Thank you to those of you who have reviewed, as always it means a lot. And rest assured that this ends happily so you don't need to stress about Lois dying or Lois and Clark being separated forever. Thanks again, Lise.
Chapter 12:
1 month earlier, outside the Ft. Wainwright Infirmary:
I look through the thick walls of the infirmary, my eyes coming to rest on the prone form of Lois Lane. I hone in on her heartbeat, memorizing its strong, steady rhythm. Lulling me into peace. Snow softly falling around me. I've sat here in the same spot for close to 10 days…keeping vigil. My moment shattered when Chloe enters with a female doctor.
"I don't know what else to say Miss Sullivan; your cousin should have regained consciousness almost 2 weeks ago. She only received a mild concussion and a couple of fractured ribs. Even with the amount of blood she'd lost she still should have regained consciousness promptly."
"So it's only a matter of time then?"
"I guess so. I don't like not knowing what is wrong with my patients."I tune out, having heard more than enough of that conversation; my guilt overshadowing all other emotions, except love. I take one last lingering glance at Lois…
"Watch out for her Chlo." I race off to Smallville, hoping that this time I'd have the courage to face my mother; to own up to my actions. Moments later I stop in front of the 'Welcome to Smallville' sign, warring with myself, to stay or just leave? The momma's boy inside wins as I sprint to the farm; coming to a skidding halt in front of the farm house. I excitedly look around the drive, my shoulders slump as I notice the absence of the truck. I sigh, guilt washing over me again as I take in the disrepair of the farm.
I quickly set about repairing the farm, fluttering from here to there and back again.
It's taken me an hour to fix the entire place up, although I don't dare enter the loft or the house, feeling like a complete stranger. I dust my hands off on my black jeans and sit on the porch, Shelby coming to rest beside me. I lay a hand on his head, feeling the comfort he has to offer. We sit together watching the sun set over the fields on the far off horizon; the night now rapidly growing dark. My ears prick as I hear the sound of tyres not far off down the road, headlights coming clearly into view. I tune into Mom's heartbeat. I quickly run to hide in the shadows of the barn, crouching low to make myself less noticeable. Thankfully Shelby stays and waits loyally for Mom to return.
I watch as Mom comes to a stop in front of the farmhouse and hops out, a load of papers in one arm and her cell nestled between ear and shoulder.
"Any change yet Chloe?"
"Not yet Mrs. Kent, I really hope she wakes up soon."
"That makes two of us Chloe."
"I don't know what I'd do without her…"
I tune out again, my guilt once more overwhelming me. I've lost the courage to face my Mother.
Not knowing what else to do I race to the Arctic, to my Fortress of Solitude, seeking answers from Jor-El.
"Jor-El?" I call out demandingly.
"Jor-El?" Why won't he answer me?
"I need to talk to you." I yell angrily.
"Yes my Son, what is it?" The lifeless voice of my biological father answers, surrounding me.
"Why hasn't Lois Lane woken yet?"
"You must not concern yourself with her just yet."
"What do you mean?" My blood boiling, how dare he?
"Now is the time that you must train to fulfill your destiny Kal-El. All shall be as it should be when you return."
Huh? "What do you mean by that?" No response. I think over what Jor-El just said.
"So Lois, will be okay? I can return and not hurt anyone else?"
"My Son, you must train so you can fulfill your destiny. More people will be harmed if you do not."
My frustration grows, "But what about Lois?" wait, was that a threat. "Is that a threat Jor-El?"
"The human Lois Lane's destiny is clearly interlocked with your own. You must complete your training so that you may lead and protect the humans of this planet." I smile, Lois will be ok. The rest of what he said sinking in. "Protect the humans of this planet from what?"
"Not from what, from whom."
"Protect them from whom then?"
"Themselves and from others not of this planet, that is your destiny Kal-El."
A panel swishes open behind me, "How long will this training take?"
"Several years."
"Can I go and say goodbye to some people?"
"You must commence your training at once Son."
I sigh in defeat and walk towards the opening, a light begins to glow within. I enter. A warm sensation ensconcing me as Jor-El begins to teach me all that I must know in order to fulfill my destiny and be with Lois.
5 years later, The Fortress of Solitude:
I emerge from the opening behind the panel. Disoriented from all the knowledge I now contain and from the disturbing nightmares that assaulted me from time to time. I stumble and fall to the ground, my legs like jelly from not being used. I lay my head back in frustration, closing my eyes and trying to will the memory of the worst nightmare away;
I'm standing outside, the sun warming me, recharging me. Laughter and joy enveloping me. I turn around, seeing a pregnant woman, her face blurred but I know its Lois.
"Lois." I see a sandy blonde blur launch at her. The name Lara popping into my head,
"Careful of your mother Lara, you don't want to hurt the baby." I can't help but smile as Lois twirls Lara around and settles her on her hip, avoiding the baby.
"Lara." I hear Lois whisper as I drink in her appearance .I then begin to take in Lara's appearance, her features so similar to Lois', but her eyes, her eyes are the same ones I see in the mirror. My smile grows wider as I look down at the little dark haired boy tugging on Lois' hand .The name Jack pops into my head.
"Mommy, pick me up too." An adorable puppy dog look on his face. He looks very similar to me but there are many differences. He has his mother's smile for one.
"Don't forget your manners Jack." I chastise.
"Please Mommy." I pick Jack up, taking Lara out of Lois' arms and placing Jack where Lara previously sat on her hip. Jack holds onto Lois tighter than Lara did, Lara snuggles into me, I smile at the sensation of my daughter in my arms.
"Jack." Lois whispers. Lara giggles as I tickle her and then begin twirling her about, as if flying…
"Faster daddy…faster." I let out a chuckle of my own and comply, willing to do anything this little being asks of me.
"Clark." Lois whispers breathlessly. Immediately I walk over to her, Lara bouncing in my arms. My smile grows wider the closer I get; I hear Lois' heart pick up it's pace. I lean over and kiss her softly, but quickly. I take her hand and lead her to a blanket nearby .Lois places Jack down and carefully lowers herself onto the blanket. I collapse next to her, Lara still in my arms. Jack sits on Lois' lap, placing his head on her stomach. I lean in and kiss Lois again, this time full of passion, needing her touch.
Lois suddenly breaks the kiss, grabbing my hand and placing it on her belly where the baby's kicking. I'm in complete awe, amazed at the miracle of life kicking away. Two little hands appear next to mine matching looks of wonder on the twins' faces. I sigh, knowing that I've never been more content in my life.
Lara quickly removes her hand and shoves Jack, "Tag, you're it."
Jack looks at Lois questioningly, "Go on little man." He grins, a grin so similar to my own and takes off after Lara. I watch the children happily chasing each other around the green field.
"I love you." I hear Lois say and as I'm about to answer I'm snatched away. The sky turns grey, the wind becoming violent.
"Clark." Lois screams as she begins to panic. Thunder cracks as I call out to her. The children begin to wail. Lois runs to them as fast as she can, grabbing both children and hugging them to herself, almost crushing them. Thunder booms again as I try to call out to my family, I feel tears fall, the sky raining down on the three people I care for most in the world.
I shake my head, trying to shake the unsettled feeling that has fallen over me. I stand, my legs more steady now. I notice changes in my body, noticeably that I'm an inch taller and more muscular than when I left, my shirt almost ripping at its seams. I pull my wallet out of my pocket, checking how much cash I have so I can buy new clothes before searching for Lois. I take off, flying for the first time as Clark Kent, the sensation completely unexplainable. I test my limits for a while and then head to the first store I find. Quickly purchasing new jeans and a blue flannel shirt. I change and then tune my ears into Lois' heartbeat. Letting the comforting rhythm lead me to the love of my life.
I find myself in Metropolis, I grow more excited the closer I get. I can feel her presence; fuelling me with more yearning to reach her. I stop atop a roof of a building in the darkness, looking across at a top floor penthouse. My heart expands at the sight of Lois talking to my mother. As I'm about to race to the apartment's door and make amends with two of the most important women of my life I spy a man enter the room with two children. A boy and a girl. The boy firmly planted within his arms, the girl energetically running ahead to launch into Lois' awaiting arms screaming "Mommy!" as she does so. My heart shatters. A lone tear drop spills over my cheek. I can't stand to see anymore, taking off to find a new place in the world for myself.
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