Enjoy! Side note, i had written this as a one shot previously, rewrote it and added it to my missing scene series. So if it seems familiar, it might be a little bit, but everything was def. tweaked.
Metropolis, Kansas
The doors opened with a bang.
'LUTHOR UNRECOVERED IN PLANE CRASH.' The man quoted for the newspaper he hid behind. 'I have to say I'm impressed Ms. Mercer, you managed to put a decent spin on it, much better then Billionaire goes missing in the Arctic.'
'Mr. Stern' she acknowledged with a cold smile entering the room and sitting down only when he offered. Although the chair was meant to put guests at a disadvantage, Tess managed to make it look comfortable.
Tess was somewhat excited; she was finally going to get what she always wanted. Mercer Industries.
'Tess' he acknowledged folding the newspaper neatly before putting it aside on his big oak desk, a remnant of the civil war era..
'I gather you're invitation to meet was not solely on the basis of how well I can spin a story.' Ms. Mercer prompted, heart racing in anticipation.
He nodded, watching her carefully, 'Coffee?' he asked, he gestured to the woman in the corner to come forward with the pitcher.
Ms. Mercer never took her eyes off of Stern as she told the secretary how she liked it, 'One cream, two sugars.'
Once the secretary was done, Stern nodded to the door, 'Leave us.'
The secretary nodded, 'yes Mr. Stern' before closing the wooden doors behind her.
After watching Tess take a sip of her coffee, he proceeded, 'So you managed to make your way back to Metropolis. I'm a bit surprised. This isn't usually your scene.'
Tess set her cup down, shrugging nonchalantly, 'we had a deal. I give you everything you wanted on the Queens, you give me Mercer Industries.'
At that Stern sighed, unable to look her quite in the eye. 'About that…do you know how I got this desk' Stern touched the desk reverently. 'It wasn't my father's or my grandfather's…I bought it, with cash. Always like to put on a show for my clients and partners.'
Tess's eyes gleamed, this was it.
Stern continued, 'We all have to do it at some time or another. Put on a show that is. You understand the vacuum created with Luthor missing?' He asked instead, changing the subject so fast, she could feel the whiplash.
She almost sneered at the suggested insult to her intelligence, instead schooling her features and sipping her coffee as if unaffected. Setting the cup and saucer down with a small clink, she sat back in her chair. Raising an eyebrow, she refused to let her anger show, 'It has come to my attention that Luthorcorp is without an heir. Then again Luthorcorp has been a financial black hole since Lex's disappearance six months ago. No one will touch it.'
Stern leaned back in his chair as well, assessing her carefully. 'Yes…well there are certain things we would like to... not display to the public.'
'Display to the public' Tess echoed.
'Yes…we need someone to get a firm handle on this mess, clean it up with too much trouble.' Stern looked at her, 'we prefer it be someone…we trust.'
Tess felt cold inside, suddenly understanding what was happening. 'You're not giving me Mercer industries are you?' she asked sharply, her nails digging into the leather armrest as she tried to calm herself down.
Setting his elbows on the table, he finally looked her in the eye, 'we have an understanding that this company has some ongoing projects that must be continued. With both Luthors gone, we think it might be time to clean up this messy situation.'
'And you want me to clean up your mess?' she sneered, as she pierced him with her gaze.
He felt the rage rolling off of her in waves, but ignored her question, 'the position of CEO of LuthorCorp. It is a lucrative position.'
Tess eyes flickered with anger, 'You promised me the head of Mercer industries.' She said tightly. 'A position we had a deal on. Who-?'
He avoided her eyes for a moment, 'I gave it to someone I trusted.'
Tess's eyes narrowed, 'You gave it to James?'
Stern folded his hands in front of him, 'He came to me with a better deal. I don't play favorites. You know that.'
Tess stepped back feeling like she was slapped in the face. 'No of course not. That would require you care.' she sneered.
Stern sighed, his whiskers bristling, '…It's just good business.'
Tess took a deep breath, calming herself as she looked at the man in front of her, 'Of course it is. Congratulate me. I am the new CEO of LuthorCorp'. She turned and walked to the door, realizing she had lost everything when she trusted him. Staring at the brass knob for a moment, she turned it slowly and walked out.
Belle Reeve, Smallville
'She managed to do it in 3.4 seconds. We have never seen anyone with those kinds of abilities' He said as he flipped through the test results.
Following the director of the program around the corner, the scientist handed him the folder, 'Wasn't her mother a recent resident of one of our facilities?'
The scientist pushed his glasses up, 'uh yes sir, a manipulator. Had control over any meteor freak.'
'hmmmm' the director mulled over it as he flipped through the papers. 'She could be our biggest asset yet.'
A blur of red zig zagged across the streets of Metropolis, before coming to a complete stop in a black alley.
'So?' an automated voice behind him had him smiling. Turning he lifted his hands in an innocent gesture, 'Who's da man?'
Green Arrow appeared in the light cast by the lone street lamp, eyebrow already cocked, 'was that rhetorical?'
Bart just shrugged unzipping his jacket and pulling out a file. 'Of course.'
Oliver grabbed the file and opened it, flipping through the pages. 'Any problems.'
'Accept for losing the secretary's number. But…' he shrugged, 'I gotta do what I gotta do.'
Oliver smirked, 'I'm sure she'll appreciate the sacrifice.' As he read closer, he looked up and grinned. 'Jackpot'
Bart folded his arms in amusement, 'we going hunting?'
Off the Coast of South Africa
'Got something!' one of the men called out.
Trying to haul over the railing, he almost fell over himself. Others raced to help, and it took all of them, thirteen men in total, to haul the strange shape out of the ocean.
Falling back on to the deck with their booty; all of them slowly stepped away.
Lying on the deck, unconscious was a naked man.
Mutterings rose across the ship as everyone gathered around it.
One brave man came closer, slowly poking the shoulder of the body. 'I think he's dead' he called over his shoulder.
Some started relaxing, joking around about what to do with it, but just as the man came closer and pushed him over,
Now lying on his back, everyone could see it.
On his chest, carved into the skin was a diamond with an S in the center.
Bell Reeve Aylum
Chloe lifted her head from where she had rested it against her knees.
Something…was different, something was…awake.
He was alive.
Chloe turned to the window, slowly rising as she watched the skies intently through her small little window, her gut feeling telling her it was something out there.
But there was nothing.
Her gut twisted, her head starting to ache. She had to get out of here.
Turning to the door, she could hear the footsteps down the hall, the shuffling of feet, nails scratching at the walls, the wailing of other patients.
It had been five months. Five months of this hell hole. Five months of tests, and experiments, poking and prodding, and little men in white coats saying nothing as they furiously scribbled on their clipboards.
She winced as she heard the sliding of the key.
Eyes wide, heart beating faster, she scrambled across the floor away from the door, eyes wide with fright.
The door banged open and one of the orderlies grinned as he looked down on her. 'Well Well Blondie, looks like the doc wants you again.'
'Please' Chloe could barely choke on her words, hating that her fear got the better of her. But as she backed up even more, the orderlies stomped into the cell and grabbed her flailing arms.
'No' she said quietly at first, but her thrashing increased as they neared the room. Something made her think she would be safe if she stayed in the room, nothing could hurt her if she just stayed in one place. 'NO' she shouted, digging her feet into the ground, trying to contort her body in any way just to loosen their grip.
But their grip tightened, and she winced as she could feel their blunt fingertips digging into her arm.
'Keep quiet bitch or we can find other ways to keep you quiet.' Orderly number two growled in her ear.
Slowly they made their way down the hall lined with doors to cells just like hers. She could hear the banging, the cursing, and the laughs as others watched her walked down the hall.
When she first got here, she tried to hold eye contact with any of them, hoping camaraderie in the face of this place would help her get out of here. But seeing their eyes…empty…she stopped looking after seven days. She stopped speaking to anyone after nine. The orderlies laughed at how quickly she had changed.
She hesitated as they came to the end of the hall, but the orderlies just tugged her with force across the threshold.
Shoving her into the chair, they strapped her down.
Orderly number two grinned as he patted the inside of her thigh, she sneered with disgust.
'One of these days' he crowed.
'Not in this lifetime, pig.' She hissed.
The orderly's look of glee turned quickly to a face of rage and hatred.
Slap!
'Ungrateful bitch' he snarled, ready to hit her again, for which she cringed back in anticipation.
'Cool it' orderly number one said, 'Doc's coming.'
The sound of footsteps stopped in front of the big steel doors, before swinging open.
Chloe watched carefully as the doctor walked in, 'hello Chloe, we have a very busy day today.'
Bell Reeve Asylum
Oliver sighed as he watched the building, 'are you sure about this?'
Victor looked up from his computer, 'dude, that's the fifteenth time you asked me. I'm sure'
They were all sitting in the back of the white van, discussing tactics. Well Bart was eating his fifth burrito as well.
'It's a flawless plan.' Bart said between his bites. A.C turned slightly green at the half masticated food in his mouth, 'dude, chew, swallow, then talk'
Bart simply opened his mouth even wider before continuing to eat.
Metropolis, Kansas
'You understand…it's just good business.'
Tess laughed softly before taking a sip of her champagne. 'I understand perfectly Mr. Castle, James came to you with a better offer, and your greedy little heart couldn't say no. Think of all those poor mistresses of yours without their presents.' She sneered.
Setting down her class, she smoothed the napkin across her lap before looking up at him. 'You must be very sure of yourself.'
Mr. Castle smiled appreciating the view offered as Tess leaned forward, 'Of course, if you do happen to have a better…'
'My my, you certainly do play dirty.'
'In more ways than one Ms. Mercer.' He reached across the table covering her hand with his.
Snatching her hand away, she tried to hide the revulsion creeping up.
'So what were you intending on doing when you got me here? Our deal is off the table; you chose my brother over me. Did you really think I would forget all that for a mediocre lay?'
His face quickly contorted to rage, 'look you little bitch, I think-'
'Don't think Mr. Castle.' She interrupted standing up, 'it's not your strong point.'
Belle Reeve Insane Asylum.
'One more time'
Chloe took in a shuddering breath.
'Please' she whispered, blood dripping down from her nose; a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, her hair covering her face in a stringy mess. Looking up at them through her hair, she took careful note of the doctor. With nothing more left in her, her eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she slumped forward.
The doctor sighed; he was hoping to get one more out of her. For all of her abilities, she wasn't very good at sustaining them for very long.
Nodding to the two men, he watched as they undid her bindings, lifted her by her arms, and dragged her out the door.
Looking down he scribbled a few more notes before calling it a day.
Unknown Location.
'What is he?'
'He's a man, just like us. Get me some water, his wounds are festering now.'
'But she doesn't want us to touch him.'
'Well too bad, he's no use to us, if he's dead, now is he?'
Metropolis, Kansas
'You B-'
'Close the door Emily.' Tess cut off the man who stomped into her office. Sarah shot her an apologetic look, before closing the wood doors with a mute click.
'You think you can just-'
Tess cut him off again, 'Please, take a seat Mr. Castle. Perhaps you would like a drink…water…coffee…arsenic?'
Castle broke into a cold cruel laughter, 'how very witty of you Tess. You do remind me of you father. Although he never made decisions based on his emotions, getting me kicked off the board of my own company. I'm impressed. It was a stupid move, but impressive nevertheless.'
Tess gripped her pen a little tighter, unnoticeable by Castle.
'If you have something important to say Castle, please say it, otherwise I'm busy running a multibillion dollar company. You still remember what that's like don't you?' she raised her eyebrow in challenge.
Bishop's eyes narrowed in anger, the humiliation still just beneath the façade.
'One of these days Tess, your sharp tongue will get you into far more trouble then you are prepared to deal with. Remember, you may have Daddy signing your checks right now, but what happens when family secrets aren't secrets anymore.'
Bell Reeve Asylum
They strapped her to the bed. The man giving her a sly pat on the thigh before closing the door on her.
Oliver stood on the roof, crouching as he tapped his earpiece. 'Are we in position?'
Victor tapped his piece as he jacked into the computer system, 'aye aye captain. Ready to do this.'
'Open the doors' Oliver ordered.
Victor punched in a few more codes, before hitting the main switch. All electricity was shut down for the moment.
Oliver walked through one of the access doors in the back, finding himself in a sterile white hallway.
'Bart?' Oliver asked
'I'm getting to it.' Bart rushed through another exit, aiming for the doctor's office. Oliver wanted all the files on the patients, including a certain someone.
Oliver slid up against on of the walls, hearing footsteps.
'Guys?'
'Two coming your way'
Oliver tensed, waiting for that one second he needed.
As the steps passed his line of vision, he grabbed the man and punched him in the face, before kicking him in the gut.
The second one tried to attack him from behind, but he swung him over his back and onto the floor before also punching him, effectively knocking him out.
Oliver headed determinedly down a series of hallways, 'where is she Bart?'
'Hold your horses bossman I just connected.'
'Victor?'
'Give me one second. This isn't exactly magic. This is pure skill.'
'Skill my butt' snorted Bart. 'Mad Skillz is what I got.'
'Guys' Oliver barked. Usually perfectly fine with their banter, he was too keyed up for this.
'Okay, she's in room 137a. Take a left, a right, right, and a left. Hers is the third door on the left. And it's wired. Like massively wired. Whoa…she's been classified as a grade A meteor freak. One of the highest of the high'
'Chloe…my Chloe?' Bart asked in surprised.
Oliver followed the directions. Arrow notched, bow at the ready.
When he came upon the door to Chloe's room, he looked through the door to see Chloe laying on the floor. 'Victor, door' he barked again into the comm.
'err…right…give me a second, this is something entirely new for me.'
Oliver waited impatiently, banging on the door, hoping for a response, but she laid still.
Click Click
Oliver grimaced as the doors sprung open, rushing inside, he touched Chloe gently. 'Chloe?' he whispered softly, but no response still.
Gently picking her up, he held her in his arms as he exited the room.
'Guys, I've got her.'
Bart raised his head, hearing the hesitation in Oliver's voice, 'is she?'
Oliver looked down at Chloe pale face, 'Barely'
Victor shook his head, 'alright, let's get this show on the road, turn left at the next hall, down the stairs, and your exit is straight ahead. Bart's got the files, I just need your signal that you have exited the building.'
Oliver rushed down the hall, grateful to not encounter anymore men on the way.
Exiting the building, he turned to stare at the Asylum, 'It's all yours Victor' he said, before turning back around.
Behind him alarms went off, blaring in the night sky.
Queen Penthouse, Metropolis
'BILLIONAIRE LOST IN A TRAGIC AIRPLANE CRASH, BODY NOT FOUND'
Oliver folded the newspaper in half and set it next to his plate.
Sighing, he looked at his watch, finding it to be 7 in the morning.
Deciding he should check on Chloe, he grabbed a cup of coffee and headed towards his bedroom.
Knocking on the closed door, he put his ear to the door, wondering if she's awake, 'Chloe?'
Slowly pressing on the handle, he opened the door a bit.
'Come in' the soft voice barely heard.
Oliver opened the door all the way, revealing Chloe's bare back, before she pulled the t-shirt over her head.
Oliver's mouth went dry, 'um…I…uh brought you coffee.' He turned away for a moment, gathering his mind.
Grabbing her hair she pulled it out from under her t-shirt, before turning.
Staring up at him, she took the cup and sipped it. Sinking onto the bed and tucking her legs under her in Indian style. She stared out the window, slowly sipping away at the coffee.
Oliver grabbed a chair and sat in front of her, leaning forward until she was forced to look at him.
'Hey, you're going to be alright, your safe now, and soon we'll find Clark.'
She simply nodded.
Oliver sat there for several minutes, waiting for her to say something. But she kept her eyes on the rising sun.
Hearing the doorbell ring, he sighed in frustration, they needed to talk. He knew she must have gone through hell, and he wanted to help her…but he didn't know how. And Clark missing left him unsettled.
Getting up, he crossed the room and opened the door. Not noticing Chloe looking over her shoulder at him, as he shut the door behind him.
'So…' Black Canary asked as she and A.C walked off the elevator, 'how is she?'
Oliver ran a hand through his hair as he shook his head, 'she's not talking.'
They moved through the apartment and up the stairs, where his office was.
A.C nodded in understanding, 'would you be if you were stuck in Belle Reeve for seven months?'
Oliver shrugged, leaning against his desk 'I just don't know what to do.'
Silence filled the space between them with the big white elephant in the room, would Chloe ever be the same?
'…So what are you guys doing here?' asked Oliver, wanting something else to think about.
Canary hesitated, A.C and Dinah exchanging uneasy looks. 'We've looked Oliver, We've been looking for the last seven months. Oliver…there's nothing more we can do.'
Oliver's jaw clenched, knowing logically what she was saying, but in his heart, he knew Clark was still alive out there. And more so he feared Lex might be out there as well.
He raised an eyebrow, 'A.C?'
He shook his head, 'I scoured the whole ocean, nothing so far there. Bart's been running nonstop, and Victor has pretty much timed out on his connections. Boss, we don't have a lot more to go on'
'So you guys want to stop….looking.'
Canary nodded, 'Unless Chloe can tell us more we don't have anything.'
Oliver shook his head, 'I get we're all exhausted. And we don't even know where Clark had been in the first place. And the only other person besides Clark is sitting in my bedroom not saying a word. And you guys are right, but she knows guys. She knows where he was'
'I can take you there.' A raspy voice sounded from above them.
All three looked up to see Chloe standing at the railing, looking pale and exhausted.
'You're looking for the fortress right? I can take you there.'
All three frowned in confusion, before Canary spoke up, 'the fortress?'
Metropolis, Kansas
'So do we have a deal?'
Ms. Mercer took out a pen and uncapped it, placing it on the folder and sliding them across the table.
Mr. Castle opened the file, seeing the contract. 'And do I have a choice?'
Ms. Mercer smirked, 'You always have a choice.'
He picked up the pen and signed with a flourish.
Arctic- Seven days later
All four stood in the snow, Chloe at the front.
'Are you sure about this' Oliver stepped up next to her.
Chloe looked up, her eyes reflecting the snow, 'Let's do this.'
In front of them lay a shattered Fortress.
'Hello?' Chloe called out, her voice echoing in the cold abyss. Slightly shivering, she drew her black coat tighter around her body.
'Clark? Clark?'
There was nothing but darkness.
Each of them carried glow sticks as they moved around.
'What is this place?' A.C asked as he reached out to touch a crystal.
'Don't touch anything!' Chloe snapped.
A.C drew his hand back quickly.
Oliver and Black Canary walked around, eyes wide in wonder. 'This wasn't on any of the satellite images, how did this go undetected.'
Chloe ignored them as she went to one of the many crystals.
'Jor-EL? Tell me what happened to Clark, what happened to Kal-El?'
But there was nothing.
As she moved further into the cave, she heard a crunch under her foot.
'I need more light.' She called. Oliver tossed her a green glowing stick.
Slowly lifting it, the green glow reflected back on her as across the expanse of the floor laid shattered crystals. Among them was a sign of red.
'Oh My God' she whispered, fear pumping through her veins.
Running, she fell to her knees as her fists clutched the bright red jacket.
Metropolis, Kansas
The limo pulled up to the curb in front of Mr. Bishop.
The door opened, and his eyes widened in surprise.
'Please get in Mr. Bishop' the feminine voice rang out.
As he scooted in the door shut behind him and the locks clicked.
Ms. Mercer sat across from him, dressed in a white tailored suit.
'We need to talk' she leaned over, hand on her knee as she offered him the folder.
Warily he grabbed it and opened it. His eyebrows disappearing into his hairline, 'You can't be serious. '
'Oh but I am Mr. Bishop.'
'How did-'
'How did I know you've been funneling money from the company? You're a smart man Bishop…but I'm smarter. I want your shares, or you won't see the sun rising from your tiny little cell. People are still looking for scapegoats for this country's financial crisis, and I can deliver you with a pretty red bow to the FBI.'
Over the North Pole
'Chloe, you know what this means'
They sat across from each other in the plane, Chloe still clutching the red jacket.
Lifting her head, she finally looked at him.
'He's alive' he said with determination.
'Probably?' she murmured.
Oliver moved next to her, bringing her head to his shoulder, 'I'm sorry Chloe, I don't know what they did to you in there, and I wish I could understand, but I promise you we will find him, and we will fix all this.'
Chloe knew she should be able to cry, she should be able to feel something for all that was happening around her, but she couldn't.
'You never asked about Lois and Jimmy?' he said quietly.
'I know' she whispered against his shirt.
And they sat there for a long time.
Metropolis, Kansas
'You can't go back there, Ms.? Ms.?'
The doors burst open, as Mr. Knight put his phone down.
Sighing, he nodded to his secretary, its okay Sarah, hold my calls if you can.'
The secretary nodded, sending the woman a dirty look before shutting the door on him.
'What can I do for you Ms. Mercer'
Mercer smiled, 'You can give me your shares.'
Mr. Knight, grinned shaking his head at her boldness, 'And why would I do that?'
She moved around the room, taking note of the things he put on display, 'I know you like playing games,'
He shifted uncomfortably, confused at what she was getting out.
'I think your wife would be interested in what kind of games you play.'
She dropped the photos onto the table. 'Maybe she can join in next time.'
With that she walked to the door, 'Have a good day Mr. Knight, I'll see you in the meeting next week.'
As the door shut closed behind her, Mr. Knight opened the files to see pictures of him and another man entering a motel room.
Unknown Location
Leaning in closely, she slowly touched his chest, tracing the carvings on his skin, 'what are you?' she whispered.
Turning carefully, she picked up the needle in her right hand, lifting it in front of her face, the liquid casting a green glow across her skin.
Bending over, she slowly inserted it into his vein on his left arm.
Slowly injecting him.
His skin crawled, his veins turning black and red, spreading out like a web.
Suddenly his body convulsed,
His eyes shot open, piercing red beams shot up into the sky like a beacon, his face contorted in a silent scream.
Queen Penthouse, Metropolis
Chloe shot up from her bed, turning, she ran to the window.
Oliver opened the door, 'Chloe, we think we found him.'
Chloe didn't even turn around, 'I know' she said ominously.
50 miles outside of a Metropolis
They stood outside the facility.
Oliver strapped his bows to his back, tucked his earpiece in place, and turned to get the signal from Victor.
Chloe slid the door open and jumped out.
'What do you think you're doing?'
'Coming with you'
'No you're not.'
Chloe didn't even blink as Oliver turned away from her, 'yes I am, Clark is in there, and I'm not sitting on the sidelines for this. That's a highly secured facility, and either Victor or I would be needed inside. Victor is a little busy right now considering he's jacked himself into the main computer frame. So that leaves me.'
Oliver stared at her, refusing to think this was a good idea, but the clock was ticking, and he didn't have time. She wanted to come, fine, it wasn't his problem.
Grabbing one of the many hidden pockets, he handed her a small knife. 'Just in case' he muttered.
Chloe held it up, turning it slowly in the light before sliding it into her coat pocket.
'Stay close.' Oliver barked as he fired his grapple.
Metropolis, Kansas
'Ms. Mercer, we have a situation with one of Luthor's warehouses.'
Tess turned to the computer, staring at the information, brows furrowing she looked up at her assistant, 'are you serious'
'uh…quite.'
Tess scanned the video feed, eyes narrowing on the dots, 'take care of it'
The assistant looked startled for a second, before bringing the phone to her ear.
50 miles outside of Metropolis
Together they ran down the hall, glancing into different rooms as they went, until they found the last one.
'I think I have it.' Oliver called out, 'but it's locked with a keypad. Victor?' he tapped his earpiece, but all he got was static.
Chloe looked down the hall nervously, hearing footsteps in the distance. 'Let me take a look at it.'
Oliver wondered what she could possibly do but shrugged, turning away to watch the halls. Behind him he heard a click, before Chloe called to him, 'Got it'
'How did you do that?' Oliver asked bewildered.
'Magic'
As Oliver entered the room, Chloe wiped her nose, eyes widening at the blood on her fingers.
She entered the room to find Clark bound and gagged.
Chloe removed the gag and started undoing his bindings. 'C'mon Clark, its Chloe. You have to help us out here.'
Clark lifted his head, looking at them blearily. 'C-Chloe.' He stuttered.
Chloe sighed in relief at his words. 'Yeah Clark.'
Metropolis, Kansas
Tess stared at the feed, 'looks like we have a few intruders. What's in the warehouse?'
The assistant hesitated, 'some remnants of old experiments.'
Tess smiled, 'then we have nothing of value in there. Clean it up.' She ordered into the phone.
The man on the other end signaled to his team, 'you heard the lady. Move out.'
Inside the building
Oliver and Chloe lifted one arm each over their shoulders. 'What happened to your powers Clark?'
Clark simply shook his head.
Chloe looked around her, 'these walls are made of lead Oliver. Seven months…'
Oliver stilled. 'Wait, do you hear something?'
Chloe lifted her head as well, eyes searching the ceiling. '…someone's coming.'
Oliver tapped his earpiece again, but still nothing. Opening the door, he quickly glanced out, before letting Chloe and Clark go before him.
Suddenly shots rang out in the hallway.
'RUN!' Oliver shouted.
All three of them tried to make a run for it, but Clark's lack of sun had limited his abilities and he stumbled over himself more than a few times.
They could feel the heat of the bullets near them, before they came to the other end.
Slamming the door open, they ran up the stairs
As they rose higher, Chloe looked over her shoulder, her heart in her throat as she saw several men with guns chasing them.
They burst through the doors to the roof, breathing in a good amount of air. As they ran across the wide expanse of the roof,
A sniper's gun followed them.
Bang!
Clark jerked back in surprise. A gunshot to his chest.
'Clark' Chloe gasped, both of them shoving him behind one of the few vents on the roof, serving what little cover it did.
'Let me see' Chloe lifted the shirt, tracing the bloody wound. Clark started breathing in short bursts.
Chloe stared at him calmly, and Clark understood. 'No!'
'Clark' she murmured softly.
'I'm going to be okay Chloe.'
'Exactly.' Chloe bent over him.
'Oliver stop her' Clark shouted.
Oliver looked bewildered, before his eyes went blind when a bright white light flashed.
When the light died out, Oliver lifted his head to find Clark unconscious on the floor, and Chloe laying against the vent, eyes open, pale and deathly still.
'Chloe?' he quietly called out.
'CHLOE!' he shouted.
But she was still.
Grabbing a hold of her, he looked down at her, cradling her in his lap.
Suddenly a blast of red and green flashed across the sky, thunder cracked above them.
A tall, black man dropped to the roof in front of them. Gathering Clark in his arms, he looked up at the sky.
'Wait!' Oliver shouted, 'what about her?' pointing to Chloe.
The man looked down for a second, 'it is too late for her.'
And with that, Clark and the man disappeared into the night sky.
Oliver heard Dinah taking out the sniper. Bart zipped around taking away their guns, while Victor shut doors and locked them in the warehouse.
'Chloe? Chloe?' he shook her, but she laid still eyes open to the sky.
Kents Farm, Smallville, Three days later
Chloe jerked awake, gasping for air for a second, before sitting upright.
Her movements awoke Clark sitting next to her in a chair.
'Chloe?' he moved to the bed quickly.
'Chloe!' he got her attention as she turned to look at him.
'Clark' she said with surprise, before launching into his arms, 'Oh my God Clark, are you okay? What happened? Your memory…your powers?' she asked a thousand and one questions in the span of two breaths.
Clark held her by the shoulders, trying to still her. 'Chloe, its okay. I'm fine. Martian took me to the sun.'
They hugged each other again, taking comfort in each others arms again.
But Clark drew back, ready to lecture her.
Chloe, already anticipating, pulled back as well. 'Forget it Clark, you can tell me all you want about how it was a risk, but I don't care, I would do it anyway, again and again. So go ahead and waste your breath.'
'But you could have-'
'Died…I know. That's what I keep telling you. I know all the risks, I know what can happen and I still don't care. So instead of lecturing me on what not to do next time, which I'll ignore anyway, tell me about what happened, what you remember about the fortress.'
As they settled in, Clark still glanced at her uneasily. He didn't like it, knowing one day he would be the reason she died.
Belle Reeve Asylum
The doctor flipped through his pad, sighing at the loss of such a potential candidate as Chloe Sullivan.
The hair on the back of his neck prickled.
Trying to look behind him, he felt an arm come around his neck, crushing his windpipe. A figure bent low.
'You tried to hurt me'
The doctor stuttered, unable to get anything past his crushed windpipe.
He felt the prick of a needle in his jugular artery.
'I won't let you hurt me or anyone else ever again.'
The doctor's eyes widened as he felt the needle in his neck.
A sharp fiery pain ran through his veins before the world turned black.
Queen Penthouse, Metropolis
'Why didn't you tell him?'
Oliver looked up from his desk to find Chloe standing in front of him,
Frowning, Oliver looked behind her for Clark or something, 'how did you get in?'
Chloe shrugged, 'it was unlocked.'
Oliver knew he never left it unlocked, not with the amount of secrets in his apartment. Still, shaking his head, he brushed off the niggling uncertainty. It was Chloe and she always found ways.
Putting the papers he was reading down, 'why didn't I tell him about what?'
Chloe stepped closer, her face now lit by the lamp on his desk, 'My stint in Belle Reeve.'
Oliver shrugged, 'in the grand scheme of you being dead, it didn't really come up.'
Chloe winced, 'I'm sorry you had to see me like that.'
Oliver shrugged, 'I'm happier seeing you alive, and better. All this time…
Chloe nodded, 'yeah, I never told anyone…including Lois and Jimmy' thinking about it for a moment, before shaking her head, 'I wanted to thank you for rescuing me.'
Oliver smiled, standing up and rounding the desk until he stood mere inches from her. Eyes softening, he lifted a hand to touch her cheek, 'I thought I had lost you there.'
Her breath hitched at his touch, 'for a moment there you did.'
She closed her eyes slightly, leaning into his warm hand for a moment. Leaning down he captured her lips with his own.
And for a few seconds it was back to how it was for before all of this. Before Jimmy, and before Oliver declared feelings for Lois, before the mess their lives turned out to be.
Pulling away abruptly, Chloe shook her head, 'NO!'
'Chloe?'
'You can't keep doing this to me' Chloe rested her hands on his chest, brushing his shirt.
Oliver frowned, 'what do you mean this?'
'Being my white knight…saving me. Which I am extremely grateful for, and then making me fall for you all over again. You declared your love for Lois, remember? And even if nothing has come of it, you can't just…you can't do this to me. One minute your mine, and the next your Lois's…I can't…I can't'
Seconds ticked by. Both struggling with the fact that whatever they still have. For now, nothing could come of it.
Sighing in frustration, Chloe took a deep breath, stepped forward and rested her forehead on his chest. Wrapping her arms around his waist, 'We are so messed up' she whispered.
Oliver wrapped his arms around her. 'I know' he said softly. 'I'm sorry…about everything, Lois and you; I shouldn't have done what I did, to either of you. I was trying to save both of you, and I ended up hurting both of you. Forgive me?'
Chloe sighed, she knew she still had some bitterness left for him. But she was too tired to do anything about it. She was just too tired, 'For now, until you do another incredibly stupid thing.'
'Chloe?'
'Hmmm?'
'just…try not to die next time'
Chloe smiled into his shirt, 'will do'.
Kent's Farm, Smallville
Clark sat at the table, staring down at the piece of paper.
Lifting the pen beside it, he uncapped it.
Pausing for a second, he started filling out his name on the application for the desk job at the Daily Planet.
Metropolis, Kansas
Mr. Stern walked confidently into his office, satisfied everything was working out perfectly, only to stop short.
His leather chair turned around revealing Tess sitting there with a smirk on her face.
'Hello.' She leaned forward, elbows on his grandfather's desk. Dressed in a red suit, her eyes glinted with mirth.
'Tess' he acknowledged hesitantly, looking around to make sure no one else was here. 'Is there a reason you're sitting at my desk?'
'Just testing the chair out' Tess smiled, 'quite comfortable, if a little old fashioned.'
Mr. Stern smiled in confusion, 'Excuse me?'
Tess smiled, 'I thought you should be the first to know, I am now the CEO of both Mercer industries and Luthorcorp. Congratulate me.'
Mr. Stern's smile dropped quickly, 'is this some kind of joke?' he demanded.
'Now don't be angry, it's just called good business.' Tess smiled. Laying a hand on a black folder, she slid it across the table. 'I now have controlling interest in Luthorcorp which has just bought Mercer industries. Isn't it sweet?'
'What is this?' he asked with a sneer, as he opened it up.
'Your retirement plan Daddy.'
Tess grinned as she watched the horrified look on her father's face.
Chloe's Apartment, Smallville
Chloe slid the draw open, and carefully lifted the red jacket out. Opening it slowly, her eyes widened for a second before smiling. Lifting the crystal to the light, she carefully turned it over and over, admiring it.
With a smile, she tucked it back into the jacket and in the drawer.
A/N
whew! talk about lack of inspiration after this new season aired. I'm getting disgruntled by the butchering of my favorite character. but that's a whole different rant and rave.
So I had this written as a one shot at the time the episode had aired, just because i thought it could have been done better. But then again, I always think it can be done better. So I rewrote it, and then i started the missing scene series. Well this episode naturally comes next, and thought i would just edit the one-shot i had written and add it to the series. So here it is, in a different form. A little bit of Chloe and Oliver at the end, plus hints of what Chloe had become. Yes, there is no Lois nor Jimmy, i didn't think they had much use here. So let me know what you think.
Please Please Review, I crave them like chocolate. And that's serious craving.