Chapter 27

The Watchtower

Dr. Fate was waiting when Clark was transported up. Using his mystical skills he kept Clark's identity a mystery to those that didn't know Superman's alter ego. Quickly stripping off the suit, he saw the full extent of the injuries. Jonn returned several minutes later and contacted Ray Palmer to help. Clark breathing was shallow and his skin tone was ashen, but he was still alive so there was reason to be optimistic. The Atom arrived in record time.

"The knife is laced with magic, as long as it remains he won't be able to heal." Dr. Fate informed the other two.

"But once the magic is removed, his body will close up the wound before we can check for internal bleeding. With his skin, he could bleed to death from the inside, and I'm not sure there's much we could do," Ray said.

"Can you counter the magic so the wound remains open while you remove the knife," Jonn asked.

"This is powerful black magic, I would need someone else to remove the knife while I concentrate on countering the spell."

"How did this happen to him," Ray asked, as they all started to scrub up.

"He was ambushed by Nathan Occult," Jonn replied.

"First his parents, then Black Canary and now Superman." Dr. Fate shook is head, lamenting the evil the young man had wrought.

"How are Dr. Occult and Rose?"

"Not well," Dr. Fate replied. "I would like to transport them to my invisible tower. I believe that by shifting the two between this dimension and another I may be able to weaken the spell. Hopefully, this will allow me to reintegrate them."

"They can not remain separate," Jonn asked.

"No, it is Rose's body that gives them life," Fate explained. "If both are to live, they must be combined. I fear separately, neither would survive at this point."

"We will offer any assistance you need, but are priority is Superman," Jonn said. "His injuries will not wait."

"Agreed."

"I'd like to take a look around inside him before you take the knife out," Ray asked.

"You must be very careful, there is no telling what this magic might do to you." Fate warned.

"I'll do my best," Ray replied. "If I can get a look see, I might be able to assess the damage. It would speed up any possible surgery we might have to do."

"Whenever you two are ready," Jonn said.

Dr. Fate stepped over to the prone body of Superman and began to recite a mystical incantation. Ray activated his power and began to shrink down. He disappeared from the naked eye, while the room began to shift and change perspective. White and black magic became visible, as Fate continued to chant. Jonn had a sense of vertigo, as the room seemed to elongate and then spin. The white magic began to surround the black centered on the knife. The two swirled and jousted against each other, each trying to get the upper hand. Ray suddenly began to grow back to normal size, but had to hold onto Jonn as the room continued to shift and churn.

"We're ready on this end," Ray said, nodding to Jonn. Jonn took hold of the knife and looked to Dr. Fate. He seemed to be struggling, his words coming in clipped tones. More and more the white magic seemed to have the upper hand on the black.

"NOW!" Fate shouted. In one swift move, Jonn pulled the knife from Superman's stomach.

Outside, Zatanna and Batman were just arriving. The concern and worry were plain on Zatanna's face as she rushed towards the infirmary. Suddenly a scream of pain echoed down the hall from the room Clark was in. In a panic Zee started to run towards the room. It was Lantern that had to stop her from barging into the operating room.

"I'm sorry, Zatanna, you can't go in yet," he said gently.

"Get out of my way! I want to see him! I need to see him," she cried, trying to push passed John.

"No can do," he replied with a shake of his head. He stepped in front and stopped her by grabbing her by the shoulders. Anger flashed across her desperate face and she lashed out at John.

"I said get out of my way!"

As if grabbed by unseen hands, Lantern was tossed twenty feet down the hallway. He managed to cushion his fall with his ring. He immediately created a force field in front of the operating room door.

"I know you're upset, but you can't go in there!"

Zatanna was trembling as she began to beat her fists against his force field. Another scream came from behind the blocked door. She was in a panic to see Clark now. The whole hallway began to shake.

"He needs me!"

Lantern's shield began to vibrate and as hard as he struggled to keep it together, her magic was too powerful. It shattered and he was thrown further down the hallway.

"You won't stop me!"

"Zatanna!" Batman shouted behind her. When she didn't turn to look at him and started for the door, he rushed up and grabbed her.

"Zee, please," he said gently to her. "He's in surgery, you can't go in."

"I-I-I can help," she frantically said, twisting against Batman's grip.

"Dr. Fate and the Atom are with Jonn," he said to her. "They have it under control, Zee. Let them do their jobs."

"You don't understand, Bruce, it's my fault." Zatanna finally sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"No, Shhh, don't even think that," Bruce said to her. He pulled her into his arms and held her. "It's Nathan Occult's fault, not yours."

"If anything happens to him, I don't know what I'll do." Zee sobbed holding Bruce for dear life.

"Nothing's going to happen to him, Zee. It takes more than a little magic to stop him. He'll be okay," Bruce whispered gently to her.

"It's my fault. Nathan was angry with me and took it out on him. It's my fault!" Zee sobbed.

"No, no it's not!" he said forcefully. "You're not responsible."

"What if he doesn't make it, Bruce," she softly asked. Zatanna leaned back to look up into his eyes. The fear and desperation was plain on her tear-streaked face.

"He will make it, Zee. You just have to believe it and have hope in him," Bruce replied.

"I thought you didn't believe in hope?"

"I make an exception in his case."

Saint-Tropez

Morgaine stepped out of the bathroom, a towel draped around her freshly showered body. She smiled as she saw Zod sitting flicking through several channels on the hotel room television.

"For a man from an advanced civilization, Dru, you seemed to have latched onto a rather outmoded form of getting the news."

"The television news is like reading the back of a novel's jacket," he responded. "It only gives you an idea of what is really happening. You are left to read into it for the real truth."

"And what have you learned from your viewing," she asked, sitting down across from him.

"Interesting news from young Nathan."

"Oh?"

"Yes, it's seems he's bound and determined to get every heroes attention," Zod replied. "He attacked a newspaper in Metropolis. One that is associated with Superman. Two were killed and at least one other was injured. The Justice League had to come to the rescue."

"If he plays with fire, he'll eventually get burned. "Morgaine waved her hand dismissively in the air.

""He most certainly is playing with fire, figuratively and literally. He incinerated the two before many witnesses. I imagine the Justice League has him as their number one target about now."

"The fool," she replied.

"Yes, but I think our young fool has stumbled on to something. Our transformation is complete, but revenge is not. With Luthor's campaign moving into high gear, I think it's time we did a little something to help it along," he said with a smile.

"What did you have in mind?"

"A demonstration of the central point of his campaign," Zod said.

"And how do you propose we do that?"

"Have you ever been to Central City?"

The Daily Planet

Sadness hung over the newsroom. As the bodies of Lisa and Milton were taken away, tears were in a steady supply. Lois stood watching them carried out. The attack and the sprinkles had ruined her dress and hair, but that wasn't what concerned her. Her mind was on Clark. Now as she stood there, the emotions from earlier in the day threatened to overwhelm her. Superman was Clark Kent, it still didn't seem real to her. She had learned the identity of the man she loved and lost him in the same day. On top of that she had to witness him viciously attacked. This time it felt different then before. She saw just how vulnerable he was and it only rocked her world more. Please, let him be all right, she said to herself. The fates can't be that cruel to let me finally know him only to have him taken away, she thought. Lois wanted desperately to find out, anything, just to know what was happening with him. The unwanted thought that she might have witnessed his death sent a shudder through her body. No, stop that, she told herself, he's Superman, and he's invincible. A small voice inside her seemed to whisper that yes he is Superman, but he's also Clark Kent. Clark Kent is vulnerable. Clark Kent can be hurt and hurt badly. Tears threatened to spill out and she knew if she started she wouldn't be able to stop. It was Perry's voice calling to her that finally got her out of this cycle of fearful thoughts. She went into this office and sat down across him. He looked as wore out as the rest, but he was pushing forward because they had a newspaper to get out. Lois tried to latch on to that idea to hold herself together.

"It's been a terrible day, Lois," Perry said. "A terrible, terrible day, but its news and we have to report it."

"I know," she replied.

"I know this is an impossible thing to ask, but I need you to write the story of Lisa and Milton's deaths."

"I don't know, Perry, I think someone else would be better at that," Lois said. "I didn't really know them that well."

"She saved your life, Lois," Perry said softly. "Some thing inside her decided to throw herself in harms way for you. I know they were a little odd, but they were heroes. They were also part of us."

"Perry, I don't think I can." Lois admitted. "The girl and why she did what she did is a mystery to me. I keep seeing her go up in flames, those horrible flames. I'm too close."

A tear rolled down Lois' cheek and she shook her head, willing herself to stay in control.

"I know, Lois and it's a horrible thing that happened," Perry replied. "I'm not saying I'm buying into all that malarkey that Luthor is spinning, but after what happened today I keep thinking about part of it. Everyday we publish stories about Superman, Batman, the Flash and the rest of the superheroes, but I think we tend to forget the ordinary heroes among us. We both witnessed a hero today. She might have been goofy, odd, weird, whatever you want to call her, but she was a hero. She was one of us. I want people to remember her and what she did. I need you to write it Lois, because you're the best reporter I've got."

"Perry, I…" Lois started to say, but Perry cut her gently off.

"Please, Lois."

"I'll-I'll try, Perry."

"Thank you," he said with a smile. Lois was just about to leave when he stopped her.

"By the way, have you heard anything about Clark?"

"No-No, um, ah, the Justice League said they were going to take him to get the best care available," Lois said, thinking fast on her feet. They might not be what she hoped they would be, but she was still his friend and had promised to keep his secret.

"I'll keep a prayer in mind for him."

"I'm sure he'd appreciate that," she said and exited his office.

The Watchtower

The minute seemed to drag on forever as they waited for news of Superman's fate. Shayera and Bruce were sitting with Zatanna trying to reassure her as best they could. She hadn't spoken in almost an hour just sat there staring at the operating room door. The news had spread like wildfire across the station. Each hero in turn would stop by to see if there was any news. The concern and worry was evident on their faces. The normally cheerful Wally was silent. Bruce absently noticed that Diana was nowhere to be seen. He expected her to be right here alongside Zatanna waiting for news, yet she hadn't made even one appearance. He couldn't focus on that now, his chief concern was Zatanna. She looked so young, so fragile sitting there. It tore him up inside to see her like this. Being the comforting shoulder wasn't something he was good at or had much practice with, but he wanted to be here for her. His other major concern was Clark. It seemed almost unimaginable that anything could happen to him, yet Bruce knew the risks they all took, even Superman. He also knew that the reason the Justice League worked was because of Clark. He was the alpha hero in the group, the one every other hero looked up to. They feared and respected the Batman, but they followed willingly Superman. He was the one they all measured themselves by, even Bruce. The sound of the door opening snapped him out of these thoughts. His expression never changed as he looked at Jonn, who was the first to emerge. Zatanna was standing holding on to Bruce and Shayera, a look of apprehension on her face. Wally was there in an instant along with Lantern.

"He's okay," Jonn said with a smile.

"Oh, thank God!" Zee exclaimed and then hugged Bruce as tears began to flow.

"It's okay," he whispered, holding her as a smile came to his face. He could see the relief on the others faces. Shayera hugged Lantern and all their issues were put aside in that moment.

"I knew Big Blue would pull through," Wally loudly said.

"Can-Can I see him," Zee asked, pulling away from Bruce.

"Yes, but only for a short while, he's conscious, but he needs his rest," Jonn replied. Zatanna looked from Jonn to Bruce.

"Go," he said to her. A little smile crept across her lips as she nodded and quickly headed into the room. Bruce watched her enter and then turned to see Wally dash off to spread the news. There was someone Bruce wanted to tell in person and he quietly slipped away.

Inside the room, Zee nervously walked over to Clark's bedside. He still looked very pale and his eyes were closed as if he were sleeping. She felt her tears start again as she looked at him.

"So what's new with you, Zee?"

Clark opened his eyes and smiled at her. The rush of joy made her practically dive on him and hug him as if she never wanted to let go.

"Easily there, I don't know if you heard, I was involved in an incident earlier," he whispered.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Did I hurt you," she gasped, pulling back in fright.

"No, just a little tender," he replied. "Hey, no tears, I'm okay, really."

He slowly raised his hand and gently wiped the tears away from her cheek.

"You're really okay," she asked.

"Yeah, Zee, I'm okay."

"I was so scared, I thought you, and I felt so guilty. I'm so sorry, Clark," she fumbled to say, as more tears came. He gently pulled her to him, wrapping his strong arms around her.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, Zee, it wasn't your fault."

"Nathan attack you because of me." She sobbed, holding on to him.

"No, don't do that, don't blame yourself," he whispered to her. "You're not responsible for what some madman does. If anyone's to blame, it's me."

"You? Why?"

"I didn't see it coming, I was distracted," he said.

"How could you know, Clark," she replied. "It wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could have done."

"Two people died because I wasn't paying attention, Zee. Milton and Lisa never hurt anyone in their lives and their dead now because I didn't stop him."

"Don't say that, don't even think it," she said to him. "It was because of me that he did it, not you."

"No, I should have stopped him, I should have seen it coming," Clark replied.

"How could you?"

"How could I not?"

Central City – The Next Day

It was a beautiful morning in the city and without fanfare, Wally was trying to do his part to make it just a little better for some young children. The local children's hospital had chartered a boat to take the most seriously ill children out for the day. After all the time the kids spent in the hospital, the staff hoped this would boost their spirits and help in the long serious fight most of them had ahead of them. Wally had agreed to stop by, but asked that the media not be told. He wasn't here for publicity, but just to do his part to brighten a few young kids day. As the boat gently moved down the river, the sound of young laughter could be heard. The Flash was doing all the tricks he could think of for the kids and they were delighted by every one. No one seemed to notice the two shrouded figures standing on the shore watching with interest. Zod and Morgaine had done their homework and knew of Flash's appearance. Without a word they set their plan in motion. Zod dove into the water and vanished. Morgaine took off her robe and with a simple spell camouflaged herself in the guise of Nathan Occult. She rose off the shore and floated out towards the boat. It was one of the children that saw her first. The little girl pointed out the floating figure to Wally and he turned to see who it was. As the figure got closer he saw it was Nathan Occult.

"What are you doing here," he called out.

"I'm here because you're here, Flash," Morgaine said in replied, her voice a perfect match for Nathan's. She fired a mystical bolt at him, but he easily dodged it.

"If that's the best you got, you're in trouble pal," Wally confident said. In the next moment, the entire boat tipped up, sending everyone on deck hurdling towards the water. Zod swam underneath the craft and now shook it hard, so that all the children, doctors and staff were thrown off of it. Wally picked up five of the children nearest him and rushed them to the shore. He was heading back for another load, when he ran head on into a barrier. Morgaine had encased the entire boat and all those in the water within a magical sphere.

"No!" Wally screamed, as he raced faster and faster around it, trying to find someway to get inside and rescue the children.

"Please! Don't do this! They're innocent!" He pleaded with who he thought was Nathan Occult.

"Yes they are, but because you are here, they suffer," Morgaine said to him.

"NO!" Wally screamed and rushed towards the figure he saw as Nathan to break his hold. He never saw Zod come at him from behind. The powerful blow sent him hurdling down against the cement riverwalk. Wally struggled to stay conscious, but it was a losing battled. The last sounds he heard were the screams from the water. He lost his battle and darkness overtook him. Morgaine released the sphere as soon as she saw he was unconscious. Zod flew up to meet her.

"I think the message has been sent," he said to her. Without another word, they disappeared.