Present Day

Clark walked the streets of Metropolis, buried deep in thought and depression. His hand in his jacket pocket clutched the box that once contained his salvation. Everything Tess had told him didn't seem possible; she had to have the ring. If there was anything he'd learned from his trials with Lex it was that obsession usually involved lies and manipulation.

But part of Clark believed Tess. After all, the idea of Tess and Lois having a knock down, drag out fight was entirely plausible. The two women hated each other, which, was interesting considering in a lot of ways they were so very similar. Both were brazen and strong willed, determined to a fault, and obsessed with truths. On the other hand, Lois had a light about her, a light that sometimes shown brighter than the sun that strengthened him. While Tess was shadowed in a cold darkness, the "ice queen", Oliver had once called her. No, a fight between the two was entirely possible.

There was also no reason for Tess to admit this to Clark. Sure she was cunning and if she did have to ring she'd deny it plausibly, but she'd never go to the point of implicating herself in the disappearance of someone Clark cared about. Not when she knew what Clark could do to her. What the new Clark would, if he ever found out otherwise.

Tess didn't have the ring. But if she didn't; who did? And how had both the ring and Lois gone missing at the exact same time?

Those questions circling in his mind, Clark didn't notice that he had stopped walking outside the very café Lois had asked him to meet her so many months ago. Jarring himself out of his thoughts he glanced up to see where he was. The irony of his location wasn't lost on him. All those months ago Lois had been with in arms reach, and Clark had pushed her away. To protect her, was his justification then. But now, now Lois was…

Clark's mind went quickly to an alternative he could scarcely believe, but at the same time prayed desperately for. What if? What if Lois had the ring? Rokk had given him the ring to send the beast to the Legion. Knowing Rokk he would have taken any precaution to insure that if Clark chose that path, nothing would stop its success. If Rokk had preprogrammed the ring for the 31st century, than maybe Lois wasn't missing? Maybe, Lois was in the future alive and well.

Clark shook his head. He couldn't go there. He shouldn't let himself hope. Hope for mankind had led him into this situation. His beliefs had gotten Jimmy killed along with many others. No, hope was a flaw in Clark's armor. It was a crack that if he let be would spread and grow until it left open his chest for some fatal blow.

If Lois had really gone to the future, wouldn't she have been back by now. The Legion wasn't careless in there actions. They wouldn't have wanted to impact the future; they would have sent her back almost immediately. Sure Lois had a knack for getting herself into trouble but he had faith in the Legion. They knew of Lois, why he didn't know, but they would have taken care of her, made up some excuse or cover, and sent her on her way.

As sure as Clark was, the question fluttered in his heart. This was Lois and any chance that she was still alive, had to be followed. Clark couldn't just walk away. He knew he had to give up his humanity but he'd never be able to until he knew what became of Lois. Clark had to get to the future. And there was only one way he could think of getting there.

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching Clark turned on the speed toward the Isis Foundation. When he got into the building he noticed he wasn't alone.

"Chloe?"

Chloe sat on the floor next to an open file drawer, a half filled box sat by her other side.

"Clark! I've been so worried where have you been?" Chloe jumped up stepping over papers to try and reach him.

Before she could Clark backed away. "Chloe I didn't know you would be here. I just need to use the computer and Watchtower communications."

Chloe was visibly hurt by the brush off, while she had known Clark was hurting she didn't think that it would have lasted this long. Especially with her, He was her best friend they had weathered so much together. Certainly, he'd be different with her.

"Clark please." Chloe's eyes pleaded with Clark to let her in. To put aside the notion that his humanity got people killed and be the friend she had grown up with.

Clark looked down and steeled himself.

"I told you, Clark Kent is dead."

"Fine let me just get these boxes and I'll be out of your way." Chloe said visibly broken by Clark's words.

"Those are Isis files, where are you taking them?"

"Not that it's any of you're business but to the tower."

"Chloe I told you to get rid of that place."

"No Clark I won't! Jimmy wanted to turn that place into something great. I have the ability to do that. I won't give up on that! Not now, not ever!"

With that Chloe picked up the box she'd been filling and walked out of Isis. In a way it felt like Chloe was talking about him as much as she had been talking about the tower. He didn't like being at odds with Chloe, but it was necessary. It was for the best for her, for everyone.

Turning his attention towards the computers, he came here to use. Clark hurried to contact Oliver; he was the only one who knew how to get in touch with Zatanna.

To say that Oliver was the last person Clark wanted to talk to wouldn't have been an understatement. The last few months the two men had been at each others throats about moral ideals. In the end it had been Clark who was wrong.

While Clark waited for the computer to connect him with Oliver, Clark contemplated his next steps. If Oliver could get a hold of Zatanna, she may be able to send Clark into the future. Clark didn't know if Zatanna could even cast a spell like that but right now she was his only solution.

A/N: Can Zatanna send Clark forward in time to save Lois. Is Lois's time in the future now in the past? Find out next!