A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews! I'm kinda surprised I haven't hit a block yet. I never write anything but I've been so sad about the finale that I can't just leave it there. Sorry for any mistakes or offences to the English language and it's rules of proper grammar. Enjoy!

Present Day

Clark entered the Daily Planet at super speed, sending copies flying off the front intern's desk. Like every other day the bullpen was alive with activity, however the mood today was far different. There was a somber lull over the office, as if cheerfulness was a disease that left you vulnerable scrutiny and scorn.

The first thing Clark saw was Lois's desk. Expecting it empty, he was surprised to see that the reporters of the Planet had taken it upon themselves to turn it into a mini shrine for their quick witted coworker. Flowers and cards filled the flat surfaces of the desk, some even spilled over onto her chair. Hand written wishes of a safe return were taped to the computer screen. In the middle of it all, stood an enlarged copy of Lois's press pass photo.

It was almost too much for Clark to handle. He stood stone still in the entrance, unable to take another step. It was humbling to see the impact that Lois had on so many, especially considering she could be so self deprecating at times. Clark wondered that with his reserved presence, if he were to have gone missing, would he have had as much of an impact.

Having stood there for awhile he was finally bumped into by Jeff, who looked more than a little frazzled.

"Oh Mr. Kent, I'm sorry I didn't see you there."

"Don't worry about it Jeff. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Well, since…" his head tilted slightly towards Lois's shrine, "Um you know, I've been put to work as Miss Mercer's Second Assistant. And apparently her coffee was made with whole milk instead of skim this morning; thus initiating the final countdown on my newspaper career unless I can correct it in the next five minutes."

Clark couldn't help but give a small smile, as it was obvious that Lois had rubbed off quite a bit on the young intern.

"Well then I won't delay you any longer, you better get that coffee up to the boss."

"Thanks Mr. Kent, oh and it was really good to see you. It just hasn't been the same here…you know. Alright, see you later." With that Jeff left, taking the stairs to the executive levels two at a time

Clark turned once again towards the desks. This time he steeled himself and took the steps toward his desk making sure to give Lois's a wide berth. It was painful enough to look at let alone get close enough to see Lois's face staring out a stock photo that didn't capture her beautiful smile or the intelligent take no prisoners glint that always graced her eyes.

Reaching his desk he quickly opened the top drawer. Without looking he shifted some papers aside and reached for the little box that held the Legion ring, only to come up empty handed. Staring in shock and concern at the hand and drawer that should by all reason hold the box and its treasure, he didn't hear Tess Mercer approach until she was right behind him.

"Missing something?" Tess said, a tone of mock suspicion lacing every word.

Clark didn't bother to turn around. He was really in no mood to deal with the woman who for all intensive purposes had taken up Lex's mantel and caused Clark's personal apocalypse.

"No, just getting a pad and pen. You know the rules, always know your source." Clark covered.

"Really, you're actually planning on doing some work Kent. I have to say I'm surprised. Here I thought after everything you'd just come back looking for this."

Clark finally turned to face Tess, who held in her hand the very object he was looking for.

"Aren't there rules against the search and seizure of personal property, Miss Mercer?"

"Oh Kent you should know by now that I never play by the rules. Plus, if I recall correctly this is my business and these are my desks."

Clark was quickly loosing his patience "Listen I don't know how you got that box and I don't care to find out, but I highly suggest that you give it back now."

"Well, it must be special if cool, calm and collected Kent's all up in arms about it." Tess muttered to herself while slowly spinning the box in her hands. "Why don't you tell me what's so valuable that Clark Kent would keep it in a little lead box?"

Having had enough of this game Clark used his super speed to snatch the box out of Tess's hands.

Finally having the box that held both his and Lois's savior safely in his possession, Clark let out a small sigh of relief. It felt as though he was starting to wake up from some horribly real nightmare. The kind that left you sweating and panting long after you had sat up screaming in bed.

Eager to finish to process of waking and putting all of this behind him, Clark lifted the lid to the box, only to be confronted with an even more insidious reality. The ring was gone, along with his last connection to Lois and his own humanity.