Hey all—sorry for the delay. The past chapter, as well as this, have been more of a set up for things to come. This should then kick some things into gear. Hope you enjoy and again…you're amazing with your feedback, support and comments! Thank you sooo very, very much!

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Chapter 6

"Wow. That's…" Blinking in surprise that her petite friend not only super sped them to the Artic, but carried her with ease on her back, Chloe was speechless.

"Super cool?" Lana Lang's eyes were bright with exhilaration.

"Yeah." Chloe's awe was evident. "I mean I've been up close and personal with super powers before but that was…"

"I know." Lana's pert nose tilted upward like a debutante's in an air of assumed royalty. "They have come in quite handy, these powers of mine. I can't even begin to tell you how they make me feel." Her expression slipped into a practiced frown. "Of course, you know how devastated I was when I couldn't be with Clark…"

"Uh-huh."

"So, I dealt by throwing myself into developing my powers." Lana's expression animated with excitement. "I've learned so much, Chloe, about what I can and can't do. Now, even more than before, I'm sure that when Clark and I get back together, I'll be able to give him all the support he needs." Lana reached out to pat Chloe's hand reassuringly. "See? Even something that seems as bad as losing the love of your life can sometimes turn out to be a very, very good thing."

"Right." Ever the observant one, Chloe noted with interest and not a small bit of jealousy how Lana seemed to practically ooze confidence. Superiority. Borderline haughtiness. She even took a moment from her busy day to preen herself like a high school girl getting ready for the prom. Or a proud peacock. "Hmmm. So. Clark."

"Oh! Right." It wasn't like Lana had forgotten their purpose there or anything. She had. Lana nodded and turned to the entrance to the Fortress. Her expression hardened with determination. "Let's go save Clark."

Chloe's eyes narrowed as she watched her friend trudge through the snow. There seemed to be something more going on with Lana and these powers than she was letting on. She made a mental note to ask later. Once they'd saved Clark.

After all, who knew? Chloe sighed resignedly. She just might end up having to save Lana too.

"Clark?"

Chloe hurried to catch up then followed close behind, her green eyes wide with inspection. "Clark!"

"Clark are you in here?" Lana pointed for Chloe to go one way while she began moving in the opposite direction.

After a ten minute, surface perusal of the Fortress, Chloe and Lana met back up at the center to discuss their next option.

"I so thought he would have come here." Chloe frowned in disappointment.

"Me too." Lana agreed as her disdainful gaze slipped over the crystal bastion. "Apparently not." A shiver ran down her spine. "Let's get out of here. This place gives me the creeps."

Chloe frowned at that. "Really? I always kinda thought it was…"

"Cold. Ugly. Pointy. And did I mention cold? Way too cold for my taste." Lana finished for her before turning and offering her back to Chloe. "Ready?"

Chloe climbed up and held on as before. "Uh, Lana? Where to now?"

"First, I take you back to Metropolis. Then…" Lana's lips curled as her eyes danced with anticipation. If he wasn't at the Fortress, there was only one other place Clark Kent could be. "I have an idea of my own…"

From high above, dull, lifeless eyes watched their every move. Tense. Alert. Disgusted.

And so very relieved he'd escaped a web of lies…

…one more day.

--

Oliver Queen reached for his glass of orange juice.

It disappeared.

Like a flash.

He rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "Alright, Bart. Give it back."

"Aww, man, gimme a break, would ya?" Bart took a swig then set the glass back on the table. He stifled a yawn. And poured on the guilt. "It's not like I've not eaten in days or anything."

Contemplating the younger man through narrowed eyes, Ollie shoved his untouched breakfast plate to the place sitting next to his. Bart grinned and took his cue. After a plate of food made it to his stomach and a few more forks full of eggs made their way into his mouth, Ollie began his interrogation.

"Alright, Bart. What's going on? Shouldn't you be, I don't know, following somebody right about now?"

Bart shrugged as he continued to shovel food into his mouth. "No point."

"What do you mean no point?" Ollie's brows knitted together in concern.

"I saw him."

His brows shot up in surprise. "What?"

"Yeah. Talked to him even."

"Where was this? When was this? "

"I think…" Bart paused long enough to consider his answer before tossing it out with a shrug. "…like, thirty minutes ago in…Europe. Somewhere. Maybe. But, honestly, it's kinda hard to tell sometimes when you're moving at the speed of light. And sound."

"Ok, fine. It doesn't really matter. For now." Curiosity filtered through the young billionaire's expression as he crossed his arms and leaned on the table top. "So, what did he say?"

"Oh. Right. Ummm…" Bart took one last swig of orange juice and leaned back in the chair with a contented sigh. He even went so far as to pat his well fed stomach. "He sent a message. He doesn't want to hurt anyone, but he will if we keep following him."

Ollie pursed his lips at the news. "Was that all?"

"No, dude." Bart's usually bright and sarcastic expression sobered as he shook his head. "He's seriously messed up."

Irritation flared in brown eyes. "I figured that one, Bart. Can you be more specific?"

Instead of answering the question, this time Bart had one of his own. "Did you know about him and Lois?"

"Lois?" Ollie blinked suddenly as his mind whirled. "What about Lois?"

"They had a thing."

Nodding slowly, Ollie acknowledged his long believed, little known, and to his knowledge, little explored fact without hesitation. "Yeah. They did."

"And I don't mean just a thing thing…this was…" Bart's eyes widened and held his hands out in a gesture indicating monumental proportions. "…a thing."

"Really."

"Yeah, I mean, the guy can't say her name without breaking down or going ballistic. Neither of which I want to experience again, I might add." Then Bart did add more. "In fact, I nearly lost my head just calling her your ex."

"Wow. I knew there was something there, but…" Shaking his head in amazement, Ollie pushed himself away from the table and crossed to the sidebar where enough food was waiting to feed three armies. "I didn't realize anything between them had…progressed."

"Look, I don't know how 'progressed' it was, but…Ollie…" Bart waited till Oliver turned to face him. "…he's not running from us. He's looking for her."

"What?" Oliver nearly dropped his plate.

"Yeah. I…I told him, you know that there was no hope, but…" Bart shrugged helplessly and let the thought dangle.

Mind spinning with possibilities, Oliver returned to the table in a daze. He didn't even notice when Bart snitched a piece of pineapple from his plate. "So…did Clark give any reason for why he thinks she's still alive?"

"Just that he would know. That he would…" Bart looked confused saying the words. Whatever had been going on between the two was clearly out of Bart Allen's league. "…feel it."

Ollie's gaze snapped to Bart's face. "Feel it."

Bart simply nodded. Then stole a grape.

Leaning back in his chair, Ollie mulled the latest information over.

It had been no secret, at least to one Oliver Queen, that Lois and Clark had feelings for each other. A fact, he'd noted the first time he saw them in the same room together. The way she'd talked about him non-stop their first few dates, derisive or not, meant something. And the way he'd been so protective over her those first few weeks of their acquaintance? Well, that meant even more.

Through the years, they'd bickered and soothed. Fought with and for each other. They'd been there for each other. Always that steady, calm shoulder to lean on when one was about to crumble.

Now, working as partners at the Daily Planet, it was clear things had changed. They'd grown even closer. Sharp edges had been smoothed. Rolled eyes of irritation had softened into lingering looks of desire. Their digging, biting banter had morphed into the gentle rhythms of spark-filled flirtation. They were definitely on the verge of something…great.

Then all hell broke loose. Lana returned. And Lois left.

Ollie was still kicking himself for suggesting that little side trip from Lana's road to solitude.

That he'd precious little time to catch up with Lois since her return was due to conflicting schedules and crossing paths, not lack of desire. Regardless of their past relationship, she was always, first and foremost, a very good friend.

He missed her. More than he thought he could. The permanence of death seems to have that affect. For weeks after her disappearance, he didn't give up hope. He just knew, when he least expected, she'd walk through his door with some outrageous demand as if nothing had ever happened.

He prayed for that moment.

Apparently, so did Clark.

Because a Lois Lane in the world meant something was right in the world.

Both men knew that now.

"We've been going about this all wrong." Ollie stated suddenly.

"Uh…ok?" Bart responded around a mouthful of cantaloupe. "What does that mean?"

"All this time we've been trying to find him, when what we should really be doing is making him come to us."

"How?"

Recalling his own conversation with Lois not that long ago, a plan was quickly forming in Ollie's mind. "By finding what he needs."

"And that would be?" Bart prompted.

"Lois." Ollie declared with a knowing smile.

"Riiight." Bart nodded clearly confused. "And how we supposed to do that, huh? Last time I checked all the trains to heaven were running behind schedule."

"She's not dead." Ollie announced as he pushed himself away from the table.

"Seriously?" Bart groaned. "Man, I just went through this with him. Do I need to remind you…no one can find her. Anywhere."

"Maybe that's because…we've all been looking in the wrong place." Ollie stated, an edge of excited confidence filtering through his voice. He nodded to an object on the table. "Hand me the phone. I have a favor to call in…"

--

"Lana, dear, you look wonderful."

Martha Kent hugged the slight girl and offered her a seat with a wave of her hand.

"So, do you, Mrs. Kent." Lana responded in kind as her curious gaze swept the Senator's office. "It's still so strange. Whenever I think of you, it's always in the kitchen back home in Smallville not the marbled halls of Congress."

Martha smiled then tilted her head in contemplation of the girl sitting across from her.

The girl her son had loved.

Had being the operative word.

She had always like Lana Lang. As a girl growing up in Smallville she'd been sweet and innocent. As the teenage cheerleader urging the Crows home to victory she'd been energetic and beautiful. But as the girl that stole her son's heart…

Martha Kent just didn't see it.

Oh, she'd watched their uncertain relationship over the years and saw the feelings between them. How could she not? They were undeniable. But as a match for her son? As a true companion? A soulmate?

Lana's reality never quite lived up to Clark's dreams.

It was always a delicate subject and one she never fully voiced to Clark, but Martha just knew there was someone out there so much more suited to Clark then Lana would ever be. Someone that would stand by side. Independent. Strong. Capable. An inspiration, not a hindrance.

Someone like…Lois Lane.

This last year proved her right.

Clark's visit to her two months ago, shattered all doubt.

"So, Lana, I'm sure you didn't just come to visit." Gently clasped hands in her lap, Martha planted a smile on her face. It was her 'lobbyist' smile. The one she used for all the bottom feeding sharks in D.C. that loved to nip and gnaw on her every last nerve. "How can I help you?"

"Well, I guess there's no easy way to say this but to just…say it." Lana blinked rapidly as if trying to call up a well of tears. The quiver in her voice even sounded fake. "Clark has gone missing and we're all so very, very worried about him. No one has seen or heard from him in months and well…I thought, if he was going to be in touch with anyone, it would be you."

In truth, this was her second stop since leaving the Fortress. Her first? The Kawatche Caves. She and Clark had shared so much there, their destiny itself was written on its walls. Certainly in seeking solace, he'd go there. But he hadn't. It took a disappointed Lana well over an hour to remember Martha Kent in D.C.

"I see." Martha commented, understanding beyond words stole through her voice. "Well, you were right. Clark has contacted me."

"He has?" Lana sighed with relief. "Well, did he say where he was? How he is? What he's doing?"

A little information to still her fears and stop her search was fine. But telling her everything? No, Clark wouldn't want that.

Instead of answering the girl's curiosity, Martha turned the tables. "Lana, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but if Clark wanted you to know…you would."

"But…but, how can I help him if I don't where he is?"

"Maybe the best way to help Clark right now…" Martha explained calmly, gently. "…is to leave him be."

"But…"

"I know you all are worried, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried too. But maybe what Clark needs right now is for everyone to stop telling him…what he needs." The relentless girl opened her mouth to protest once more. Martha pulled her own filibuster. "Everyone deals with grief differently, Lana. Clark is dealing with his the only way he can."

Lana pulled in a deep breath and tried to calm the building anger inside. Really. She never expected this kind of stonewalling from Martha Kent. She was, after all, the love of Clark's life. She deserved better treatment.

When she spoke again, her voice took on a new edge.

"Mrs. Kent. I know that you've been away and…I just don't think you know how much things have changed for Clark. Specifically for Clark and me."

"Oh, I'm well aware of how things have changed." Martha commented quietly. Knowingly. "For Clark."

Oblivious to the obvious, Lana missed the hint. "Then you know the person he needs most right now, is me."

"Is it?" Martha's wise eyes pinned Lana with an inquisitive stare. "You know, Lana, sometimes things don't work out for a reason. And when they don't work out no matter how hard you try…several times…it's time to let go."

"But…we love each other."

"Perhaps when Clark is ready…"

A sharp young man dressed in a suit knocked on the open door, nodded apologetically and handed a slip of paper to Martha. "I'm sorry, Senator. There's an urgent message for you on line one."

Martha took one look at the paper and her eyebrow rose. Standing quickly, the Senator signaled a swift end to her current meeting. "I'm sorry, Lana. I have to take this call. It's this bill we've been working on for months. The President is ready to make a deal."

"Oh. Oh, of course." Lana rose, looking more than a little miffed. He smile was tight. And her good bye hug was stiff and cold. "If you hear from Clark though…"

"I'll be sure to tell him you're looking for him." Martha promise just seconds before an offended Lana Lang was unceremoniously ushered out of Senator Kent's office.

As soon as the door was safely closed and locked behind her, Martha slipped into her seat and reached for the phone. "Oliver Queen. I've been waiting for your call…"

--

The second she hit Metropolis, she checked her messages. There were the usual. A reminder for her doctor's appointment. Her dry cleaning was done. The Daily Planet called with a time for her job interview…

Chloe's eyes narrowed in confusion at the last message. She didn't recognize the number or the voice.

Miss Sullivan, this is Maxine Davis at the Metropolis Coroner's Office. We need you to come down as soon as possible. I'm sorry to inform you, but…we believe we've found the body of your cousin, Lois Lane…

Tbc…

p.s. Sorry for all the Lana-ness in this one. I REALLY don't like writing her, I promise. And I know SV would never make her this blatantly selfish and oblivious without there being some redeeming sacrificial/saint-like/martyr moment, but I always sensed there was so much more of Lana-love in her actions than there was Clark-love. But that's just me. Anyway…she's not a major player much longer if that makes any of you feel better. And hopefully when he end comes, it'll be satisfying. Hopefully. :)