Disclaimer: DC/WB Entertainment owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.

Author's Notes: This is it folks. This is the one. Everything will come into focus after this! Please read and review. Thank you! :D

~o~o~

Chapter 12: All I Need

The next morning at Lois' apartment:

Lois and Clark were about to leave for work when Lois received an email from Perry. He rarely emailed her.

"Are you ready to go?" Clark asked then he saw her expression. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure. Perry wants me to meet him at the Lexor Hotel, something about Zod, meeting with his source and also what happened at the base."

"Are you still considering writing that article?"

"Well, yes, I think the public should know what happened to Zod," Lois replied.

"But Perry hasn't decided yet; at least I don't think he has. Maybe he needs more information before the story is written, but I still don't think you should write it, plus it may not be in your Father's best interest to tell everyone what he did."

"You're right, but I don't have to mention my Father at all. I'll just state that Zod's body has been destroyed and it has been confirmed and that's it."

"I still don't think you should write it, Lois; talk to your Father first."

He had a point. "Alright, I'll call him after my meeting with Perry."

"My last meeting with Lex is today, and my story is almost done."

"Be careful."

"You too." He kissed her cheek.

She dropped him at LexCorp, and then they went their separate ways.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, at LexCorp:

Clark stepped off the elevator and Alex was waiting for him. "Good morning, Mr. Kent. Could you come this way for a moment, please?"

"Of course," Clark replied and followed him back inside the elevator. They traveled two floors down and went into his office.

"We'll be fine in here. I've already checked for listening devices and cameras."

Clark shook his head. "Lex doesn't trust his own staff even though he said the exact opposite."

"It's true, but I won't be here long. I'm resigning."

"I think that's wise," Clark agreed.

"I have to show you something." He unlocked his desk drawer then handed him a flat mailer. "Open it."

"What is it?" He then removed several photographs of Lois. "Where did you get these?" She was walking down the street, in a coffee shop and in front the Planet building.

"Look closer," Alex instructed.

Clark was confused. "What am I looking for?"

Alex sighed. "It's not Ms. Lane. It's a clone."

"A clone; but that's impossible." Then he thought about it. "He cloned Lois? But Lex said that the clones had died."

"He lied to you, Clark. Ms. Lane was the only one that survived."

"I can't believe this; she looks just like her."

"Clark, does Lois have any identifying markings on her body, like a mole or a scar?"

"Yes, Lois has a scar on her hip. I put it there a few months ago when I saved her life." At his frown, he explained how she got the scar. "She and I are the only ones who know about it."

"That's good, Clark, and I may know what Lex is planning." Alex paced for a moment. "I was thinking about the virus cocktail. It was completed last night and maybe Lex thought he could infect the clone and then infect Superman, meaning you."

"But how would he do that? If the clone is infected then," Clark began.

"It will take a day or two for the virus to run its course."

"Is there an antidote just in case?" Clark asked worried about Lois.

"Yes, there is. But if you do become infected, the antidote may work or it may not."

"But you can't stick a needle in me; my skin is invulnerable."

"Somehow, we have to get around that." He watched him closely. "Your powers are derived from the Sun; is that right?" Clark nodded. "Well, if we remove you away from the Sun, you could lose your powers."

"Possibly, or if the Sun were red as it was on my home Planet, then my powers would go away faster and a needle could penetrate my skin."

"A red Sun, yes; we could simulate a red Sun."

"This is all unbelievable." He glanced at the photos again. "I have to go; Lex is waiting. Thanks, Alex." He handed the photographs back and went to see Lex.

Before he went to see him, he called Lois with the distressing news about the clone. He warned her to be safe and to be alert. He also informed her that Lex has obviously stepped up his plans, and they may have to see this through to make sure they had enough evidence against him.

"Clark, I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I will stay alert and keep my eyes open."

"Good girl, and remember, I love you Lois."

"I love you too." She frowned and headed to her meeting with Perry.

~o~o~

Twenty minutes later, outside the Lexor Hotel:

Perry was apparently late. Glancing at her watch, she was about to call him when someone touched her shoulder. "Excuse me, Miss?"

She turned and a gentleman she had never seen before asked her for directions. She frowned but answered him. "Yes, the public library is just around that corner," Lois told him then Clark's warning came into her mind.

Then he said something that gave her chills. "Could you show me the way? I'm new to the city."

Suspicious, she replied, "No, I'm sorry, but I'm waiting for someone."

He came closer. She backed up. "I'm that someone, Ms. Lane. Please come with me." He reached inside his jacket. "Please don't scream. It wouldn't be wise."

He stepped behind her and she began to walk. She felt an object at her back. Clark was fast, but not that fast. They turned a corner, entered an alley and he opened the car door. "Get in."

"What do you want? Where are you taking me?"

"Get in, Ms. Lane. I'm not going to harm you." She entered the passenger side of the car. "Now, hand me your phone."

She gave it to him. He placed it inside a box, not far from the entrance of the building. A woman came out and picked up the box. She turned briefly, and Lois was so shocked that she gasped.

The woman had her face. It must be a clone, and she looked exactly like her.

~o~o~

A little while later at the Planet:

Lois arrived at the office on time, which was a first for her. "Good morning, everyone," she greeted her co-workers in good spirits.

"You're in a good mood," Cat said as she came over to her. "I would be too if I got to wake up every morning next to that gorgeous boyfriend of yours."

"Not this again. Clark is off limits." Lois gave her a stink-eye.

Cat held up her hands. "Just joking. Geez, what happened to your good mood?" Frowning, Cat left her alone.

"Lois, get in here!" That was Perry.

"Yeah, Chief?" Lois replied, entered his office and took a seat.

"Well, tell me about the meeting at the base?"

She hesitated. "It went well. Everything is fine," she replied appearing unconcerned.

"Fine? Just fine?" He frowned. "What about Zod?"

She shrugged. "Zod is gone. There's nothing to tell."

"Gone; but what about the tests?" Perry asked confused by her demeanor.

A moment, then, "He's dead."

He frowned. She's holding something back. "I see; we'll talk later."

She stood up. "Was there anything else?"

Something wasn't right. He frowned again. "No, I guess that's it."

Once at the door, she turned to him. "When will Clark return?"

"In a few hours, I think."

"Thanks, Chief." She left his office, sat down at her desk and then she sneezed. She blew her nose and wiped it with a tissue.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, at LexCorp, Luthor's office:

Clark had to gather himself together. What Lex has done was illegal, disgusting and revolting. A clone of his Lois is walking around Metropolis, either pretending to be her or gathering information to be her in his life. He was furious and so upset, he wondered if he could face Lex and not tear him apart.

He entered the suite, greeted his assistant then went inside. Lex was on the balcony. "You're late."

"Sorry, but Lois wasn't feeling well. She's at home," he lied.

Lex turned and walked back inside. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's just the sniffles. She'll be fine in a few days."

His plan was working. "Well, I have good news. The virus cocktail is complete."

"I see, and the drone; how's that going?"

"Not as well as I had hoped. It may take another week. The city is far too quiet; not many rescues."

"Things will pick up."

"We can only hope," Clark felt sick inside. "Lex, I won't be coming back after today. You seem to have everything under control. Superman will get sick eventually and you probably won't need the drones to follow him around after all."

"Yes, he will get sick. My plan will work. I'm sure of it."

"Will you tell me your plan?"

"Not just yet; I have a few loose ends, but then I'll tell you," Lex replied being evasive.

"I see, well, should we head back to the lab? I'm curious about the cocktail and what it contains."

"I'll shoot you an email." Lex was still suspicious. He held out his hand. "Good luck, Clark."

"You too," he felt the need to say, although it pained him to no end.

Clark left his office, but, unfortunately, it wouldn't be the last time he would see him this day.

Once out on the street, he called Lois. He was so relieved when she answered on the first ring. "Lois, where are you?"

"I'm at home; where are you?"

He frowned. "I thought you were at the office."

"Well, Perry gave me the morning off because I'm not feeling well."

He frowned again but thought of her earlier meeting with Perry. He decided to play along. "I see; I'll be home shortly. Bye, Lois."

"Bye, Clark." He stared at the phone.

~o~o~

Minutes later, on the rooftop of Lois' apartment building:

Clark entered the building, searched her apartment, but she wasn't there. Suddenly, Clark could hear Lois screaming for him. He twirled into his costume and headed to the roof. She was standing on the ledge, and he was immediately suspicious. "Ms. Lane what are you doing up here? Why were you screaming?"

She turned to him then began her speech. "Someone followed me here. I was afraid to go to the apartment so I came here and screamed for you."

"Are you hurt?" He came closer.

"No, I think he ran away." Clark was very suspicious. He x-rayed her and there was no scar.

"You should come down from there and you can tell me what he looked like."

Lois frowned and touched her temple as if in pain. "I'm sorry but I have to do this." Then she jumped off the roof.

Clark cursed, "Dammit." He caught her easily and flew back up to the roof, but before he could put her down she sneezed in his face.

He wiped his mouth and his nose, but it was too late. He released her.

Lois tried to run, but he caught her and took her by the shoulders. "Where's Lois?"

She acted confused. "I'm Lois."

"No, you're not. Where is she?" He shook her.

Lois winced. "You're hurting me."

He released his grip, but only a little, saw Lois's phone, took it from her and placed it inside his cape. "Come with me." He picked her up and took off and headed for LexCorp.

~o~o~

Minutes later, he landed on Lex's balcony at the Tower, then Lex came out, shocked to see them.

Lois was screaming at him. "Put me down!"

"What are you doing here and why is Lois with you?" Lex played innocently.

Clark set her down. "She's not Ms. Lane. I know she's a clone, Lex. Where is she, and you had better tell me NOW!"

The clone sneezed again. Clark was already infected. He needed the antidote quickly, but he had to find Lois first.

"Did you say she's a clone? That is surprising." Lex inwardly smiled.

"I don't have time for this. Ms. Lane had better not be hurt. If she is," he let that hang. He desperately needed to call the authorities, but he had to find Lois and get to the antidote. Clark turned and took off into the sky.

"Father?" Lois came closer.

"What is it?" Lex was already bored.

"I'm hungry," she said and waited for her meal.

Sighing to himself, he said, "Follow me."

Smiling, she followed him inside a side office. He removed a box from the shelf and handed it to her. He watched as she opened the box, took out a frog and then she swallowed it whole without chewing. Lex was revolted, but he was also fascinated.

Clark listened and watched them from a distance. He was infuriated and disgusted.

~o~o~

High over the skies of Metropolis:

Clark called the police and told them everything, including Lois Lane who may have been kidnapped. He hung up. He expected that the cocktail would take several days before he felt any effects but apparently he had been wrong.

He was getting weaker by the minute, but he had to find her. He searched the entire city in minutes. Then he heard something he'd never heard before. It was a heartbeat; it filtered through his hearing waiting for him to listen and then he saw her. She was walking down the street, but she appeared dazed and confused bumping into people as if she were drunk. Maybe she had been drugged and didn't know where she was.

He slowly dropped down in the front of her. It was definitely her heartbeat. "Ms. Lane?"

She frowned and touched her forehead. "Superman?" He inwardly grinned at her presence of mind to call him that.

"Yes, it's me." He looked her over and it was his Lois. "Come with me; you'll be fine." He picked her up and took her home.

Once he got there, he called Alex and a half-hour later, he arrived with the antidote, but he would have to leave and go his private office on the other side of town.

Clark could barely stand then without being able to help it, he sneezed. Everything within a few feet of him went flying across the room. Alex was knocked to the floor, but he was conscious. Lois fell to the floor, but she was alright.

"I'm so sorry," Clark apologized. His head was splitting, his mouth was dry and he suspected he had a temperature. "I hope everyone had a flu shot."

"Yes I did; I'm alright," Alex said and got up from the floor.

"Me too; you're going to be alright." Lois also stood up. "Alex, I would like to call another doctor. He knows about Zod's DNA and it may be useful," she suggested.

"But does he know Clark's secret?" Alex was certainly worried.

Clark heard the question. "Do you mean Dr. Klein?"

"Yes, I trust him, Clark, and I know you do too."

"Yes, I do, but I don't know." He was getting weaker and weaker. It was getting hard to breathe.

"It's your decision," Lois said.

"Alright, call him," he said then his eyes closed.

Lois shook him. "Clark?" Her eyes watered. Hands shaking, she called Bernard. He picked up on the first ring. Lois quickly explained the situation that Superman was sick and needed immediate medical attention.

"I know where we can take him. STAR Labs is a research facility known for its unique clientele. Don't worry, Lois, he will recover. I'll meet you there," Bernard told her. He then gave her the address.

"Alright, we're on our way." Lois was so worried about Clark's secret, but she trusted Bernard.

They helped him out of his suit and into regular clothing, as not to draw attention, and then down the stairs and into Alex's car. Ten minutes later, they arrived at STAR Labs. It was a huge medical complex encompassing an entire city block. Once inside, Bernard was waiting for them with a gurney. Clark began to moan; dreaming about Lois, meeting her and rescuing her. "Lois?"

She took his hand. "I'm here." She turned to Bernard after he approached them. "Superman is very sick."

"But how is that possible?" Bernard was confused, then he stared at the gentleman on the gurney and was stunned to see Clark Kent obviously in pain. "Then he's?" He couldn't finish.

"Yes; you have to help him. Lex infected him with a virus. Alex has an antidote, but we can't give it to him until he's vulnerable, meaning his powers have to be gone," Lois urgently explained.

Bernard shook his head understanding what was going on. He opened his bag and pulled out a stethoscope and listened to his heartbeat. It was racing. His forehead was hot, burning actually, and his eyes were glazed.

"Come this way," he said. They hurriedly entered an elevator, up several floors then out into a particular area that Bernard had specially ordered for him. They placed a few huge lamps and added red fluorescent bulbs, the strongest bulbs available.

After placing Clark on a bed, and removing his street clothes, they placed him in a hospital gown. The lamps were then turned on. Lois stroked his head with a wet cloth. "He's burning up." The lights were bright, but they had no way of knowing how long it would take before his powers would subside. "Can't we do something to bring down his fever?"

"Ice would definitely help," Alex suggested.

"Yes, it's down the hall. We have to move him," Bernard said. Several orderlies were available to help. The lamps were brought with him.

~o~o~

After placing Clark inside a metal bathtub filled with ice, his temperature came down a few degrees. He was still invulnerable, but the lambs were doing their job. He was sweating profusely now, but he was breathing easier. He sipped water when he was awake, but they had to force liquids down his throat.

A little while later, Lois stepped out into the visitor area conflicted about calling Martha, but she had to know. She decided to wait for a while, but she did call Perry. She told him that they were both sick and it would be a few days before they returned to work.

Perry understood. A few other people had gotten sick with the flu.

"Oh, dear," Lois whispered.

"What was that?" Perry asked.

"Nothing. Is everyone Ok?"

"Yeah, a few people who hadn't gotten their flu shots got sick, but everyone else is fine," Perry replied thankfully.

Lois was extremely relieved. "I'll call when I can," she said and said goodbye. Bernard came out to speak with her.

"How is he?" She asked apprehensively.

"He's awake and he's asking for you."

Lois frowned. "But have you given him the antidote yet?"

"No, he's still invulnerable. We don't know what else to do," Bernard replied.

Lois was so worried. She pulled herself together and went to see him. He was still in the bathtub. Ice was all around him, but he was so hot that it melted minutes after they put it in.

She picked up a cloth and stroked his forehead and gave him some water. He sipped it but was hard for him. She needed to make fun and lighten the mood a bit. "You're all wet, Mr. Kent."

He tried to smile. "Yeah, look at me; I'm a mess."

"You're my mess." She stroked his forehead again, leaned in a kissed it softly. "Don't you dare give into this."

"I won't," he said and closed his eyes briefly.

Her eyes watered. "Think about us, Clark, how strong we are when we're together. Remember?"

"Yeah, you and me against the world, right?"

A tear slid down her cheek. "Yeah, us against the world." His eyes closed. She stroked his forehead again.

Bernard quickly listened to his heartbeat; he was still breathing, but it was difficult for him. "Let's try it now." Alex handed him the antidote. He pressed it against his shoulder and miraculously, it went through the skin.

Lois covered her mouth, so relieved and happy.

"Now we wait," Alex said.

An hour later, Lois could hear Clark and he was thrashing about in the bathtub. He was having a seizure or something.

The doctors rushed over to him. "What's happening?" Lois asked.

"I think he's reacting to the medication," Alex replied.

"Oh, no; do something!" Lois was so worried about him. Tears blurred her vision.

After a minute, he quieted down and went back to sleep. His fever was down almost to his normal temperature, but his heartbeat was entirely too fast.

"We can move him now. His temperature is almost normal." They moved him to a particular area of the hospital. He was clothed in a hospital gown, put to bed and he appeared to be resting. The red lamps were now bright white simulating the Sun.

Lois was exhausted. She'd been there all night, but she couldn't leave him; she couldn't.

Hours later, Lois was awakened by Clark calling to her, "Lois are you here?"

She rushed over to him and took his hand. "I'm here. How are you feeling?"

"Tired and thirsty," he managed to reply. She poured him a glass of water. He took several sips through a straw and rested his head back on the pillow. "Thanks."

She touched his forehead and the fever was definitely down. "You gave us quite a scare."

"Sorry, about that."

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" She asked.

"First, tell me where you were. Did someone take you away?"

She nodded. "Yes, I was waiting for Perry when a man I'd never seen before kidnapped me and took my phone. He blindfolded me and then he gave me a shot. I think it was a few hours later, I found myself outside walking around, and then you found me."

He sighed. "I see. Lex had you taken to keep you quiet. I called you and she told me she was at the apartment. I went there but found her on the roof. She said a man followed her then she came up there to get away from him, then she apologized and jumped off the roof."

"Oh, no, but you saved her?" She grinned.

"Yeah, I saved her, then she sneezed and that was that," he said and tried to smile. "I took her to Lex and of course he denied it. I called the authorities and went looking for you."

"Well, I'm surprised you even got sick. That cocktail must have been very powerful."

"It was but I was thinking maybe there was another reason why I got sick," Clark thoughtfully said.

"What was it?"

"I think it was the Codex that my Father placed inside me when I was a baby."

"But exactly what is the Codex? You never explained it to me. Jor-El must have known it would hurt you but, after meeting him, that doesn't make any sense."

"I know it's confusing." He paused for a moment. "The Codex contains the genetic code of every Kryptonian yet to be born. Over time, it may have weakened by immune system, but I can't be sure about that. As far as Jor-El and what went through his mind; well, he may not have been thinking clearly. I think he was just worried about his people and their future. Zod was thinking the same thing; he wanted to save Krypton at all costs."

"So the Codex was placed inside you to save your people, but they're all gone, aren't they? And if the Codex can't be extracted, then all of this was for nothing?"

"No, it wasn't for nothing, Lois. Earth isn't ready for more Kryptonians, but one day they will." Through it all, Clark's hope always shone through.

"I understand now," she said and watched his eyes close. "You're tired; get some rest; I'll be here when you wake up."

He squeezed her hand and whispered, "Promise?"

"Promise," she replied and kissed him sweetly. Stroking his hair away from his forehead, she watched him go off to sleep.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, at the police station:

Lex had been there for hours. His lawyer was with him. James had spoken to the clone, but she had collapsed before he could ask her what she had done. She appeared to be sick, so they took her to the hospital. She was still under police custody, so officers went with her.

James had no defense against the charges. Lex was apparently involved in making a clone but for what reason. Lex told him his version of the truth.

He paced in front of him. "Let me get this straight. Lois Lane was cloned without her knowledge; the real Lois Lane was kidnapped, and the clone infected Superman with a lethal virus in an attempt to kill him. Is that right?"

Lex glared at him. "Yes, that's right. Now, get me out of here."

"First, let me read you the charges: attempted murder; illegal cloning; and to top it off, kidnapping. Does that about cover it?"

"They have no proof of any of it," Lex said believing it. "Now, when can I leave?"

He shook his head at him. "Lex, did you forget that you are on probation?" At his glare, he continued. "Of course, you forgot. Probation isn't just a word; it's a binding contract for your release. Your probation was for two years, and if you break the law in any way during that time, you could go directly to prison." At Lex's shocked expression, he turned the knife. "Lex, if it's proven that you did all of those things, you could be looking at life in prison, especially if you kidnapped Lois Lane and attempted to kill Superman."

"So, I won't be leaving here, will I?" He may be doomed.

"No, you won't." He paused. "Unless I can convince the District Attorney to lower the felony charges which are highly unlikely, you won't be leaving here." James watched him for a minute. "I'll do what I can." Lex was silent. "Do you have anything else to say?"

"I can't stay here. You have to help me James; please." Lex couldn't believe this was happening. His plan was perfect, but something went wrong.

James sighed and turned to go. "I'll see you in the morning."

Lex was taken back to his jail cell. He paced back and forth. His only hope now was his trusted scientists. He had schooled them on what to say to the authorities.

~o~o~

The next morning at LexCorp:

Detectives Williams and Burns arrived at the Tower to speak to Lex's scientists individually. Each one had the same story. The virus cocktail was researched and developed for protection against General Zod and the Kryptonians if they returned. They knew nothing about the clone. The last scientist needed to be questioned. Dr. Alex Washington was his name. After learning that he had resigned his position earlier that morning, they went looking for him. They caught him after he entered the elevator.

"You're leaving now, Dr. Washington?" Detective Williams asked. He placed his hand inside to stop the elevator.

"Yes, is there a problem? What's going on?" Alex played dumbly.

"We'd like to ask you a few questions. It concerns Lex Luthor and his alleged obsession with Lois Lane," Detective Burns said.

"I see," he said. "We can talk in here." They followed him to his former office.

After everyone had taken a seat, Burns asked a question. "Did you know that Luthor was building an illegal clone, meaning Lois Lane of the Daily Planet?"

Alex took a deep breath. "Yes, I found out several months ago after she was built. However, I had no idea how long she was alive," he replied.

"I see; did you know that a virus cocktail was specially manufactured to kill Superman or to debilitate him in some way?" Burns asked.

"Yes, I knew."

Williams and Burns glanced at each other. "Has Luthor threatened you in any way?" Williams asked.

"Yes, my livelihood here in Metropolis would be restricted if we didn't say what he wanted."

"Dr. Washington, please don't leave town or speak to anyone else concerning this case. Police protection will be available to safeguard you and your family."

He felt relieved. "I understand and thank you."

They then left him alone. Alex immediately pulled out his cellphone and tried to reach Clark Kent.

~o~o~

Lois heard the ringing phone and immediately found Clark's cellphone. Clark was still asleep.

"Hello, Lois Lane here."

"Ms. Lane, this is Dr. Alex Washington."

Lois heard something in his voice. "Yes, Alex is something wrong?"

"The police were just here and I told them the truth about Lex."

Lois glanced at Clark and he was waking up. "Alex, I don't know what to say, but thank you."

"I truly had no choice." He paused. "How is he?"

"He's going to be alright; thanks to you." Lois was becoming emotional.

"I'm happy to hear it. Take care of him, Ok? I'll be in touch."

"I will, and thank you Alex." She hung up.

"What was that about?" Clark asked.

"The police questioned Alex and he told them the truth."

He nodded. "I knew he would." He was certain of it.

She helped him to sit up. After fluffing his pillow, she hopped up and placed her arms around him. "Well, I was worried. I'm sure Lex pressured him to lie, maybe even threatening his family."

"Oh, no, his family; I would hate to see them hurt in some way. I have to get out of this bed." He tried to get up.

He pushed him back down. "Whoa, whoa, you will in a day or so when you're stronger. Your powers haven't returned yet."

He sighed. "I know; you're right."

"It's almost over, Clark. Once your article comes out, then it's over."

"I hope you're right." He pulled her close and kissed her temple, praying for it to be true.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Breathe Again, Sara Bareilles.

A/N: Clark will recover in time, but Lois' scar changed everything. But I have to say how much I hated the frog-clone. That storyline was upsetting, and just plain weird, but I couldn't resist adding that scene! Laney made me do it! Now, the Codex hurting Clark, well, I know it was strange, but this particular part of the movie was confusing, either it would hurt him or it wouldn't. For this story, after eliminating green-k, I needed something else, and the Codex came to mind. I decided that it would affect his genetic code and his immune system. I hope the subject comes up in future movies, but it probably won't. Well, I may have a few more chapters! Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews/kudos is love.