Chapter 26

Clark was just leaving Perry's office and heading towards his own when Lois saw him. She stood there for a moment realizing how different he looked to her now. She knew she would never look at Clark the same way again. All the little things that should have been dead giveaways, she noticed now. How she had missed them these past years still baffled her. She could tell he wasn't planning on staying around, so if she was going to do this, it had to be now. Taking a deep breath, Lois started towards his office. Surprisingly, the anger she'd been feeling all morning wasn't there. Maybe because she realized the importance of this moment or just seeing him in person, she wasn't sure, but somehow anger seemed out of place at this moment. She rapped on his door and waited until he looked up.

"Hey, Lois," he said to her.

"Clark, can I talk to you? It's something important, very important."

"Okay, have a seat," he replied.

"No, not here, someplace private," she said to him.

"Um, all right, where, the break room?"

"No, the roof," she said. Clark was surprised by this suggestion, but the look on her face told him this was serious.

"All right."

Lois nodded and then waited till he finished with his papers before leading the way to the elevator. They were the only two in the car as it rose towards the top of the building.

"So what's this about, Lois," Clark asked.

"When we get to the top." She replied. Again Clark was surprised, but said nothing the rest of the way. The car came to a halt and the doors opened. Lois stepped out and immediately went to the stairway that leads to the roof. In her mind this was significant, as she had always met Superman up here. It seemed like the perfect place to reveal what she knew. Clark wasn't sure what was going on. Her whole manner seemed deadly serious. Her request to speak on the roof bewildered him and fleetingly he thought how he'd always spoken to her up here as Superman. Lois opened the rooftop door and walked out on to the observation deck. She had been running over what she wanted to say the whole way up here. Clark followed her out and stood waiting for her to begin.

"So what's so important, Lois," he asked finally.

Lois turned and looked at him for a moment. What she said next would change everything between them. She figured he'd deny it and she was prepared for that. Making up her mind, she plunged ahead.

"First off, how's Martha doing," she asked.

"She seemed a little better today, but it's not looking good."

"I'm sorry, Clark, really," Lois replied. "I hope you know how much I care for her. If there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Lois, I know and I do appreciate it," Clark said. "It's just that there's really nothing anyone can do."

She saw the sadness in his eyes. Knowing he was Superman only made his last statement more poignant. She debated whether this was the right moment to confront him but knew she couldn't wait any longer.

"I have something I have to tell you, Clark. I know you're going to deny it, I understand, but I want you to know anyway."

"What is this all about Lois," Clark asked. He had a funny feeling about this all of a sudden.

"I know you're Superman, Clark."

"Wh-What?"

"I said, I know you're Superman."

"Lois, if this is your way of getting me back for that Albino business." Clark started to say, latching on to the first excuse that came to mind.

"Its not, forget about that. It doesn't matter anymore. I know, Clark, I know."

"I'm-I'm not Superman, Lois."

"Yes you are, Clark," she replied. "You can deny it all you want, but I know now. I know Superman is Clark Kent. It's like I know in your mind it's dangerous for anyone to know your secret. I know you're afraid someone will find out and use it against you or the ones you love. The thing is, I hope you also know you can trust me. I've earned that right from you, Superman. If you've ever cared for me at all, I'm asking you now, not to lie to me, please, it's just the two of us here, tell me the truth. I deserve that much."

Clark wasn't sure what to do. When he looked at Lois he knew everything she'd said was true. She had always been someone he could trust as both Superman and Clark Kent. The look in her eyes told him he wasn't going to be able to lie his way out of it this time. Maybe it was because of his mother's illness or that he was just tired of lying, but standing there alone with her, he didn't have the strength to deny it any longer.

"All right, Lois, yes, I am," he admitted.

"Thank you," she said. They stood there for a moment as this new truth between them settled in. Hearing him say it out loud suddenly brought back all the feelings she'd been going through last night and this morning and anger being the top of that list.

"I want you to know it was to protect you," Clark offered, but was cut off by Lois hitting him.

"You son a bitch! How could you not tell me," she shouted. "Ow! What are you made of? Granite? That hurt!"

"Man of Steel, remember? You're the one that gave me that nickname, Lois." Clark pointed out to her.

"You really don't want to be funny right now, Superman! I'm not in the mood!"

"It's Clark, Lois."

"I know that!" She shouted. "I just told you I know that!"

"No, you said you knew Superman was Clark Kent, but the truth is Clark Kent is Superman."

"What is that like a Kryptonian riddle or something? You're Superman and you're Clark Kent, I get it!"

"I'm Clark Kent, Lois, I've always been Clark Kent," He explained.

"Yes, yes, got it, don't try and change the subject!" she exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to protect you, Lois."

"Oh, please!" She replied. "I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself! You just didn't trust me, did you?"

"At first, no," he admitted. "Can you honestly say when you first meet me as Superman you wouldn't have been tempted to publish who I really was?"

She didn't say anything for a moment.

"Lois?"

"Oh, all right, yes! Yes, I would have been tempted!" She admitted in frustration. "But that was years ago, Superman! I think I've shown you can trust me since then!"

"It's Clark, Lois." He repeated.

"Right, I get it, Clark, okay? Answer the question!"

"I've thought about telling you many times, believe me," Clark said. "I do trust you, Lois, I want you to believe that. I do. I told myself that it wasn't safe for you to know my secret. If someone found out, it would put you in danger, well, more danger than you usually get into."

"That's ridiculous."

"Is it? Do you remember when they thought Jimmy was my pal, and all the trouble that caused? Do you really think I wanted to put you through that? I have so many enemies, Lois. The thought of one of them hurting you because of me wasn't something I wanted to have on my conscience. I was trying to protect you, I really was."

Lois considered this for a minute and it did make sense, she had to admit. She had seen first hand some of the frightening villains he dealt with. There was just one problem with that whole explanation.

"If you were trying to protect me, then why did you get involved with me?"

"Um, well, ah, that's complicated." Clark stammered.

"Oh, no, spit it out," she demanded.

"I was attracted to you, Lois," He said finally. "I-I knew you'd weren't interested in me as Clark Kent. You've made that pretty clear. I guess I just wanted to get your attention. I know it sounds juvenile, but I've had all these power most of my life, yet I could never show them to anyone. I've always had to be mild mannered Clark Kent, never drawing any attention to myself. I guess I wanted you to see me for who I really was, even it meant you'd never really see the real me."

His confession touched Lois and she found herself taking a step towards him. He seemed so vulnerable to her, much more Clark Kent than Superman.

"Clark, how did you ever expect me to see you for who you really are, if you never gave me the chance? You and I have grown to be friends as Clark and Lois. Why didn't you think I would like you for yourself?"

"Because I saw the way you looked at me when I was Superman. I saw that no one other than Superman would be good enough. At first I thought that was enough, but as time went on, I realized it wasn't. I'm not blaming you; it's really my doing, Lois. It's ironic, isn't it? It started because I was attracted to you and I ended up unable to compete with myself for your affections."

"If you had only told me sooner, Clark," Lois said. "I have to admit I was a little jealous when I found out you were going out with Zatanna. I didn't want to admit it even to myself, but I was. I do have feelings for you Clark."

"Just not the same feelings you have for Superman, Lois," he replied.

"I don't know," she admitted.

"Then I made an even bigger mistake than I thought." Clark ran his fingers through his hair realizing he'd let his own fears get in the way of what might have been. The depression he'd been feeling just on the edges of his mind all day came forward full force now. His mistake was crystal clear to him.

"So what now," she asked. "With us, what now?"

"I don't know," he admitted.

"Does Zatanna know? Of course she does, doesn't she," Lois asked.

"Yes."

"Who else?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Yes, I want to know. Who else knows your secret," Lois said determined not to let it go.

"Well, Ma, of course. Pete Ross, Lana…"

"Lana Lang? You told her and not me," Lois shouted.

"I didn't tell her, she sort of figure it out," he admitted.

"Still."

"Lois, I've known Lana since we were kids, same with Pete."

"All right, I'll give you that one. Who else?"

"Well, the original Justice League members."

"So the Amazon Princess knows! Oh that's just great! I'll bet she figured it out right off, didn't she?"

"Um, ah, yes," Clark admitted reluctantly.

"Oh, she's so perfect! I never liked her," Lois said. "Ever since she arrived they've always linked her with Superman! The bathing beauty Princess from the island of women, please!"

"Lois, there's nothing going on between Wonder Woman and me."

"No, I guess there isn't, is there? You're with Zatanna," she said. The sudden realization that he wasn't hers anymore hit Lois. They were broken up and she hadn't even realized it till this minute. It was only by confronting him about being Superman that it came to light.

"So it's over between us, isn't it?" Lois found she had to ask, to hear the words from his lips for them to be real.

"I guess so," Clark admitted.

"Just like that? I don't even get a real chance, do I?"

"Lois, I'll always care for you."

"No, don't, please don't, you're dating Zatanna now, I get it, Clark."

"I care for her, Lo. I'm sorry, I don't know what else to do."

"No, no, I wanted you to be honest with me," Lois said. "I wouldn't want you to break up with her over some sort of obligation to me. That wouldn't be fair to anyone."

"I didn't want it to turn out this way, Lois, please believe me," Clark offered.

"I do, Clark, that's the funny part. If I hadn't screwed you over with the assignment of covering Zatanna's show, none of this would have probably happened, would it? Here I thought that whole stupid Albino business was my payback, but I'd already done worse to myself."

"I'm sorry, Lois."

"It's okay, Clark, it is. I hope you know I will never tell your secret to anyone.'

"I know,' he replied.

"I think I'm going to leave now. I need to be alone for awhile," Lois said. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes and she didn't want him to see that. It hurt too much already; she didn't want to give him that too. Squaring her shoulders, Lois headed for the door. Clark stood there for a moment, wanting to say something, anything, but no words came. Finally, he lowered his head and just followed her back to the elevator.

The trip down to their floor was quiet. Both were deep in their thoughts and there were so many things they wanted to say to each other, but nothing came out. The doors finally opened and they both exited quickly. When they looked up, they stopped short. The newsroom was decorated like there was going to be a party. Balloons and Cray paper streamers filled it. All the staff members were standing there looking at them, but they didn't look happy. There was fear in their eyes. Before either Lois or Clark could react, a ball of mystical energy hit Clark knocking him to the ground. Lois was thrown clear and when she scrambled to see what happened, her eyes landed on Clark writhing on the ground as the energy rippled all around him like an electrically charged fishing net. His face twisted up as pain seemed to course through his entire body. The magic seemed to sap him of all his strength and invulnerability. He found he couldn't escape from it. With each passing second it grew worse until he had to scream in agony.

"It seems the guest of honor isn't enjoying his party," Nathan's voice came from the shadows. He finally stepped out and walked over to where Clark thrashed in misery. A cold menacing smile spread across his lips as he bent down next to Clark.

"My name is Nathan Occult, Mr. Kent. I wanted you to know who is doing this to you."

"Why," Clark managed to ask.

"It's nothing personal between you and me. An example had to be made and it's just bad luck I chose you."

"You're killing him!"" Lois shouted as she got to her feet.

"Not yet," Nathan replied. He looked up from Clark and scanned the crowd, his eyes finally settling on Lois. "You care for him, don't you? I can see it in your eyes."

"You're insane! What kind of sick twisted joke is this," she asked.

"Watch your tongue, or I might decide to teach you some manners." Nathan warned.

"I'm not afraid of you," Lois said boldly.

"You should be." Nathan gestured with his hand and Lois was thrown across the room into the crowded staff members. "There's no heroes to save you today, so watch what you say."

He flashed a menacing look at all of them, and could see the fear in their eyes. His smile grew wider as he turned back to watch Clark struggle against the magic that was binding him.

"You surprise me, Mr. Kent. My magic briar patch should have had you crying and begging by now. It seems you're stronger than you look. No matter, you will break soon enough." Nathan said another incantation and the energy racing over Clark increased. A scream of agony tore from his lips. Lois had recovered from his attack and watched in horror as Clark struggled against the increase in pain. She had to do something to stop it. He eyes scanned around her, looking for something to stop this madman. They stopped on the security guard's gun. The man was frozen in fear just like the rest of them. Without a second thought, Lois grabbed it out of his holster and aimed at Nathan. She squeezed the trigger again and again, emptying the gun at him. Nathan turned at the first sound. As the bullet came towards him, the air suddenly seemed to change. The bullets began to slow down as if they were traveling through heavy water. Just as they were about to stop, the bullets disappeared into the transmuted air. Nathan's full attention was on Lois now. He stepped away from Clark and moved slowly across the room. The others moved away from her, leaving Lois standing by herself with the empty gun in her hand. On the floor, Clark struggled uselessly to escape, as his body was overwhelmed with pain. In desperation, he managed to activate his Justice League communicator.

"Jonn, please, under attack, Nathan Occult. Hurry," he managed to whisper, before a fresh wave of pain struck him.

Nathan had stopped twenty feet away from Lois. The air around him seemed to pulse with his energy. Balloons began to pop, sending shudders through everyone. Streamers swirled in the air as his intense eyes held Lois in their gaze. She found herself paralyzed, realizing there was nothing she could do to stop him. She knew she was going to die in the next moment.

"You tempted me once too often," he said as a ball of fire appeared in his hand. With a vicious thrust of his arm, he sent it hurdling towards Lois.

"Fire!" Came a panicked voice and before anyone could react, Lisa rushed forward and threw Lois to the floor. Her surprising speed saved Lois' life. Unfortunately, it was no help for herself. The fireball hit Lisa, sending her up in flames. She screamed in pain as the flames consumed her, spreading over her body in an instant. she thrashed around desperately, but the fire had already done it's damage. Shouts and screams went up from everyone as they watched in horror. Milton desperately took off his coat and tried to put the fire out but it was too late. Lisa's chard body collapsed to the ground. A wail of anguish came from Milton's lips as he looked down on her lifeless body. He turned, tears running down his face and looked at Nathan.

"You bastard! You killed her!"

Milton grabbed the first thing he could get his hands on and threw it at Nathan. It fell short by a few feet. Milton started to run at him, to beat him with his fists for what he'd done to Lisa.

"It appears we have a daredevil among us," Nathan sarcastically said. "Unfortunately, he's going to come up just a little short. Join your lady."

Another fireball hit Milton mid-stride and sent him tumbling backwards. He screamed and tried to beat the fire out, but it spread too quickly. It was only a matter of moments before he lie motionless next to the body of Lisa.

"I told you, there are no heroes here today," Nathan said to the rest of them. He turned back around to see Clark struggling to get to his feet.

"You are remarkable, Mr. Kent." Nathan commented. "You just don't know when to surrender and die."

"Never!" Clark practically grunted, still struggling to rise.

"Never is a long time, Mr. Kent," Nathan said. In his hand appeared a knife. In one vicious and brutal move, Nathan plunged it into Clark's stomach. Clark's eyes went wide in shock. He looked at Nathan and shook his head, but then Nathan twisted the knife. Clark struggled, but his body was already shutting down. When Nathan gave him a push, Clark collapsed to the floor, unable to rise again. A shadow covered him as he slipped from consciousness.

Nathan was just reaching to pull the knife back out when a blur caught his attention to his left. He had no time to react before a blow hit him square on the jaw and sent him hurdling backwards. It felt as if a thousand fists were hitting him all at once. Pain shot through Nathan's body. Blindly he cast an energy pulse all around him. As the shockwave made contact the body of the Flash became visible for the first time. Anger blazed across Nathan's face and he hurled a bolt of energy at Wally. The bolt was sent back as Wonder Woman's bracelets intercepted it. Nathan was struck with the full force of it. He screamed and was thrown to the floor. His body seemed to shift and change under his coat. As Jonn appeared through the floor next to him, suddenly Nathan began to rise. Before Jonn could react, Nathan ripped off his coat and the changes to his body were revealed. Jonn tried to phase through him, but was disrupted himself by the contact.

"What are you," Wonder Woman gasped, staring in shock at Nathan.

"I am your death," Nathan said, rising to his full height. With his coat off, the true horror he'd become was plain for all to see. Covering his body were eyes of all sizes and shapes. The skin around them had a dead, sickly pallor to it. He was truly a monster now. He raised his arms to cast another spell, but a giant green fist slammed into his face, sending him hurdling through an office wall. Screaming with rage, he rose to find himself facing the Justice League. Flash, Wonder Woman, Jonn, Green Lantern and Batman stood ready for his attack.

"It's over, Nathan, surrender," Jonn said to him.

"Nothing is over!" screamed Nathan. He fired another energy bolt at them, but again Diana was able to deflect it with her bracelets. In his anger he began to charge them, to rip them apart with his bare hands. He never saw the mace until it was too late. It stopped him in his tracks, ripping a gash across his face. He smashed through several desks before coming to a stop. He struggled to rise, seeing the heroes advancing towards him. Knowing the moment was lost; Nathan hastily whispered a transportation spell. Just as Shayera's mace was about to make contact, he disappeared in a flash of fog and smoke. His magic slowly faded and the newsroom began to return to normal. The sprinkler system kicked on and it began to rain down on the carnage. The water seemed to awaken everyone and soon the room was filled with screaming and crying. Lois had managed to make her way over to Clark's prone body. His face was ashen and she could feel no pulse. Gazing around desperately, she finally saw the Flash.

"Flash!" she shouted and he was next to her in an instant.

"Oh, God," he gasped.

"You have to get him out of here! Get him to help!" she frantically shouted. "He can't go to a regular hospital, get him to the Watchtower!"

"Watchtower! Emergence medical transport, now!" Wally shouted. The other heroes were making their way towards Clark, just as the transport began. The worry was plain on all of their faces. Batman surveyed the damage, his eyes stopping on the two chard bodies on the floor. His face became even grimmer as he stood there.

""I've just heard from Wally, Superman is in bad shape," Jonn informed the others in a hush tone. The news seemed to visibly shake Diana and Shayera. They couldn't seem to find the words. Lantern finally spoke up.

"Someone should tell Zatanna."

They all looked at each other, as the meaning of his words sunk in.

"Someone will,' Batman said.

Across town

Zatanna was just coming off stage to a standing ovation. The show had gone wonderfully. As she made her way through the backstage, the theater workers all congratulated her. She smiled and thanked them all as she went to her dressing room. Opening the door, she gave a gasp in surprise. Standing in the shadows was Batman. Zatanna quickly shut the door so they were alone.

"Bruce, what are you doing here," she asked.

"There's been an attack in Metropolis," he said.

"An attack?"

"Nathan Occult."

"Oh, no, where," she asked. Concern filled her, as she imagined the possible damage.

"The Daily Planet, Zee," he said softly. "Clark's been hurt, badly hurt."