Lois sensed his presence before he could say anything, “About time, Smallville.”
“Wouldn't be me if I wasn't fashionably late.” He replied, bringing up the running joke between them.
She turned and smiled, taking him all in. Dressed in his Superman suit, looking better than she had last seen him. “Excuse me, but aren't I suppose to be the one fashionably late?”
“I think,” Clark closed the gap between them, reaching up to touch her hair, then the side of her face, “together we've cornered the market on it.”
Lois gave a soft laugh, “You still owe me.” Implying it in more than one way.
“I know,” he said softly, his eyes drinking her up. Then he pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. How he had missed this, to hold her and be held.
They stayed wrapped in each other's embrace for several minutes, until the thoughts weighing heavy on Clark broke the peace he felt.
He pulled away, his hand staying lightly at the side of her face, wrapped in her hair. “Lois, are you sure this is what you want?”
Lois sighed, “I can't believe you'd ask that. Where else would I be, but at your side? Clark, you are not alone in this, you can't be, you won't ever be.”
It meant something that his friends were insisting that he wasn't alone, that they had his back, but hearing it again from her was balm to his achey soul.
“I know. It's just...Lois, the idea of you suffering anymore because of me...”
Lois snorted and put her hand to his face, “Sorry, Smallville, but you do remember those words we said about being their for each other. Now, they were our words, rather than “for better or worse” but I know I implied it just the same. If you are hurt, I suffer, if you are sad, I am sad, just as when you are happy, I am too. You are a part of me, remember? And as Oliver and the Justice League will help you, I will have John and Ronnie, okay?”
He swallowed and nodded, before claiming a kiss, which she hungrily returned.
Once they were momentarily satisfied, Lois went into military mode, hands on hips, asking, “So, Superman, where do you want me?”
The words came out before he could stop them, not that it was necessarily a bad thing. “I don't think we have time for that, Lois?” He arched a brow, teasingly.
“Funny! Glad to see that has returned, bad timing though, hold the gutter thoughts, Smallville.” She repaid the arched brow with one of her own and added a slight lift of the side of her mouth.
“Lois, I can't.” The moment for humour passed. He'd never be comfortable with her being involved in any of this, despite how much he knew he needed her.
Interrupting, Lois shook her head, her face growing serious as she did, “Clark, don't, please. Now seriously. Metropolis? Here? Where do you want me to be when you deal with...”
Clark held up his hand, having already decided, “As much as I want you as far away from it all as possible, I think Metropolis would be a good idea. If I succeed, there is still a chance I won't at controlling myself after the events...you'll be needed.”
She nodded and tilted her head, seeing as she often did straight into his soul, “I know it has got to be scary, Clark, but you are not a teenager any more. Nor are you in a place where you are so easily tempted.”
Placing a hand on his chest, she continued watching the subtle flashes of expressions cross his face. “I believe in you and that you can not only defeat this thing, but you can walk away with nothing to be ashamed of.”
Clark took a deep breath, letting her words sink in as he placed one of his hands over hers. “If I could keep you safe and by my side always, I would.”
“I'll be there in spirit - my heart with yours.”
“You're a sap, Lois Lane.” He pulled her back into his arms, loving the way she looked up at him, humour and sass in her eyes.
“Correction. That's Lois Lane-Kent, and please, you eat up all the sap, Mister I-can't-get-enough-of-the-chick-flicks Kent.“
He scowled playfully, unable to hide the smile, “Oh, you are so going to pay for that!”
“Aw,” She grinned, eyes flickering to his lips, “Truth hurts, doesn't it?”
“Lois!!”
“Oh, I'm so...” His lips found hers, “ scared...mmmm.”
“Clark, if you have an adverse reaction to the cocktail, it would be better to have you at Watchtower,” Chloe found herself insisting for the second time.
Clark spun around, cape wiping behind him. “No, Chloe! The moment I take it, that's it and I want to be on location.”
“I know. I get that, but there isn't a guarantee with this.”
“Exactly. I should be there at the location we chose before I take it. If not and I don't react well, I could end up who knows where.”
“Not if we are with you.” She had been following behind him as they made their way to Bruce's private sanctum; monitors and equipment were all set up and waiting. Chloe took a seat - she was staying to coordinate with the Metropolis Watchtower. It had been decided for Chloe and Tess to work from two different locations. A fall back, and Bruce had everything they needed to make it easily work. The second Watchtower had yet to be finished.
“Oliver, Bruce, Dinah and even Lana will be close enough to help keep me in control, plenty of kryptonite. And if I am there, my focus will be on 'it' rather than anything else.” He was trying to avoid the thoughts of what he could do to his own wife if he did get out of hand. A part of him wanted to believe she would calm him, but another wasn't so sure; red-k wasn't the best under the most normal of circumstance and this wasn't normal in the slightest. Either way, she was already on her way to Metropolis under the care of Ronnie and John Jones.
Clark would have had John's help on the field, but felt that was risking too much. If the creeper at all got to him, it would only make things worse. So far, it didn't even seem to be aware of him, which was good.Bruce's face was on a screen while another held Tess'. Clark was sure they were mirroring each other with the same expression.
“Don't waste your breath, Chloe. He's not likely to listen.” Bruce remarked, earning himself a look from the petite blonde. He then signed out, on his way to Metropolis.
Clark ignored it and turned to a monitor holding the live footage of the warehouses they had decided to use for this. It all appeared quiet, but that was not what held Clark's attention. He flicked through each of the camera angles till he spotted her, the woman who had once been a girl that had held his heart.Lana seemed to sense she was being focused on and look directly into the camera. “It's all set. Are you ready?”
Clark rubbed his face before answering. “Yes.”
She nodded, then was gone, fast enough that the average human eye would have only seen a slight blur.Turning back to the other two, Clark asked, “How did Connor react?”
Tess pressed her lips, a sign that told him she was worried. “He'll do it.”
“He argued?”
“Yes, he's become good at the emotional manipulation. Not that it got the desired reaction he wanted.”
Clark smiled and shook his head. Connor may not have gotten what he wanted out of Tess, but he knew how to make her feel guilty. There was something about family that could do that.
“Do you think he'll stick to it though? I can send...”
“Its not necessary, Clark. Besides, you're wife is talking to him now.” Tess gave him a pointed look. If Lois was handling Connor, then there wasn't anything to worry about. Connor may have grown past improper adolescent thoughts over her, but her ability to affect him in other ways had only increased - which often worked for everyone’s benefit.
“Okay.” He felt a painful shudder pass through him, a reminder that he wasn't free yet. He was relieved that neither woman seemed to have noticed. Instead, he caught a look that passed between them. Then Tess looked at him, “ I've a few last adjustments to do before they arrive here.” He gave her a nod and she signed off.
Chloe called up the news and put the sound on “low”. Clark didn't need to ask her why the evidence was there. They had, earlier that morning, received a report of an unexplained death toll at the Metropolis penitentiary. The news report now showed what looked like the CDC beginning to camp outside, while law enforcement had quartered off the area.
“How many?”
“All, but eight. Two are in serious condition, and three others have been raving non stop about I quote “Death walking the prison” or as another put it “The Death eaters came to claim them.” All of them able to talk, have reported the same thing - a hooded figure appearing, panic, and those that died crumbled apart. Authorities are writing it off as some sort of hallucinogenic or possible infection.” Chloe rolled her eyes at the last bit as she switched between several other broadcasts.
Straightening, Clark gave a heavy sigh. If he had been at his full strength, he could have prevented all that death. It was just another reminder of how they couldn't let the Soul splitter win.
Chloe looked him over and tentatively touched her hand to his, “Clark, its not your fault.”
His face softened, but he didn't seemed convinced. “I better go. Thank you, Chloe.”
Without warning, she hugged him close, “Just be careful okay?”
He nodded and than was gone. Leaving Chloe wondering why his eyes had held so much remorse.
“I want to help. How is it helping if I am still here and...”
“You say 'normal' Connor and I'll have this plane turned around so I can go kick your...” Lois glared.Connor interrupted quickly, so he wouldn't have to listen to her tirade, “NO!”
He wanted to be normal, but not like this and while people he cared about where in danger. He was even more so, as of late, sick of being stuck and examined.
Lois knew exactly what was bothering him,” I know you're tired of being there, but its for the best and you know it.”
“I miss everyone.”
“I know. I know Martha misses you.”
“When this is over, do you think Clark could bring her to visit? Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm being treated badly, but its hardly home-like...and I've got no one I can talk to.”
Feeling bad, Lois nodded, wondering how much longer Connor would be there. A year ago, he suddenly went through another change. His personality continued to alter, becoming unique, but he also had become sick as his body made new adjustments.
What it exactly meant, no one was sure and with Lex at the time still deeply embroiled in a legal war over assets of Luthorcorp and Queen Industries, Connor had to continue to stay away from Smallville, until they were sure he wasn't under Lex's radar. It also meant that while he was experiencing the changes, he couldn't stay with Martha.
From what she knew, Connor had been feeling better, but for whatever reason, had yet to go back to living with Martha, who she knew missed him just as he did her.
“Connor, once this is all over, I promise it will be better, okay? But we need you to do this. If this thing...this creeper senses you, it would go for you as it had gone for Clark and your power would feed it. The blue-k will hopefully keep you from being noticed. As much as I don’t want to even entertain the worst case scenario, we have to think about it and if Clark can't get rid of it, you need to be protected.” There wasn't much they could do with those like John Jones, but with Connor, atleast they had an option.
Connor sighed, knowing he had nothing to say against that - Tess had already explained it. “It's ugly...”
“So you've become a fashion guru?”
“Look, I happen to have other things than plaid in my wardrobe and this blue bracelet is ugly.”
“Maybe Courtney can decorate it for you...” Lois grinned.
“Haha. Fine, I'll wear it, as if I wouldn't, but consider this an official protest.”
“Noted. “
“Lois...” His voice became softer, a worried expression filled his face, one she recognized all too well on another man.
“Yes? What is it?”
“He is going to be okay, isn't he?”
Long distance hadn't been able to prevent Clark and Connor from bonding and she knew how much Connor admired and looked up to him.
Pressing her lips, she took a deep breath not sure what to say, but knowing Connor didn't react well to cover ups, lying or pointless platitudes.
“I believe so. I wish I could say for certain, Connor, but I do believe in him and we both know that we are all in this together.”
He stared at her for a second, making her want to squirm. Sometimes, he was so much like Clark it was quite creepy. He seemed to decide something and changed the subject.
“I should go. Mr. Norris is quiz happy and I swear he makes up questions that have nothing to do with what I am studying.”
Nodding, Lois gave him a light smile. “Bye, Connor. I'll call again soon.”
“Thanks, bye, Lois.” Connor returned the smile and switched off.
Barely thirty seconds later, the lap top beeped, informing her of another video call. Hitting the accept button, Tess' face filled the screen.
“How'd it go?”
“As well as to be expected. He relented in the end.”
“Considering the Kent weakness for you, I'm not surprised.” Tess remarked with a slight smile.
“It's my super power. I take it the results came in?”
“Yes, you are spot on. I've already taken the liberty of arranging the 'paper' trail. A little rough in some places, but with the right nudges as suggested, I think it will work. I've sent all you should need.”
Lois nodded and pulled open her email. At one glance, she saw far more then she had expected. “Oh, Tess! You out did yourself. I didn't suggest half of these.”
“The more, the better. Besides, it was my fault it all happened to begin with.”
Frowning, Lois looked back at Tess on the screen. “Excuse me? Tess you are not responsible for Clark's mindless moments. And I'll be honest that he has his fair share of them. This was a wake up call for him, to be a bit more thoughtful about it - a call to all of us, but you can't control when he decides to just whoosh off. How many times have we been left mid sentence with him doing that?”
Tess didn't answer, but she got the point. She had been worried Lois would be the one person to hold it against her, but instead the woman hadn't laid one bit of blame at her feet. Their relationship had never been perfect, even after Tess had recovered from her near fatal death at the hands of her own brother, it had been rocky. But Lois had been kind and supportive, showing even more what Clark saw in her, yet Lois was Lois and there were moments of snark and tension between the two of them. Still, Lois never stopped acting as if Tess was family.
She couldn't imagine they'd ever get closer, nor was there any real need too. The status quo was enough.
“You're right, Lois. Thank you.”
“No problem.” It was easier to deal with Connor and Tess and the future, then it was to think of a future without Clark. Those feelings must have appeared on her face for Tess suddenly added.
“Lois, you'll be here in half an hour. Get some rest and I'll have a station set up for you.”
Lois gave a slight smile and sighed, “Thank you.”
Tess cut the connection off and Lois closed the laptop. She leaned back and closed her eyes, picturing his face, their last kiss. Abruptly, another image flashed in her mind - something from the dream. Clark in her arms, blood everywhere, she could hear her own voice calling out for him...pleading.
Shaking, Lois stood and paced down the aisle of the small private jet, determined in her heart that the dream held no meaning.
It couldn't.
“That's it?”
Clark looked down at the little red capsule, bemused. Oliver, Bruce and Dinah held similar expressions.
Emil followed his gaze, “Were you expecting some sort of brew?”
Grimacing, Clark held it up to look at it, noticing a strange gleam to the the surface of it. “What differences can I expect from this than what I'd get with regular red kryptonite?”
Taking out another small container, Emil began, “Everything you normally do, though with this particular mixture, we believe some of the sexual component should be toned down.” He glanced at the others, but no-one made a reaction to the statement, not even Clark, so he continued.
“Plus, with your need for sunlight, I've included a little something of my own design that might help increase your intake. I suggest standing in some sun, right when you take it. And it should take its full potent effect within two minutes. Also, aggression will be high, but that includes the the emotional drive we are going for.”
He opened the container, “The other red one, if you feel you need a second dose. I don't think I need to state how it wouldn't be good to take it if you don't need it.”
He placed a small dark capsule along with another bright red one in Clark's hand. “And as your father suggested. That one can be broken to get the effect, though it goes without saying you're not going to want to get it on you.”
Clark frowned at the black sparkling capsule, knowing full well the consequences he'd be dealing with if he touched the inside contents.
Emil clear his throat, “Before I head back to Watch Tower, I want to see your reaction when you first take it.”
“Wait, before you do,” Bruce stepped forward to hand Clark a blue wristband with pockets. “Unless you are planning on holding them the whole time,” he nodded to the large pills in Clark's hand.
Clark took the band, slide the pills inside, before placing it around his wrist. “Thank you.” He had kind of forgotten that detail.
Walking towards the sun shining down on the warehouse, Clark glanced around at the others before swallowing one of the red capsules.
The effect was almost instantaneous as it hit his system – first, like a slow boil, he felt a heat rise through him. Looking up at the sun, he could feel it penetrating every part more so than what he had gotten from his previous sun bathing. The slow boil began to burn like a wild fire, raging through out his veins. For a second, he wanted to scream at the intensity of it, but then that passed, leaving behind a sense of strength and power from the fire itself.
The others watched as the remaining healthy colour flowed back into his face, his body filled out to a closer resemblance of what he was before he had been drained. Emil was the most surprised. A small suggestion had been given by Jor-El and he had added it to something he had already been working on, but to actually see it work, healing Clark further, was amazing.
There was a sense of hope felt from them all. Yes, the risks weren't gone, but if Clark could improve while he stood under the sun from the ingredients of a pill, then didn't that mean the red-k had a chance of doing what it was suppose to do?
When Clark opened his eyes, and turned to his friends, they flashed red and for just a second, an expression crossed his face that proved that the red kryptonite was working.
It had been slumbering, gathering more strength. Preparing for what it knew was inevitable...change internal and a kryptonian's last stand.
With all it had already taken, the kryptonian had no chance to survive when it took the last of what it needed. He was weak and it had grown in strength; the only thing holding it back from finishing off the diminished kryptonian and consuming the world was the metamorphosis it had felt begin.
There was pain in the change, an agony that reminded it of a lifetime when it too had been something more and it had lived a life like all the humans that walked this world. Clarity wasn't there, no memories, but like whispers from a persistent hazy dream, it knew it had felt this way before. It craved it...the change inside, while painful, was relished and it longed to see it to the end result.
The prison was dead. The few had escaped to tell of the horror it had visited upon them. It was aware of attention as the humans scrabbled to deal with what they had no clue of. He even heard whispers for the hero they believed in, though they had not seen him for days. They would have no time to mourn once it started to feast - all the human spirits with their varying degrees of volatile emotions. Hate of differences, love of the innocent and so much more.
Sleep was disturbed.
A twinge of a powerful of emotion. Flashes of images. Skin on skin of human bodies mingling, spoken words of love, euphoria, a fire deep that burned. The kryptonian and his love, it recognized them the way they felt, but it had never sensed it so clear and strong before.
No longer a twinge, now a powerful tidal wave, an onslaught of not just love but hate...hate for it. It was aware it was being called out, the how didn't matter because it had to answer...compelled for the need to grow, change and confront.
The time had come.
The air around them crackled and not just from the residual static electricity left over from its arrival. Intentions of either party were thick in the atmosphere. Both desired the death of the other; one for power and one to protect all that was held dear.
When it had arrived, Clark felt a shift deep inside, something he hadn't quite planned on. To feel what it wanted as it could feel him. It was further proof that the Soul Splitter was sensitive to kryptonite, a weakness they both shared but one he knew how to exploit, thanks to Jor-El.
The desire to hurt it was strong and though he could not see a face, he knew it had smiled at him. It was time to feed it...stuff it full, so he could hurt it. Because of their connection, he knew it was just on the verge of changing. Clark delved deep, as Jor-El had instructed, as Chloe had intended, whatever he could feed it, he would. He had gained enough strength back to give some up. Letting what the red-k gave him flow from him.
All the rage and fear, all the love, lust, and everything else in between. In some ways, it was a release to be allowed to feel it all and know in the end, it could be the very thing that saved them.
The Soul Splitter's voice filled the air, “You have come to die. I can feel you...your power is mine.”
Clark said nothing in return, continued to stare, noticing a change occurring already since it had arrived. It had grown in size, and to all there, it was apparent it now had a second fleshed out arm.
Bruce watched as Clark and the creeper stood opposite each other across the warehouse. It was if a battle was going on already, though neither had moved. He looked up to meet Oliver's face, who nodded. They both began to reposition themselves, hoping to anticipate what might happen next.
There was a crackle of sound, and a change in pressure of air that rolled through the warehouse. This time, its growth wasn't just noticed by Clark. The cloaked human form of the creeper expanded and filled.
Bruce shifted again, knowing any second, something was about to happen. Hoping that Clark could pull it off, before it grew to powerful.
They erupted, springing towards each other with equal velocity. Clark remembered what it felt like to have a phantom rip at him, how it was hard to stand his ground with one, even with powers. But this time, there was actual mass in which to hit. He only needed to bring it to the brink, feed it just enough and then deliver the small weapon that would weaken it dramatically, cutting off its connection with him.
He felt them collide and he reacted, reaching for its throat, but was disappointed. Despite the additional mass, when he reached through, he found nothing and a strange pain spread up his fist.
He had no time to recoil from it as the creeper reached a clawed hand out for him as well..tearing down the front of his suit, actually inflicting damage on the material that had been unaffected by most things till then. Whatever Jor-El had done to the suit, the Soul Splitter was apparently the exception.
They exploded a part, Clark went flying back, correcting himself mid air, landing hard on his feet causing, the ground beneath him to crack. The creeper attacked again just as he turned, slicing across his face, drawing blood.
Clark spun around as it moved passed, letting it all his emotional frustration and rage flow from him to it as he snatched out, knowing he'd miss. He was pleased that he could feel the metamorphosis, it was on the verge.
Diving deeper within, Clark pulled up a moment of intense emotion. One that was seared in his mind, that when ever being two people was a bit much or he worried about Lois, would reassure him.
“I saw the way Cat looked at me...I also heard what she said.”
“Yeah, and its perfect.”
“Its not perfect.” The love and concern he had had for her in that moment refilled him.
“Lois, it doesn't matter what people say about me.” He had taken the glasses gently off her face, touching the side of her face, moving her hair back. The memory of the touch of her was as strong as if it had happened yesterday. Her beautiful hazel eyes looking into his own.
“What are people going to think about you...the strong and extremely sexy Lois Lane wants to marry this new Clark Kent. How could they ever understand you'd be interested in this?”
The way she had reacted when he continued and had ripped his shirt. The gentleness of her touch upon his chest as she sat up, refusing to let him worry over her or what others thought.
“Trust me, Smallville, we can make this work, oh boy can we.” She had cupped his face, and in that moment as a smile light up hers and desire filled her eyes, he knew he could do this and not just for himself. He would for the world, but for her as well, because she believed in him.
The memory shifted to them making love right there on the couch, how secured he felt in her love, that with her he could do anything. He had vowed then that he would spend his life making it up to her, the sacrifices she'd be forced to make because of him meant his love for her could know no limits ever. Not that it would. How could he deny her anything?
Clark let the love and memories of Lois continue.
The Soul splitter suddenly screamed, forcing all, including Clark to cover their ears. A wave of agony spread up from inside of it. Time had run out, the connection with the Kryptonian had become too much to bear as it continued on...another memory and with it each emotion. It needed to regain control of the connection.
It flew at him screaming. Growling, Clark grabbed at it again, as it made a pass at him, this time latching firmly on to it. He pushed off, bringing it into the air with him, using as much force as he could, he plowed straight for the ceiling.
Unable to escape the Kryptonian's hold so easily as it once did due to becoming more corporeal, it opted for another method. One still at its disposal and could give it the edge it needed - the Kryptonian's care for the people of this world would be his undoing.
To the alarm of all watching, as Clark lifted up, there was a sudden out shot of lightening strikes that crackled through the whole of the warehouse. All were forced to hit the floor which shook from the bolts; when it had cleared, Clark and the creeper were no where to be seen.
Bruce and Oliver spoke in union at Watchtower who didn't respond; it was Chloe who came through though there was interference.
“..Arrow..Batma....nary!..Respond.”
Oliver threw out before she could worry further, “We're all okay, but Superman and the Soul Splitter are gone. Right over our heads!”
Chloe sounded a little more relieved at hearing his voice, but the worry was far from gone. She frowned, she could pull up Bruce’s satellite, but had no control over the Watchtower one. “I can't get a visual of him.. .. could be anywhere! Watchtower 1 isn't responding, no...sual or audio con...”
Tess' voice abruptly came through, “They're in Metropolis!! Practically appeared just above Watchtower, interrupted comm... I'm trying to track them, but they are moving fast...” She cut off for a moment before coming back, half her words broken up “...panic ... the streets... Superman and.. its changed... Oh My Go...”
Then it all went silent.
To be Continued..
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