and Miss Lois have to get to work."
Clark had yet to get ready for work, ever since he had woken up he had been minding the children and preparing breakfast, running a hand through his bed hair, he began to whip up some eggs.
"Hey Jason," Clark began, "Do you know what kind of eggs your mom and you like?"
Jason who was looking back at Clark, cross eyed through Clark's glasses replied, "Over easy."
Lara was sitting on the counter, holding the eggs when Clark asked her to hand him two. Haphazardly picking up the two eggs, Lara broke them both. Staring blankly at the two broken eggs, she inhaled sharply, rubbing her yoke filled hands together Lara began to cry.
Clark gingerly picked up Lara, rubbing her back.
"She always cries when she breaks things," Jordan said sadly as he watched his sister.
"Lara, it'll be fine…no need to worry," Clark soothed.
Sniffling, along with hip cupping Lara asked, "Are you sure?"
Smiling genuinely, "Absolutely, but now we must get breakfast done before your Mommy comes and wants to cook," Clark finished in mock seriousness.
All the children took an intake a breath and began working eagerly with Clark to finish breakfast.
Lois let out a giggle as she came around the corner to fully look in the kitchen full of frenzy. Just as Clark turned around she took a shocked breath…he didn't wear glasses? There before her stood Clark Kent without any glasses and looking remarkably …uncanny resemblance to…could she even say it?
Clark had yet to see Lois, turning to Jason he asked, "Hey little guy can I have my glasses back?"
Jason laughed asking, "Why…you don't need them?" Just as Clark went to reach for them using his lightening fast reflexes, Jason hopped down from where he had been sitting and over to his mother.
Clark's vision caught sight of Jason, but was distracted by the creamy white legs that led up to the body and then face of a shocked Lois Lane. Jason seeing the tension handed the glasses over to Clark who immediately placed them on his face, coughing nervously.
Lois was flabbergasted, still staring intently at Clark despite him having turned away she asked…no more like stated, "You look remarkable like…"
Before she could say it Clark but in saying, "Peoples ay I have one of those faces," he shrugged.
Groggily Mara walked into the room, having heard most of the conversation. Making a beeline for the coffee she mumbled, "I highly doubt that."
Clark glared at her, and Lois still stared dumbfounded at Clark.
Breakfast preceded in much the same manner, the children silently bickering, Lois silent occasionally glancing in Clark's direction, leaving Clark and Mara to bicker openly.
Mara glaring at her brother in much the same eye contest they had been in since she had awoken turned her attention to Lois, smilingly a little too sweetly she asked, "Who was it you thought dear Clarkie reminded you of?"
Lois nearly choked on her food, and before she could respond Clark said in an authoritarian voice, "It really doesn't matter," his tone leaving no room for argument. Lois any other day would have been totally offended and had blown up on Clark but today she was thankful for his interruption, but Mara was not.
"Well I think it matters," Mara said in a huff.
"Mara why would it matter, I am not whoever she was thinking of," Clark stated innocently.
"Really Clark you should let her say…it might be quite flattering. You never know?" Mara added just as innocently.
"I am perfectly fine being Clark Kent and no one else," Clark grinded out at his sister.
"Are you Clark?" Mara asked edging toward a topic he didn't want to pursue, "Really Clark wouldn't it be nice to be someone else for a while…to let go?"
"How do you know I don't let go?" Clark asked glaring, truthfully afraid his hit vision might burn a hole through his sister's forehead.
Mara through her utensil down with a little more force then she had intended causing the spoon to be vertically imbedded in the wooden table, "Really Clark look at you, so drawn up, you couldn't let go if it killed you…you can't let anyone else in."
"I let you in," then gesturing toward the children, "I let them in, I let Bruce in."
"That's only because he has as many secrets as you do…hell some you even share," practically ready to pounce across the table she continued, "And them you let in because they are blood…all accept Anna, why do let her in…to protect her, to make up for damage done in your youth between her mother and you…what Clark can't you let others in just to love them?"
"Mara I don't know where this is coming from but stop it," Clark growled, now standing as well.
"Lois, have you ever known Clark to have a girlfriend…anyone?" Mara asked vehemently.
"Uh…" glancing between the two, "I don't think I should be involved."
"ANSWER IT!" Mara demanded.
"Don't Lois," Clark growled lowly.
Whispering almost too low to hear, but all heard the faint 'No.'
"You keep any woman who might love you at a distance, but Clark now there others…other consequences to consider. That you cannot ignore any longer!" Mara fumed. Continuing she said, "Giving your love shouldn't be a trial; it should be without reservation, Clark."
"Not all of us can risk that."
"What is that supposed to mean, do I not have my own children to care for, do I not have someone whom I love very dearly, Clark?" Mara went on, "You built your own walls, I can feel them here," she said gesturing towards her heart, and with that she left the table.
Anna's face was solemn and downcast as she asked, "May I be excused?"
"Anna…" Clark began but he voice lost its volume as he nodded in acquiesce. Anna silent retreat from the table was followed by a simple statement.
"Clark…" but Lois received no response from the man directly next to her. Reaching out tentatively and resting her hand on his arm she said again, "Clark…don't let Anna walk away…she needs someone," swallowing her own pride she admitted to the still steely face of Clark, "Every little girl needs a father figure…Anna needs you."
Clark turned to face her, his crystal blue eyes revealing the sadness he felt. As if sensing his question on whether she was being truthful, she nodded with a smile of encouragement. Clark without further hesitation followed after Anna.
Sighing Lois pushed her plate away, placing her elbows on the table she put her head in her hands and glanced at the three remaining occupants. Mara's words echoing in her mind that Clark had let them in because they were related, but where did Jason fit into that, maybe she had forgotten his was there? Shaking her head she smiled and asked, "So…how are you guys this morning?"
…………………………………………………………………
Far off in China…
"What do you mean, you can't get in?" Bruce asked in a slightly aggravated manner.
The scientist, Dr. Oswald said back in a calm fashion, "You see that symbol right there," gesturing to the two waved lines, with a circle connected toward the opposite ends of each line, "It seems to be a code…of what kind I don't know?" shrugging his shoulder totally bewildered, "For all we know it may be a password in their language, a map of sorts, a sequences of letters…it's like handing me a book in Korean and telling me to read…it could be a name," he finished exasperated.
"Well Master Wayne there is one source…or there are two people for the source who may perhaps be able to solve you problem," offered Alfred in his 'you may not like it but its true' tone.
Squeezing his eyes shut, Bruce shook his head and asked, "If I could get somebody to give you a push in the right direction would it be easier?"
"Loads," Dr. Oswald said with a hopeful look.
"Do you have any idea what it might be though, before I bring my source?" Bruce practically looked like he was begging.
"I am sorry but…"pausing and seeing the look of hope on Bruce's face he rephrased his words, "Perhaps it's a library or sorts…it's seems as if it might be a very large and accurate history book."
……………………………………………..
Inching out on to the balcony Clark could see Anna sitting off to the side, staring off into the city. He knew all of this was way too much for him sometimes, let alone a five year old. Reaching out his hand tentatively he ruffled her curly red locks, "Hey there."
"Hey," she replied despondently.
"Ya know Mara loves you, but sometimes I think she is a bit too pushy," Clark began, receiving a nod from Anna. "You're a wonderful little girl ya know that…in the short time I've known you, you've found your way into my heart," he said with any easy smile.
Turning him to with her all knowing brown eyes she asked, "Do you love me for my mother, or for the wish that I was yours, or …for me?" her big brown eyes watering.
Clark was shocked by the question, where did a five year old come up with that. Smiling he said, "Anna, I love you," as he lightly pinched her nose, causing her to smile. Continuing he said, "I loved your mommy very much, but your mommy loved your daddy, and he did love her, but he knew I loved her too, and that made him so mad…but you aren't your mommy, but I love because I see some of your mommy in you, which makes me know how wonderful you'll be and that I will always protect you," Clark finished with a reassuring smile.
"But you gotta protect the whole world not just me," Anna reasoned.
"I know I shouldn't pick favorites, but no matter what…anything, I will come to you," Clark said in his most authoritative voice, then smiling easily he said, "Even you became the most evil villain in the world…I would come to save you," laughing as he finished.
Anna laughed as well and reached up and hugged Clark, then pushing away she asked, "What was my mommy like?"
"Oh she was wonderful," Clark said with a far off look, "She had your brown eyes and looked just like you except her hair was brown and straight. She was kind and generous, never mean or obnoxious…she always did what was right…"
Anna interrupted him by saying, "Like you," with a big smile.
Smiling back at her like a father would to his daughter, and then pulling her over by her shoulders to give her a hug. Smiling up at him in her carefree childhood manner she asked, "What should I call you…'cause Mr. Kent is kinda boring and stuffy?"
Looking up to think and then back at her he said, "You could call me just Clark or Uncle Clark. Both of those I would be fine with, but anything would be alright, Anna."
"Uncle Clark," she declared as she hugged him fiercely, "Do you have a picture of her?"
Smiling Clark said with a wink, "I'll be right back."
Not three seconds later did Clark return with two pictures. The first one was just of Lana up in the barn house, she was leaning against the barn window laughing at something Clark or someone had said. Smiling reminiscently he said, "We'd go up there…all of us to get away. Its still there the Kent Barn, one day perhaps I will take you there."
"I'd like that Uncle Clark," she said still gazing at the picture, "Did Mother know your secret?"
"Once she did, but I couldn't put that responsibility or danger on her, she loved your father and I wanted her to be able to love him without reserve, so I made her forget…" Clark said staring at the old photo, contemplating all that had once been and now was, how they had changed.
"She knew you loved her, I can see it in her eyes," Anna said staring at the picture just as hard as Clark.
Clark simply nodded his head and handed her the picture and brought out the other. It was actual a wonderful shot, one memories were truly based around. There stood five people all looking happily. From left to right there stood one young man who was laughing, practically shaking his head at whatever nonsense had made the group laugh. After him stood a beautiful blonde girl, her hair was somewhat short ad flippy, and she had bright green eyes that spoke of secrets and her search for them. She was smiling widely and had one arm around the man's shoulder to the right of her. The blonde's petite form in quite a contrast to his large but friendly self. Next was a young man who was quite tall, with thick black hair and stunning blue eyes, chuckling and smiling a typical farm boy smile. Next stood, Lana who Anna immediately recognized, but after her stood one more. He didn't stand off alone and was obviously like by the members of the group he was closest to. He was bald, but looked quite young, wearing an all black but quite chic suit, compared to the others who were dressed like casual teens. He was smiling though, and it was an honest smile. They stood together and looked so happy, as if theirs was type of friendship legends were made of.
"Who are they," Anna asked with curiosity.
"They were my best friends, practically family," sighing, "My mother loved them all, she always gave people a chance, even when my father insisted nothing good could come of them."
"Was it him?" looking at Clark who looked at questioningly, then pointing to the last man in the black she asked, "You're mom, she gave him a chance right?" eyes shining that she had solved the mystery.
Nodding his head solemnly he said, "Yes," almost in a whisper.
"Who was he?"
Staring at the picture and remember that day he said with a sad sort of smile, "Lex Luther."
Eyes wide she asked, "The bad man?" at Clark's nod she quickly changed the subject, "Who are the rest?"
Smiling with easiness he said, "Well that's Ben, he was my best friend, but my worries began to weigh on him," already knowing her question, "yes he knew. Then there was Chloe, she was my best friend while Ben was around and long after he left. She was quite funny, she had a wall of weird occurrences that happened after I came, always trying to solve the next mystery. That was until she realized my secret, after that she tried to protect me…she worked at the Planet briefly but then traveled abroad to investigate weird things that are meteor related. She still writes for the Planet, and keep sin touch when she can…and that one is me," grinning at Anna, "and then there's your mom."
"That's who she fell in love with?" pointing to Lex, and at Clark's nod she went on, "So is he my father?"
"Anna…" but he couldn't lie, "I can't lie," he said in exasperation, "but do you really want to know?" She nodded and he replied sadly, "Yes, but you have to know, they loved each other against the world…they tried so hard, but Lex…he wanted to the only man in Lana's life, and wanted to find…find secrets that are meant to stay as secrets."
……………………………………………..
Lois quite some time ago had cleaned up breakfast and stopped as she was walking down the hall, she decided she would listen in on how well…if at all Clark was cheering up Anna. Stopping carefully, she heard Clark say:
"I loved your mommy very much, but your mommy loved your daddy, and he did love her, but he knew I loved her too, and that made him so mad…
Lois knew she should have walked away but she wanted to know about Clark, about all these people who were suddenly invading her life.
Clark had easily blocked everyone in the apartment out when he was talking to Anna forgetting that there was still one person who didn't know his secret.
Lois was caught in her thoughts…secrets?...Clark sounded more open and less like he was today…a starry thought crossed her mind like her sub-consciousness saying to her, "Well that's what Clark's probably like when he is just himself…"
"Why wouldn't he always be himself?"
Ignoring anymore thoughts from that part of her brain she continued to listen, but she felt like had been dealt a blow to the chest to discover that; one Anna's father was Lex Luther the man who was constantly trying to kill her and the people she loved, but two Clark…loveable, friendly Clark and evil, sinister Lex Luther had once been friends. Heading away from the door, Lois was trying to compose herself. Going into the bathroom, she splashed her face with water repeatedly, and stared for awhile at her reflection.
"Poor Clark…" never had she realized how lonely Clark must be…moved from a Smallville to Metropolis, leaving his friends and family…he was alone here, friends with Jimmy, but what really choked her up is that he had tried to befriend her as well…and she had been rude and unkind, to the mild-mannered, ever the gentlemen Clark. She had been a real bitch. Clark had lost his home friends, by moving away, and lost Lex and Lana to each other. Putting upon a new resolve she decided that she, Lois Lane was going to truly become Clark Kent's true friend…even if at times he could be embarrassing…smilingly corkily…sometimes it was kinda cute.
Just as she went to exit the bathroom, she bumped right into…Mara.
Smiling her at her, her most deviling smile Mara asked, "Now…now Miss I do believe eavesdropping isn't quite polite…did you hear something that interested you?"
"No…well I went to check on Clark and Anna, but I wanted to know about Clark's youth so I stayed," she protested.
"Hear anything interesting…perhaps a secret," Mara pried, one finely shaped black eyebrow raised.
"Nothing…just…I heard about Lana and Lex," Lois finished guiltily.
"Nothing else…" and with Lois shake of her head Mara continued, "Don't speak to my brother what you heard, and I wont say anything either…just don't make it a habit of eavesdropping."
Lois nodded and both women continued on their ways. What else could she had heard? Was it something to do with that secret? Puzzled Lois went down the hall, deciding that now was not the time to contemplate these things…later…later she would talk to Clark…and be his friend…a good friend! She finished smiling at her new plan.
…………………………………………………….
Bruce had flown back as fast as possible; he needed Clark to solve the mystery at Crystal Cavern, not to mention he missed his children very much.
He had first looked for them at the hotel, but alas they had all left for the day, leaving only one place other to look…the Planet.
………………………………………………….
Lex sat behind his desk going over the satellite photos of the Crystal Cavern. It was amazing how well it seemed to be hidden in the mountains that stretched through China…almost as if it had been placed purposely there.
It seemed like a lifetime ago when he himself had gone to China in search of an artifact that would be the key to solving the riddle behind his friend…and to get back at his father, but life had been different then.
He had Kitty now, but despite everything Kitty was nothing like Lana, and if he could just kill…kill that blue Boy Scout he would…he destroyed everything! In the deep recesses of Lex's mind a memory, repressed and disillusioned, begged to be remembered…just if he could place the identity of Superman then he could kill him…starting with everything he loved most. Grinning sinisterly, Lex sighed contently and began to prepare his departure for the Crystal Cavern.
He had just one errand to run first.
…………………………………………………..
Walking across town, mid-morning is quite a feat, dodging and maneuvering through the vast amount of people. Clark had been sent out on a coffee run for Lois, Perry, and Jimmy, and of course Mara demanded that she go with him.
He hadn't been paying much attention to Mara's endless chatter when he bumped right into the man in front of him, who began to lose his balance. Clark's abnormal reflexes kicked in just in time to grab the man before he fell backward.
Beginning to speak his apologies he stopped short…"Lex?"
The man looked quizzically up at Clark, analyzing him, confused until sudden comprehension dawned upon him… "Clark Kent."
Clark well-mannered and good nature, despite everything, could not let go of the one time friendship he had with Lex Luther. Smiling, not his farm boy overjoyed grin, but one that had a slight sadness to it asked, "How are you doing?"
Lex couldn't place it but Clark looked awfully familiar…and when did he start wearing glasses. Smiling back regretfully, "I'm fine Clark, just attending to some business before I leave."
Perked up he asked, "Leaving? Where are you headed?"
"China, so I best get going…nice seeing you Clark?" Lex said with a small wave before he disappeared into the crowd.
"What was that?" Mara asked glancing between Clark and the crowd where Lex had disappeared.
"He was once my friend," Clark said remorsefully.
"Clark," lightly touching his arm, "He's not anymore…you have to go get him…who knows what he may be up to?" Mara reasoned.
With that Clark took off…but it was too late Lex was gone. His eternal guilt began to rise…What would Lois think of him letting Lex go? What about Jason? His family?
Little did Clark know he would regret his decision much more in the coming days to not go after Lex.