AN: There's a character death in this chapter but I want it known upfront that I love the person I decided to kill. It was really hard to make a decision but every good story needs drama, right? *Ducks in cover to avoid anyone who throws things at me for killing off someone they care about*

15: Lost and Found

Jason sprinted through the streets of Metropolis, his hearing strained as much as he could manage. This was one of those times he cursed his heritage; only having half the amount of Superman's abilities prevented him from honing in on his mother. Where could she be? Who would take her? His dad had a lot of enemies but none of them knew the secret.

Green Lantern and Aquaman had split up to cover the higher ground and the harbor. If Lois was taken out to sea, Aquaman would be the one to find her. Green Lantern could see much more in the air, something Jason secretly cursed as well. Why couldn't he fly yet? It would make things so much easier. Even though super speed had its advantages for running, it was still annoying to have to dodge the crowds as well as skirt around the buildings. Sure, he could leap but the amount of wind in such a feat would drown out his already limited super hearing.

After rushing through downtown without hearing his mother's heartbeat, Jason turned towards the Daily Planet. He was halfway down the road when he decided to leap over a semi. The logo leapt out at him like a neon sign. In fact, it distracted him so much he tripped upon landing and toppled end over end until he smashed into a car right outside one of the most popular coffee shops in town.

"Not good," he muttered.

Why did he have to crash in such a heavily populated area? Everyone was going to see his face the second he pried himself out of the metal! There was only one solution that would enable him to get away without being seen. He had to burst out of the metal at super speed and book it out of there without a backward glance. Using x-ray vision, he noticed several people were making cautious steps towards the ruined car. He had to act fast or else he'd barrel into one of them.

Putting on a burst of speed, he rocketed out of the metal causing pieces to fly everywhere. He heard people screaming in surprise behind him but he didn't slow down. Leaping to the top of an apartment complex, he took a deep breath, and leaned against the rooftop.

"Jason, are you alright?"

Jason nearly leapt out of his skin when he turned to see Green Lantern touching down on the roof. "Jeez! Don't creep up on someone like that, Lantern!"

"Sorry," he apologized. "I didn't think I would scare you because of your super hearing. I can never sneak up on your dad."

Jason sighed. "I turned it off, so to speak."

"Why?"

"I saw something that surprised me. I was in the middle of a leap when I saw it so when I touched back down, I tripped and slammed into a car."

Green Lantern pinched his nose. "Nobody saw you, right?"

"Of course not! I'm not that stupid," Jason said, annoyed that he would consider him to be so careless. "I've had to hide my abilities my whole life. An accident like that wouldn't cause me to slip up."

Green Lantern still appeared on edge. "I know it must be difficult having to hide who you are all the time but please be careful."

Jason scowled. "I always am, Hal."

Green Lantern frowned, contemplating whether or not to let it go. Sighing, he asked, "What did you see?"

Grateful he was done with the secret identity lecture, Jason answered, "It was a semi with LexCorp's logo."

Green Lantern stared at him. "You don't think-?"

Jason shrugged. "Lex Luthor has always had a hatred for both Lois Lane and Superman."

"But surely he knows they're not a couple?"

"It wouldn't matter to Lex. Believe me, my dad's told me plenty of stories about Luthor. He wouldn't hesitate to use Lois against Superman because he knows Superman still has feelings for her despite the fact everyone knows she didn't marry him…technically."

Green Lantern thought it over. "I could investigate."

"If you do, you shouldn't go alone," Jason cautioned. "Lex Luthor isn't someone you want to tango with by yourself. It's good to have backup."

"Are you volunteering?"

"Who else could be your backup right now? Aquaman is off in the ocean and the others are with Thora."

"I could call in a few of my friends."

Jason groaned. "Come on, Lantern! I know I'm not a member of the League but that's only because of protecting the family. I'm just as capable of being a certified hero as Robin. Besides, I have half of Superman's abilities and that can be used as an advantage when going up against Luthor."

Green Lantern sighed. "Jason, if anything happened to you, your mother will flay me alive."

"Then let's not allow anything to happen to me," Jason said. "I'll be careful."

"Like you were earlier smashing into a car?"

Jason decided to ignore that last comment. "I'll see you at LexCorp."

And before he could call him back, Jason leapt from the building in a burst of super speed, racing down the side until he reached the sidewalk. Sprinting through the crowds, he twisted and turned as he headed towards LexCorp. The second it came into view, he put on the brakes, skidding into an alley. Green Lantern showed up ten minutes later. Jason grinned. "What kept you?"

"Very funny," Green Lantern muttered. "Look, Jason, I have a bad feeling about this."

"Why?"

"We don't have any proof that Lex Luthor took Lois. We'd be going in blind. What if we were wrong? Ever since the League was founded Luthor has been trying to come up with a way to get rid of it. If we come charging into his office, accusing him of kidnap and it turns out that we're wrong, he could peg us for false accusations and the press would have a field day."

"But what if he did take my mom? Are you willing to sit around and do nothing?"

"Jason, this is risky. What would your father do in this situation?"

"My father isn't here so I wouldn't know," Jason snapped. "You can stay here if you want but I'm not going to wait until my mother's obituary shows up."

Green Lantern let out a sigh. "How do you plan to get in?"

"I was debating over the air vents or jumping through a high window."

"Judging by the fact that it's in the middle of the day, I'd say the air vents are our best option. Do you know the direction on where to go?"

"Luthor's office is at the top."

"He's not going to be holding Lois right in his office, Jason! If he had her, she'd be locked up in a location where little would have access."

Jason frowned. "Alright, fine. Where do you think she'd be?"

Green Lantern paused to stare at the building intently. "My guess would be the lower levels."

Jason concentrated really hard and his x-ray vision kicked in. "Wow," he muttered. "It's almost like an entire facility is underground!"

"I'm not too surprised," Green Lantern muttered. "Do you see Lois?"

Jason concentrated harder but found that several rooms were lined with lead. He cursed. "Luthor doesn't want to be spied on."

"Rooms lined with lead I take it?"

Jason nodded. Just then, his cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Jas, where are you?"

"Gray? I'm in Metropolis. What's up?"

"Someone totally ruined my car! It looks like it's been smashed in like an accordion."

"That car was yours?" he asked in disbelief.

"Wait, you did this?! What the heck?!"

"Dude, sorry, I didn't mean to," Jason said. "I got distracted."

"By what? What's going on?"

Jason pinched his nose. "Can you get to the alley outside LexCorp in two minutes?"

Green Lantern looked at him sternly and shook his head. Jason ignored him.

"Sure but what are you doing there?"

"I'll explain later. Just get here."

"Fine."

"Jason, we shouldn't involve Robin," Green Lantern said the second Jason hung up.

"Why not?"

"This is already dangerous," Green Lantern said. "I don't want to jeopardize another person in this foolish attempt of rescue."

Jason opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. Jason whirled around to face the shadows. Robin appeared, half shrouded in darkness. "What's up?" he asked with a grin.

"Batman taught you well," Green Lantern observed. "I didn't even hear you."

Robin's grin deepened. "Thanks. So can I ask why Green Lantern's here and what we're doing outside of Lex Luthor's lair?"

"My mom's been kidnapped and we think Luthor did it," Jason answered.

"Wait, you think he did it?" Robin questioned. "You're not sure?"

"It has to be him," Jason replied stubbornly. "Nobody else would be foolhardy enough to kidnap her these days."

Robin appeared skeptical. "Jason, it's not good to accuse someone without evidence."

"Exactly," Green Lantern agreed.

Jason glared at the two of them. Why couldn't they understand? He may not have any proof but he knew Luthor was the one who'd taken his mother; call it a gut feeling. His parents had taught him to always trust his instincts, even if they seemed far-fetched.

"Where's your dad anyway?" Robin asked, looking around. "Shouldn't he be helping if Lois was abducted?"

Jason became quiet. "My dad went MIA."

"What?!"

"Long story," Green Lantern explained. "Zatanna placed him under the influence of Red Kryptonite and threw him into a vortex. We haven't seen him since. The League was going to enter the vortex to find him when Lois disappeared. Aquaman and I stayed behind to look for her while the rest went to search for Superman."

Robin's mouth dropped open. "Red Kryptonite? Bats has told me stories. Dude, this is bad. And now your mom's missing too?"

"Yes, which is why I stayed behind to try to find her," Jason muttered.

"And you think Luthor's got her?"

"Yes. Now, both of you shut up. I'm going to use my super hearing to try to hear her."

Straining his ears, Jason listened to everything going on in LexCorp. After ten minutes, he picked up Luthor's voice.

"It's brilliant, Mercy. The cylinder worked just like I hoped it would."

"Well done, sir."

"Yes," Luthor laughed, "it was entirely by chance that I found this when digging around Smallville. It's proven to be quite useful."

"Sir, how did you know how to work it?"

"The worker who found it disappeared and was replaced by his alternate. The alternate found his way to me and demanded to know where he was. After a moment's explanation, I allowed him to hold the cylinder. The second he twisted it, he disappeared and my worker returned."

"So you figured you could use it to capture Lois?"

"Precisely. After a little digging, I discovered her fate in the alternate world. If my suspicions are correct, we will never see Lois Lane again."

Jason pulled away from the conversation. His frame shaking, he took off, not even explaining to either Green Lantern or Robin what he'd just heard. Robin called out his name but Jason had one thought on his mind: get to Luthor. Shattering the glass doors, Jason raced down the hall until he reached the stairs. Three seconds later Jason smashed through Luthor's private office, the doors flying off their hinges. Grabbing Luthor by the shirt, he lifted him into the air.

"Where is she?!" Jason demanded.

Luthor hid his surprise instantly. "Well, well, if it isn't Jason Kent. I've been waiting for this moment for quite some time. It's been ten years, hasn't it?"

Jason slammed Luthor up against the wall. "Answer me!" he shouted.

A gun barrel appeared at Jason's temple. "Put him down," Mercy commanded.

Jason ignored her. Staring into the soulless black eyes of the man in his hands, Jason felt boiling hatred. He wanted nothing more than to snap Luthor's neck. It would be so easy, so painless! His fingers began to burn; they were so desirous to carry out the desire. And yet Jason held firm.

"Do you want to kill me, Jason?" Luthor whispered. "You do; I can see it in your eyes."

"Where is my mother?" Jason demanded in a deathly whisper. "What have you done to her?"

"Young man, release him," Mercy said, cocking the gun.

"I'd do as she says, Jason," Lex advised. "I personally don't believe you are completely immune like your father."

Jason faltered. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Luthor let out an evil chuckle. "I think you do. Clark Kent bears a remarkable resemblance to Superman. Funny how all you have to do is gather ten years worth of surveillance information to figure out the biggest secret in the world."

Jason's insides boiled. "You've been spying on us?"

"And it has proven to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done," Lex confirmed.

"How dare you!" Jason shouted, slamming Luthor against the wall again.

Suddenly Jason felt sick. His vision began to swim, his stomach churned, and his breathing became irregular. Sweat began to bead around his forehead and his strength slowly ebbed away until he released Luthor and fell to his knees. Groaning, he looked up. In his hand, Luthor held a perfectly round ball of carved Kryptonite. He smiled evilly as he stooped down to stare into Jason's eyes.

"Did your father not teach you to always be weary of your surroundings?" he gloated as he waved the Kryptonite closer to Jason's face. Jason groaned and looked away. "It would appear that your effect to the meteor rock is on par to that of your father's."

Luthor punched Jason in the stomach. Immediately feeling a bruise, Jason doubled over. After a couple of well aimed kicks in the chest, Luthor handed the Kryptonite to Mercy with the instructions not to move until he returned.

Jason's mind reeled. He felt humiliated and stupid; he should have known Luthor would carry Kryptonite with him. But he hadn't expected him to know the truth about his dad. How had he figured it out? His dad had always been careful of keeping his identity hidden, especially since the Justice League had formed. How good was Luthor's surveillance? Obviously good enough to unveil his father's secret. Jason cursed as a fresh wave of nausea washed over him. He looked up at Mercy weakly while wishing that Green Lantern or Robin would suddenly appear to free him.

Several pairs of feet pounded against the cold tile floor. Jason groaned as he was grabbed by two strong pairs of hands. Mercy made sure to keep the Kryptonite close as Jason was dragged helplessly from the room. He was able to raise his head just enough to see Luthor himself leading the procession. Entering an elevator, Lex waited until all were inside before inserting a key into the control panel. A small door slid open to reveal three black buttons. He pushed the last one and the elevator started its downward motion.

The movement made Jason's stomach churn. Mercy shoved the Kryptonite closer. Jason cringed. Faintly he heard the elevator doors ding open. The men dragged him out of the elevator down a long hallway into a large room. Slamming him into a chair, they tied him in place before stalking out. Mercy placed the Kryptonite in his lap. Jason weakly raised his head.

"Comfortable?" Luthor asked.

"What are you going to do to me?" Jason huffed.

"I would have thought you'd seen enough movies to know that when a …creature… was discovered by humans it was to be taken in for observation."

Jason groaned. "What are you talking about?"

"You are a remarkable creation, Jason; the spawn of an alien and a human. You're the first of your kind. The fact you exist is intriguing. There are many people who would love to study you, to see how you react, to see how alien you are."

"You can't do that," Jason mumbled. "I have rights."

Luthor let out an evil laugh. "Rights?! A monstrosity such as you doesn't have any rights! You're a threat to the human race, both you and your father! After my scientists have dissected everything about you, you will be disposed of just like any other project."

Jason's eyes filled with fear. "You're insane! You can't do this!"

Lex leaned in close and grinned. "Nobody is going to save you, Jason. If I'm correct, you came here on your own."

"That's what you think, Luthor," a commanding voice said behind them.

Lex whirled around. Green Lantern flew forward and laid a fist against the man's jaw. Luthor was sent careening across the room. Spitting blood, he rose to his feet. Mercy tried to leap into the fray but Green Lantern produced chains that tied around her ankles, causing her to taste the tiled floor. Lex growled in frustration and pulled out a gun.

"Look out!" Jason shouted.

Green Lantern whirled around just as the gun fired. Using his ring, he created a shield which defied the bullet. Lex fired again but Green Lantern took to the air. Rushing across the room while firing the gun again and again, Lex grabbed Mercy with one hand and began hauling her towards the door. Green Lantern swooped down.

"You may be able to defy bullets but that Kryptonite makes it easy to kill Superman's spawn!" Lex shouted, aiming the gun right at Jason.

"No!" Green Lantern yelled as he changed course just as Luthor fired.

Even though he was weak, Jason saw the bullet coming towards him in slow motion. Luthor and Mercy ran from the room while Green Lantern aimed his ring straight at Jason. A force field surrounded him and everything sped up. The bullet smashed against the green shield and crumbled to the ground. Just as Jason looked up to express thanks, the unthinkable happened. The entire room went up in flames as the room shook from the sudden blast of explosives imploding.

An expression of pure surprise lit up Hal Jordan's face right before he was completely consumed in flame. Jason screamed out in terror as the inferno rushed over the force field surrounding him. Luthor had sealed them inside of the room and set off explosives. Just as fast as the fire had appeared, it was gone, the confined flames having no more oxygen to burn. Smoke swirled through the air. The green shield around Jason vanished and though weak from the Kryptonite still in his lap, he looked up to see the remains of the Green Lantern lying upon the floor.

"NOOOOOO!"

Jason couldn't believe his eyes. Hal Jordan, one of his heroes, was dead.

o0o0o

Jane couldn't sleep. She turned onto her side to stare at her husband whose chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. The fight with Superman had really taken its toll. Thor appeared to be in a sleep that would rival Odin's. Jane lightly kissed his cheek before slipped out of bed to get a glass of water. Wandering through the dark hall down to the kitchen, Jane suddenly leapt out of her skin as her cell phone rang. Rushing into the kitchen where she had her phone on to charge, she checked the caller id: unknown. Usually Jane ignored such calls but something told her to answer this one.

"Hello?"

"Mom!"

Jane's heart leapt into her throat. Tears poured from her eyes. "Thora?" she gasped between sobs. "My sweet little girl, is that you?!"

"Yes mom, it's me," Thora answered, her voice also thick with emotion.

"Where are you?" Jane demanded, unconsciously grabbing her purse.

"I'm in New York," Thora answered.

"New York? Why in the world are you there?"

"That's where Uncle Loki placed the portal. Look, Mom, I have to ask you something really important."

"What is it, honey?"

"Uncle Loki talked about a man who terrorized New York until S.H.I.E.L.D. took him away. Do you know where he is?"

Jane's brow furrowed in confusion. "Does he wear a blue outfit with a red S on his chest?"

"Yes!" Thora cried, excited.

"He's staying with us," Jane revealed.

"What?! Really?! Mom, keep him there. I'll be there soon."

"Wait! Thora, how are you going to get here?"

"Don't worry, Mom. I brought Superman's friends. We'll be in New Mexico before the sun rises."

"Wait, honey, don't go yet," Jane cried.

Thora paused and then asked, "Mom, are you okay?"

Tears freely fell down Jane's cheeks. "I-I feel so pathetic," she gasped as a fresh wave of sobs filled the air. "So many times I've daydreamed about you coming home. I just can't believe this is real. How can I know this isn't a figment of my imagination?"

"Mom, I promise I'll be there around nine."

"Okay," Jane whispered.

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too," Jane said, smiling through her tears.

"I'll see you soon," Thora promised. "Bye."

"Bye," Jane whispered.

Hanging up the phone, Jane turned around to find Thor leaning against the kitchen doorway. Upon seeing the state of his wife, he immediately enveloped her into his arms. Kissing her hair, he asked, "Jane, love, what is it?"

"I'm afraid that if I tell you I'll wake up," Jane muttered into his broad shoulder.

Thor smiled and gave her a squeeze. "We're awake, Jane. Who was on the phone?"

"Thora," Jane answered.

Thor froze. Pulling her away so he could look into her eyes, he asked, "Jane, you're sure?"

"Yes!" Jane cried. "She promised to be here in the morning. Superman's friends are with her."

"We should go to meet them," Thor said, moving to the door.

"No!" Jane said. "Stay with me, please. Let's wait for her to come to us."

Thor searched her eyes before nodding. His wife needed him. Besides, Thora wasn't alone. She was with Superman's friends and he trusted Clark; he could certainly trust his colleagues. Knowing that neither he nor Jane were going to go back to sleep, Thor guided his wife into the living room where they had a good view of the front door. Jane leaned back into his chest once the two were settled on the couch.

Superman rushed through the window to his room and settled down on his bed. Even though he'd been sunbathing, his body was desirous for sleep. Settling down into his bed, he faintly heard both Thor and Jane awake in the living room. Honestly, he was curious to know why the two of them were awake but decided that eavesdropping would be rather unfair after all of the hospitality they had shown him. Turning onto his side, he fell asleep almost immediately, the last thought in his mind being that of Lois and the longing of holding her in his arms.

o0o0o

Superman gently lifted Lois into his arms after she was released from the hospital.

"I can walk," Lois protested.

"Lois, I haven't been able to hold you for ten years. Please let me have this moment," Superman replied, exasperated.

Lois sighed before muttering, "Fine." Superman grinned. Kissing her lightly on the forehead, he lifted her into the air. "So where are you taking me?"

"I thought we'd go to my place," he said, turning east.

After a while Lois asked, "Why aren't you flying at your usual speed?"

Superman studied her for a moment. "You're pregnant, Lois. I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable."

"Are you kidding?" Lois sighed happily. "I haven't felt this good for two days!"

"It's probably because you're closer to the sun than usual."

Lois stared up at the giant glow for a second before closing her eyes and soaking its rays. "Yeah," she replied dreamily, "that's got to be it."

"Do you want to stay up here for a while?"

Lois looked at him. His blue eyes were brighter than when she'd first laid eyes on him. He still had a rough exterior in his other features but his eyes were similar to that of her husband's; not yet the same blue but they were getting there.

"No, it's okay. We need to figure out where I really am."

"What do you mean?"

"I know this is going to sound crazy but I think I'm from another universe." Even as she said it, it sounded crazy.

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, for one, the history you were spewing forth back at the hospital is not the same as the history I lived through. For another, I supposedly died ten years ago and yet here I am. Can you explain that one?"

Superman stared and then shrugged his shoulders. "I admit it's odd but I don't really care how you got here. I'm just glad you're here." He kissed her forehead gently as he began to descend.

Lois tried not to feel uncomfortable from the gesture. Why should she be? This was Clark after all. Not some random guy. But that was just it; he may be Clark but he wasn't her Clark. This Clark Kent had seen darker days. He'd crossed the line that her Clark had promised he would never cross: taking someone's life. And from the sound of things, he'd taken several since the time of her death.

Superman touched down in front of a mansion and it took Lois a moment to realize that this was his house. "You live here?"

Superman laughed. "Yes. Ever since…"

Lois didn't need him to finish his sentence. He'd lived here ever since he'd forsaken his oath never to kill. "How are you able to afford a place like this on a Daily Planet salary?"

"I haven't worked there since my identity was exposed. In fact, I haven't been Clark Kent since you died."

Lois felt something shrivel up slightly inside her. "Oh…"

"Come on," he invited. "I may live here but the League practically does too. It replaced Watchtower several years ago."

Taking her hand, he led her up the large driveway to the oak front doors. The Kryptonian symbol of hope was etched into the wood. Superman pushed them open to reveal a handsome staircase just inside. Lois's mouth dropped open from all the pictures on the walls; pictures of her, Clark, and Jason. Tears pricked at her eyes as she walked up to a photograph taken just after Jason was born. He was in Lois's arms and behind her stood Clark, a warm grin on his face.

Lois looked at other pictures that displayed the Kent family growing up. The precious five years that Clark always told her he would have loved to be part of were staring her right in the face. She had never actually told him but she had longed for them too. Raising Jason alone had been one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do. Her mother and sister had been there with her through Jason's pregnancy up until Richard came into her life when Jason was three and though she appreciated all the things they had done for her, her heart had always longed for Kal El to be there to share in the first moments of their child.

She hadn't noticed she was crying until the tears dripped from her face. Lois wiped her cheeks. Superman walked up to her and gently grabbed her shoulder. "Lois, are you alright?"

She smiled and rubbed her eyes. "I'm fine," she said.

"Then why are you crying?"

Pointing at the pictures, Lois explained, "Where I'm from, this never happened. I had to raise Jason on my own for five years. Well, I had help from my mom, Lucy, and Richard but they weren't you."

Superman stared at the pictures. "I can't even imagine not being there. Why did I leave you?"

Lois smiled sadly. "Well, after erasing my memories, things went back to the way they were before I knew who you really were. You didn't think you could have me and save the world but you also knew that you couldn't be in a world where I didn't exist. It was better to have me there and not be close than to not have me at all. But the separation for you was too painful. When you found out that scientists might have found Krypton, you left to find out if it was still there yourself. Shortly after you disappeared, I learned I was pregnant. Imagine my surprise!" she laughed to herself. "I couldn't remember who the father was. But when Jason was born and I saw those eyes, I knew. I just didn't know how. It wasn't until you returned five years later that you told me. After that we tried again and we've been together ever since."

Superman put his strong arms around her, resting his hands over her hips. "I'm glad I didn't leave you," he whispered into her hair. "Five years away from you would have tortured me."

Lois again felt uncomfortable with how close he was. Slipping out of his arms, she turned to face him. "So, where is Jason?"

He didn't seem to mind the loss of contact; if he did, he didn't show it. "He'll be getting out of school in a few minutes. He won't be home until dinner time though."

"What? Why not?"

"He does his homework with Gray at the library." Superman stiffened and then grimaced.

"What is it?" Lois asked.

He pinched his nose. "I totally forgot about that," he muttered. Grabbing her hand, he started pulling her down the hallway.

"Hey, where are we going?" Lois asked, trying not to trip; his stride was a lot longer than hers.

Superman didn't answer. Instead he pushed another set of doors open, these having the symbol of the Justice League on them. Lois stepped into the entrance way and all conversation stopped. Suddenly feeling like she was on display, Lois faltered in her steps. Her sudden change of pace made Superman turn to check on her. Ignoring the rest of the League, he grabbed Lois's shoulders to steady her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

Lois nodded, grateful the others couldn't see her with him standing directly in front of her. "I just feel like a circus attraction," she whispered so quietly only he could hear her.

He grinned. "Do you want me to tell them you're a zombie?"

Lois rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you have all seen stranger things than Zombie Lois Lane."

Superman laughed. It was the first time he had truly laughed in ten years. The Justice League couldn't believe what they were hearing. Superman was happy? There could only be one explanation. That woman really was Lois Lane. But how? Batman was the first to recover. "Would you mind telling us what is going on, Kal El?"

Lois raised an eyebrow. "Since when does Bruce call you Kal El?"

"That's who I am, Lois."

She folded her arms stubbornly. "Not to me. You're Clark and that's what I'm calling you."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. "You can call me anything you'd like, Lois," he muttered into her hair.

Lois pulled away. "Alright, Smallville, that's enough. You have a meeting to get to, remember?" She made to go back into the hallway but he grabbed her hand.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I thought I'd explore until you're done," she answered honestly.

"No," he ordered, his soft expression suddenly turning stony. Lois noticed it was the look he wore when he'd ordered the doctors in the hospital to help her. "I'm not letting you out of my sight again."

Lois rolled her eyes. "Clark, I'm not going to die just by walking around in your house."

"I don't care," he replied stubbornly. "You're not going anywhere."

Lois stood straight. "Kal El, I am not something that you possess. I'm here because I want to be here. And if you think you can cage me, you're dead wrong."

Superman was not pleased. The rest of the League had slowly crept up behind him to get a better look at Lois. They couldn't believe what they saw but they were too afraid to say anything. Superman's eyes narrowed.

"What if I held you and didn't let you go?"

"If you tried, you might hurt the baby, since I'd kick and scream the whole time."

"The what?!" Flash cried, breaking the silence.

Superman turned to the others. "Lois is pregnant."

"Is this Lois from the past?" Wonder Woman asked, observing Lois with interest.

"No," Superman answered.

"She can't be from the future," Green Lantern said.

"We think I'm from an alternate reality," Lois answered. "Judging by the fact that where I'm from I'm still alive and so is Lex Luthor. And, not to be rude, but what happened to Hal?"

"Hal Jordan died four years ago. Since then there have been two Green Lanterns in his place. John Stewart retired a year ago and now Kyle Rayner is the Green Lantern," Superman explained.

"Thanks for giving away my identity, Kal," Green Lantern muttered.

"Lois knows who everyone else is already," Superman replied.

"Besides, she would have figured out who you were the hard way if you didn't tell her straight up," Batman added.

Lois grinned. "Darn right I would have. There isn't a superhero identity I can't crack. Even if it takes me years, I'll find out who you are."

"That's Lois all right," Flash said.

"Of course it's me, Wally," Lois said. "But I'm not from your world; just one that's similar."

"This is rather strange," Hawkgirl said. "We've experienced alternate universes before. Maybe she's from there?"

"It's a possibility," Green Arrow said. "I'm just glad it's Lois and not one of the villains."

"Yes, well, as fine and dandy as this is, you all have a meeting. We can talk about where I'm from when you're done. And no, Clark, I'm not staying. I'm going to have a look around. I won't leave the mansion, okay?"

Superman still wasn't happy but he knew better than to argue with her. "Fine," he muttered.

Lois smiled. "Make sure you don't miss what's being said because you're too busy hearing my heartbeat and watching me through the walls."

He stared at her, surprised, but then smirked. "You know me too well."

Lois winked before leaving the room, shutting the door behind her. The others went back to their seats but Superman stood still, staring at the door; rather through it. He didn't want to take his eyes off her. Since meeting her, this was the first time she was physically away from him. The others had forgotten how much he loved her along with how he had once acted when she was alive. Already they felt him reverting to the more gentler Superman they had first met.

"Kal, are you going to join us?" Batman asked.

"I'm listening," he replied, his back to them.

They all shared looks. Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl actually smiled. Finally the shell had been cracked. Lois was the only one who could melt through his cold exterior and she was the only one who could defy him without experiencing his heat vision. Deciding that it would be best to start the meeting than to wait, Wonder Woman brought everyone up to speed on how things were going in the world.

"Kal, you like to keep Metropolis's business a secret until we actually see you. How have things been since we've been gone?" Wonder Woman asked after the report was finished.

Superman shrugged, his back still turned. "It's been the same…that is, until Lois showed up this morning. She stopped me before I killed someone for stealing."

"You didn't kill him?" Green Arrow asked, surprised.

"No. Lois wouldn't let me."

Everyone stared at the back of the Man of Steel. Mercy was something all of them had figured he'd discarded the moment he killed Lex Luthor. Though none of them would admit it, they were secretly celebrating that Lois had stopped him. Since Superman had decided to end life if crime was committed, the world had turned dark. Even Batman, who didn't mind the dark, was displeased with the world's change. Could Lois's reappearance restore what had been lost? Unspeakably they all hoped so.

"It would appear that Lois's appearance has caused interesting effects," Batman muttered.

For the first time, Superman turned away from Lois -who was in the study directly above them- to stare at Batman. His eyes were cold as he replied, "I'm not changing what clearly is working, Bruce. What I do in Metropolis today ensures peace tomorrow. Lois's return won't change that."

Batman narrowed his eyes but didn't comment. Superman looked away from him to stare at the ceiling again. Lois had found a book and was curling up on the couch to peruse its pages. Though he didn't realize it, his face softened. However, the League noticed. Sharing looks, they silently agreed that even if Superman said he wasn't going to change his ways, it was going to happen. The key was Lois. They had to keep her here in order for things to go back to the way they were before. The decision was made silently amongst the League minus Superman; no matter if she was from a different universe or not, Lois Lane was never to be permitted to leave.

I'm sorry Hal. It had to happen. Besides Kyle, you're my favorite GL. Sorry to any Hal fans out there.

Next chapter we'll hear more from things going on in the Avengers universe. Bear with me guys; all three universes were necessary in order to make this story turn out the way I needed it to. We're only about five chapters from the end so everything is slowly tying together from here on out. Lois in the alternate reality is VERY important to later plot detail. Thanks for sticking with me.

Reviews are appreciated!