Fic: The Things We Lost (9/?)
Title: The Things We Lost (9/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 3,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Lionel is still on the loose, Martha comes to visit and not everyone is happy about it, Darkseid finally reveals himself, and later the world welcomes a new hero. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6) ( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)
Chapter 9: The Dark Things
Lionel Luthor, covered in a shroud of ever-increasing darkness, exited the LuthorCorp building, his mind on what to do next. Deep in thought, he wasn't watching his surroundings and unbeknownst to him he was being followed. He looked around but didn't see anyone. His thoughts wandered here and there hoping to come up with a solution, but the one thing he did know was that everything would be over once the interview proceeded as planned. Clark, Lois and Lutessa would be able to stop Lex; he had no doubt in his mind about that. Here in this universe, they always managed to come out on top, but in the mirror universe, everything was different. There he had a lot more control. Pulling out his cell, he dialed a familiar number. "Meet me at the mansion, NOW!"
Grumbling to himself the recipient of the call knew what that was about. The man hung up and stared at the phone, not in the mood for orders from a Luthor.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at LuthorCorp:
In the elevator ride down from the penthouse, Tess and Lois both stared at Clark, still unbelieving even though they had seen two of him with their own eyes.
"What!" Clark exclaimed when they gave him a look that said they weren't happy about how things had gone down in the penthouse. He grinned at their expressions then he began to explain. "I had no choice. I couldn't tell anyone what I had planned. You both had to be convinced I was two different people."
"Oh, we were convinced alright," Lois told him still unhappy about it.
"I'm not even going to ask how you did it. That was pretty amazing," Tess said in awe of him and the things he could do.
"Yeah, pretty amazing," Lois agreed.
"It was nothing," Clark said, trying to be humble.
They both shook their heads at him. "I suppose not telling us was a good idea under the circumstances. It did distract him, but Lex pulling out kryptonite was still a shock. Did you have any idea he had it hidden on his person?" Tess asked.
"I did see the lead box when we first entered the suite, so I began to prepare. Jor-El was able to help me in order to project a false image. It was tricky, not speaking, but I knew Lex would be shocked when he saw me."
Lois smiled at her fiancé understanding his reasons. Then she remembered the box and pulled it out of her purse.
"Don't open that," Clark told her.
"But suppose it's empty?" Lois asked, curious about the contents.
"It won't be," Clark said.
"But how can you be so sure?" Lois asked.
"Because I know Lex," he replied, but of course he could be wrong.
"See, you're not sure, are you?" Lois asked, at his doubtful look.
"Lois, this is pointless. It doesn't matter. Lex knew we would think it was kryptonite. He wanted to hold it over our heads, and it worked," Clark told her. "So don't open it because it doesn't matter anymore."
"He has a point, Lois," Tess agreed.
Lois sighed, and realized they were right, and put the box back in her purse. "Tess, are you sure the neurotoxin will work, and if it does, what will happen to Lex now?" She asked, wondering about him.
"You don't have to worry about the drug not working. Lex will have no memory of his life. He'll be like a child. Once someone finds him, everyone will think he had a psychotic break and they'll probably put him in a psych ward somewhere. He'll have to make new memories; the old ones are gone."
"So, it's over?" Lois asked, getting emotional.
Tess nodded, also becoming emotional.
"Yes, it's over," Clark said and smiled, but deep inside his mind, a doubt took hold and he knew it would never go away. "We did it," he said and held out his arms. Both ladies welcomed his embrace.
The elevator beeped announcing their arrival on the first floor. Bart and Kon-El, the youngest members of the League, watched as they exited the elevator. Bart raised his eyebrows then chuckled. Kon-El was envious of his brother. Clark still had his arms around the ladies, smiling and enjoying himself.
"Clark, I just got a call from Oliver. I need to speak with you alone for a minute, if you can tear yourself away?" Bart asked, eyebrows still raised.
"Sure, but you can speak in front of the ladies. No more secrets," Clark replied.
"Alright, Oliver and J'onn followed Lionel, just as you asked, and … ummm …" He hesitated.
"Where did he go?" Tess wanted to know.
"The mansion, but he wasn't alone. A few minutes after he arrived, someone came to see him," Bart replied.
"Who was it?" Lois asked.
"It was Andrew," Kon-El answered, giving Lois an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry, Lois."
Clark pulled her close to his side. "Did they hear what they were saying? It's important," Clark asked.
"No, they weren't close enough, but they were outside and they're still at the mansion," Bart replied.
"I have to go," Clark said. "Bart, you and Kon-El, head back to Watchtower. I don't want either of you anywhere near the mansion. The same goes for the rest of the League." He turned to Lois. "I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on." He paused as he watched her for a moment. "Are you alright?"
"I'm ok," she replied and tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes.
Clark kissed her cheek then he left. The other members of the League also left headed to Watchtower, leaving Tess and Lois alone. Tess watched her for a moment. "I know you, Lois, and don't even think about it."
"I don't know what you mean," Lois said not looking at her.
"He said he would call, plus if I were to guess, he's really worried about confronting both Lionel and Andrew. It's much too dangerous," Tess tried to dissuade her.
Suddenly, Lois's cell phone rang, and thinking it was Clark, she answered, "Clark?"
"No, honey, it's Martha. I just landed and I was hoping for a ride. Are you free, dear?"
"Martha, you're here? Yes, yes, of course, I'll be there in fifteen minutes," Lois replied, excited to see her future mother-in-law and hung up.
"Martha is here?" Tess asked, not happy about it.
"Yes, she just arrived," Lois replied. "Come on, let's go; we need a girl's night out," Lois said and smiled.
"Ummm, I really need to head over to Watchtower. Clark will need me there. Tell Martha I'll see her later."
"But, Tess, I wanted to give you both the good news about Clark and me."
"What news?"
"You really were distracted tonight. See?" Lois held up her left hand.
"You're engaged ... again? I'm so happy for you, Lois," Tess told her, but her sentiment didn't reach her eyes or her voice.
"But you don't sound happy. What's wrong, Tess? Please tell me. Remember, we promised each other."
"I'm sorry, Lois, I can't see her right now. I can't. I'm sorry," Tess told her again then she quickly turned and headed for her car.
"Tess, wait, please!" Tess kept walking. Lois frowned at her retreating back. What in the world happened between Tess and Martha?
~o~o~
Meanwhile, not far from Earth's atmosphere:
A slow moving planet made its way through space. It was the flaming planet of Apokolips on a collision course with the planet Earth. At first, the NASA scientists believed it was a giant meteor and hoped it would disintegrate long before it reached Earth's atmosphere, but they would soon find out that would not be the case.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the Luthor mansion:
Oliver and J'onn were outside the mansion, still unable to hear what was being said. J'onn decided it was imperative that they know what was going on, so he used his invisibility power and hovered inside the room and listened.
"What took you so long?" Lionel asked his son, as he watched him enter through a hidden access door deep inside the huge mansion.
"Look, I have a job and I was at the station when you called. I can't just drop everything on a whim. And what is so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"
"Why didn't you tell me that Lois dumped you and that she had left the station?"
"How did you find out about that?" Andrew had hoped to keep that news to himself.
"I know everything," Lionel answered. "We have plans to make now. The Blur is back."
"I know, I know, don't remind me."
Lionel scoffed at him. "You're just as clueless as my other son," he told him, deeply disgusted.
Andrew didn't appreciate being compared to Lex. "I'm not Lex, I'm me!" He yelled, getting upset.
"Yeah, you're you, but you botched everything. You were supposed to keep Lois occupied, but that didn't last long. Now did it?"
"I can't help she has feelings for the Blur. It's not my fault!" Andrew whined.
"It is your fault. She should have fallen for you long before now," Lionel told him.
"Well, she didn't."
"I see that now," Lionel said then he stared at him. "You're useless to me now."
"What do you mean, useless?" Andrew backed up as Lionel came closer. "Father?"
"I'm not your Father," Lionel finally told him.
"What do you mean?"
"You're a clone, you're not human."
"What? That's insane, of course, I'm human," Andrew told him unbelieving.
"What's your last memory?" Lionel asked and waited. "Well?"
Confused by his question, he thought about it for a moment. "I remember … ummm … going to college, but …" Andrew stopped and realized he didn't remember his childhood. His eyes filled with tears. "Then, it's true?"
"Yes, it's true," Lionel replied, unmoved by his tears. "It's time for you to go," he told him then he pulled out a revolver.
Andrew didn't appreciate having a gun pulled on him twice within twenty-four hours. Distracted by a noise coming from outside, Lionel was caught off guard. Andrew charged him, the gun went off just missing its mark, but he managed to get the revolver from him. Andrew didn't know how to use it, but he instinctively knew it was him or his Father, so he pulled the trigger several times hitting his Father in the heart.
Clark arrived too late; the bullets had already hit their mark. Clark took the gun from Andrew who appeared to be in shock. J'onn also re-appeared, unable to stop the incident that happened in seconds.
Andrew turned to the Blur as he tried to explain. "I … I had no choice, he was going to kill me."
"I know," Clark said and went to Lionel. He checked his pulse. He was dead.
"What is that?" Andrew asked as he backed up. He pointed to a slow moving smoke that invaded the room and surrounded Lionel.
Clark and J'onn both backed up, as they glanced at each other. It was Darkseid. "Everyone leave … NOW, and don't look back!"
"Maybe I should stay?" J'onn didn't want to leave his friend alone.
"No, J'onn, go, GO NOW!" Clark told him firmly.
Andrew was close behind, as he and J'onn left Clark alone with Darkseid.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment:
Once Martha was settled in the guest room, Lois and Martha sat down to chat over coffee. Martha was tired from her flight, but she wanted to know how everything was going with her son and with Lois.
"How are things, Lois, and … ummm … you know what I mean?" Martha asked trying not to upset her.
Instead of answering her, Lois picked up her coffee cup, making sure Martha would see the ring. She wiggled her fingers just to be sure.
"Lois?" Martha exclaimed thrilled for her. "When did this happen?" She asked, happy everything was back to normal.
Smiling, she replied, "Earlier today."
"He just proposed, just like that?" Martha asked, needing to hear all the details.
"No, it wasn't 'just like that.' I brought the ring to him and then one thing lead to another."
"Wait, you brought the ring to him?" Martha asked curious.
"Martha, we just needed some time to think things through, and to forgive each other, and well, I had to make things right. There really was nothing else I could do." She paused. "I still love him," Lois told her, getting emotional.
"I know you do, honey," Martha murmured, and gave her a warm hug. "I'm so happy for you and for Clark too," she murmured to her, after they had pulled apart.
"Thank you, Martha." She paused. "Something happened earlier this evening. Tess was with me when you called from the airport."
Martha left her arms and went to sit down on the sofa, but she couldn't look her future daughter-in-law in the eye. "Did she tell you what happened between us?"
Lois was worried now. "No, she was very upset when I told her you were in town. What happened between you two?"
Martha sighed. "I did some things I'm not very proud of, but I was desperate, trying to help Clark, trying to keep him here with us, but I'm ashamed to say that Tess felt the brunt of it. I need to apologize to her for the things I said and did to her."
"But tell me what it was, so I can understand. Surely, it can't be that bad. Tess and I were there for each other for years; we counted on each other. I can't choose between you."
"Oh, you don't have to. I will apologize and hopefully she'll forgive me and we can move forward."
"But what if she doesn't? I have to wonder why you both never said a word to me about this. I hate secrets, Martha. Both you and Tess know this," Lois said, deeply disappointed.
"Please don't hold it against Tess. It was a secret that we both needed to keep. Everything that happened with Zod, and Clark almost dying, well, it was a very stressful time for all of us."
Lois frowned. "I see you're not going to tell me what happened."
"Lois?"
"It's late. Get some rest, Martha," Lois dismissed her, so disappointed she couldn't look at her.
Martha felt terrible about all of it. "Good night, Lois."
"Good night, Martha."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the mansion:
Clark stood back and watched as Lionel's possessed body rose from the floor. His eyes glowed red, his hair had an unusual glow to it, and the dark flow of blood oozed from his wounds. Clark decided to speak to Darkseid. "It's time for you to leave. For years you've tried to learn the secrets of ultimate power, but you will not find it here, not on Earth. You will never win."
"You must be disgusted how easily people were swayed by my influence."
"I believe in people." He paused. "It's time for you to go," Clark repeated as he stared at him.
Darkseid was angry now. He then raised his arm and telekinetically grabbed Clark and threw him across the room, but Clark regained his balance and hovered in the air and stared at him, hoping to figure out a way to stop him. He then realized that it was Jor-El who had guided him, who had been guiding him all along. Clark felt surrounded by his presence.
Darkseid continued, "It's time for you to go back where you came from."
"I'm here to stay. The Phantom Zone is closed forever. No one leaves and no one goes in. Your plan failed." Clark clinched his fists. He was finished talking, and at that moment, hovering above Darkseid, that he'd never felt more powerful. "We need to finish this … NOW!" And with his arms out in front of him, Clark flew directly into Lionel's possessed body thereby destroying it as Darkseid exploded into nothingness and vanished into the night sky.
~o~o~
Back at Watchtower, a little while later:
Tess, Oliver and the League had just received a call from Clark telling them that Darkseid was no more. But of course, they gave him the news of the planet Apokolips and that it was now visible from space. The League then told Clark that they all had faith in him.
"I know what I have to do," Clark told them, determined to finish this. He then looked up at the sky and he had no time to waste as he could see the planet moving closer and closer to Earth. He thought of Lois, his mother, and everyone on Earth who depended on him to do what needed to be done. The darkness was still there and it was up to him to save everyone. He called Watchtower. Tess answered. "Tell Lois … I'll see her soon."
"I will," Tess responded.
As Clark floated up towards the sky heading towards the burning planet, the rising sun burst forth and shined bright like a beacon calling to him, strengthening his body and his spirit. He felt its warmth flow through him then he closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, stretched out his arms then flew as fast as he could to the interior of the flaming planet of Apokolips, hoping to destroy it just as he had done to Darkseid.
Minutes went by as everyone watched from the streets, from their homes and cars, and prayed that the flying man could save them all.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment:
Lois was still awake when she got the call from Tess, then she ran to get Martha. They both hurried outside as well as thousands of others just in time to see Clark destroy the massive planet within moments of its final approach toward Earth. Clark continued to surround the planet both from within and its outer surface finally able to stop its descent, and force it back into space far away from Earth.
Martha and Lois hugged each other close. "He's alright, Martha, I know he is," Lois told her.
"I know," Martha wasn't worried.
As they both looked up at the sky, Lois then began to feel sorry for the way she had acted.
"I'm sorry for what I said, Martha."
They turned to face each other. "Please don't apologize," Martha began.
"But I need to say this. Clark and I have been through so much over the years because of secrets and the harm it does. But you, Martha, I never expected that from you."
"I know Lois, and please don't say anymore. I'll tell you what happened and please keep an open mind and remember that Clark's destiny is so much more than we ever could have imagined."
"I know and thank you, Martha." Lois shook her head as they continued to watch the fiery planet move further and further away. "Is there anything he can't do?" She wondered aloud.
"I've often asked myself that same question. Standing here, watching him save the world, I think back to that terrible time and the things I did to protect him. I sometimes wish that Clark could turn back the clock just for a minute, and then I would have done things a lot differently."
Lois frowned and thought about her words. "I hear what you're saying, Martha, but not even Clark has that kind of power." She frowned again. "At least I hope not. I mean, I couldn't imagine anything happening where he would have to make that kind of a decision."
"You're right, of course, I hope he never does either," Martha thoughtfully said.
As the cheers and applause from the people in the street slowly died down to murmurs of thanks and hugs of relief and the pure joy just to be alive, it appeared the crisis was over, and the darkness was gone.
So Lois and Martha headed back inside and waited for Clark to return.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: Clark is so amazing, but of course I pictured him doing all of it in the suit! I hope you enjoyed it. The 'Martha' issue will be cleared up shortly. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 3,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Lionel is still on the loose, Martha comes to visit and not everyone is happy about it, Darkseid finally reveals himself, and later the world welcomes a new hero. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6) ( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)
Chapter 9: The Dark Things
Lionel Luthor, covered in a shroud of ever-increasing darkness, exited the LuthorCorp building, his mind on what to do next. Deep in thought, he wasn't watching his surroundings and unbeknownst to him he was being followed. He looked around but didn't see anyone. His thoughts wandered here and there hoping to come up with a solution, but the one thing he did know was that everything would be over once the interview proceeded as planned. Clark, Lois and Lutessa would be able to stop Lex; he had no doubt in his mind about that. Here in this universe, they always managed to come out on top, but in the mirror universe, everything was different. There he had a lot more control. Pulling out his cell, he dialed a familiar number. "Meet me at the mansion, NOW!"
Grumbling to himself the recipient of the call knew what that was about. The man hung up and stared at the phone, not in the mood for orders from a Luthor.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at LuthorCorp:
In the elevator ride down from the penthouse, Tess and Lois both stared at Clark, still unbelieving even though they had seen two of him with their own eyes.
"What!" Clark exclaimed when they gave him a look that said they weren't happy about how things had gone down in the penthouse. He grinned at their expressions then he began to explain. "I had no choice. I couldn't tell anyone what I had planned. You both had to be convinced I was two different people."
"Oh, we were convinced alright," Lois told him still unhappy about it.
"I'm not even going to ask how you did it. That was pretty amazing," Tess said in awe of him and the things he could do.
"Yeah, pretty amazing," Lois agreed.
"It was nothing," Clark said, trying to be humble.
They both shook their heads at him. "I suppose not telling us was a good idea under the circumstances. It did distract him, but Lex pulling out kryptonite was still a shock. Did you have any idea he had it hidden on his person?" Tess asked.
"I did see the lead box when we first entered the suite, so I began to prepare. Jor-El was able to help me in order to project a false image. It was tricky, not speaking, but I knew Lex would be shocked when he saw me."
Lois smiled at her fiancé understanding his reasons. Then she remembered the box and pulled it out of her purse.
"Don't open that," Clark told her.
"But suppose it's empty?" Lois asked, curious about the contents.
"It won't be," Clark said.
"But how can you be so sure?" Lois asked.
"Because I know Lex," he replied, but of course he could be wrong.
"See, you're not sure, are you?" Lois asked, at his doubtful look.
"Lois, this is pointless. It doesn't matter. Lex knew we would think it was kryptonite. He wanted to hold it over our heads, and it worked," Clark told her. "So don't open it because it doesn't matter anymore."
"He has a point, Lois," Tess agreed.
Lois sighed, and realized they were right, and put the box back in her purse. "Tess, are you sure the neurotoxin will work, and if it does, what will happen to Lex now?" She asked, wondering about him.
"You don't have to worry about the drug not working. Lex will have no memory of his life. He'll be like a child. Once someone finds him, everyone will think he had a psychotic break and they'll probably put him in a psych ward somewhere. He'll have to make new memories; the old ones are gone."
"So, it's over?" Lois asked, getting emotional.
Tess nodded, also becoming emotional.
"Yes, it's over," Clark said and smiled, but deep inside his mind, a doubt took hold and he knew it would never go away. "We did it," he said and held out his arms. Both ladies welcomed his embrace.
The elevator beeped announcing their arrival on the first floor. Bart and Kon-El, the youngest members of the League, watched as they exited the elevator. Bart raised his eyebrows then chuckled. Kon-El was envious of his brother. Clark still had his arms around the ladies, smiling and enjoying himself.
"Clark, I just got a call from Oliver. I need to speak with you alone for a minute, if you can tear yourself away?" Bart asked, eyebrows still raised.
"Sure, but you can speak in front of the ladies. No more secrets," Clark replied.
"Alright, Oliver and J'onn followed Lionel, just as you asked, and … ummm …" He hesitated.
"Where did he go?" Tess wanted to know.
"The mansion, but he wasn't alone. A few minutes after he arrived, someone came to see him," Bart replied.
"Who was it?" Lois asked.
"It was Andrew," Kon-El answered, giving Lois an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry, Lois."
Clark pulled her close to his side. "Did they hear what they were saying? It's important," Clark asked.
"No, they weren't close enough, but they were outside and they're still at the mansion," Bart replied.
"I have to go," Clark said. "Bart, you and Kon-El, head back to Watchtower. I don't want either of you anywhere near the mansion. The same goes for the rest of the League." He turned to Lois. "I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on." He paused as he watched her for a moment. "Are you alright?"
"I'm ok," she replied and tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes.
Clark kissed her cheek then he left. The other members of the League also left headed to Watchtower, leaving Tess and Lois alone. Tess watched her for a moment. "I know you, Lois, and don't even think about it."
"I don't know what you mean," Lois said not looking at her.
"He said he would call, plus if I were to guess, he's really worried about confronting both Lionel and Andrew. It's much too dangerous," Tess tried to dissuade her.
Suddenly, Lois's cell phone rang, and thinking it was Clark, she answered, "Clark?"
"No, honey, it's Martha. I just landed and I was hoping for a ride. Are you free, dear?"
"Martha, you're here? Yes, yes, of course, I'll be there in fifteen minutes," Lois replied, excited to see her future mother-in-law and hung up.
"Martha is here?" Tess asked, not happy about it.
"Yes, she just arrived," Lois replied. "Come on, let's go; we need a girl's night out," Lois said and smiled.
"Ummm, I really need to head over to Watchtower. Clark will need me there. Tell Martha I'll see her later."
"But, Tess, I wanted to give you both the good news about Clark and me."
"What news?"
"You really were distracted tonight. See?" Lois held up her left hand.
"You're engaged ... again? I'm so happy for you, Lois," Tess told her, but her sentiment didn't reach her eyes or her voice.
"But you don't sound happy. What's wrong, Tess? Please tell me. Remember, we promised each other."
"I'm sorry, Lois, I can't see her right now. I can't. I'm sorry," Tess told her again then she quickly turned and headed for her car.
"Tess, wait, please!" Tess kept walking. Lois frowned at her retreating back. What in the world happened between Tess and Martha?
~o~o~
Meanwhile, not far from Earth's atmosphere:
A slow moving planet made its way through space. It was the flaming planet of Apokolips on a collision course with the planet Earth. At first, the NASA scientists believed it was a giant meteor and hoped it would disintegrate long before it reached Earth's atmosphere, but they would soon find out that would not be the case.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the Luthor mansion:
Oliver and J'onn were outside the mansion, still unable to hear what was being said. J'onn decided it was imperative that they know what was going on, so he used his invisibility power and hovered inside the room and listened.
"What took you so long?" Lionel asked his son, as he watched him enter through a hidden access door deep inside the huge mansion.
"Look, I have a job and I was at the station when you called. I can't just drop everything on a whim. And what is so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"
"Why didn't you tell me that Lois dumped you and that she had left the station?"
"How did you find out about that?" Andrew had hoped to keep that news to himself.
"I know everything," Lionel answered. "We have plans to make now. The Blur is back."
"I know, I know, don't remind me."
Lionel scoffed at him. "You're just as clueless as my other son," he told him, deeply disgusted.
Andrew didn't appreciate being compared to Lex. "I'm not Lex, I'm me!" He yelled, getting upset.
"Yeah, you're you, but you botched everything. You were supposed to keep Lois occupied, but that didn't last long. Now did it?"
"I can't help she has feelings for the Blur. It's not my fault!" Andrew whined.
"It is your fault. She should have fallen for you long before now," Lionel told him.
"Well, she didn't."
"I see that now," Lionel said then he stared at him. "You're useless to me now."
"What do you mean, useless?" Andrew backed up as Lionel came closer. "Father?"
"I'm not your Father," Lionel finally told him.
"What do you mean?"
"You're a clone, you're not human."
"What? That's insane, of course, I'm human," Andrew told him unbelieving.
"What's your last memory?" Lionel asked and waited. "Well?"
Confused by his question, he thought about it for a moment. "I remember … ummm … going to college, but …" Andrew stopped and realized he didn't remember his childhood. His eyes filled with tears. "Then, it's true?"
"Yes, it's true," Lionel replied, unmoved by his tears. "It's time for you to go," he told him then he pulled out a revolver.
Andrew didn't appreciate having a gun pulled on him twice within twenty-four hours. Distracted by a noise coming from outside, Lionel was caught off guard. Andrew charged him, the gun went off just missing its mark, but he managed to get the revolver from him. Andrew didn't know how to use it, but he instinctively knew it was him or his Father, so he pulled the trigger several times hitting his Father in the heart.
Clark arrived too late; the bullets had already hit their mark. Clark took the gun from Andrew who appeared to be in shock. J'onn also re-appeared, unable to stop the incident that happened in seconds.
Andrew turned to the Blur as he tried to explain. "I … I had no choice, he was going to kill me."
"I know," Clark said and went to Lionel. He checked his pulse. He was dead.
"What is that?" Andrew asked as he backed up. He pointed to a slow moving smoke that invaded the room and surrounded Lionel.
Clark and J'onn both backed up, as they glanced at each other. It was Darkseid. "Everyone leave … NOW, and don't look back!"
"Maybe I should stay?" J'onn didn't want to leave his friend alone.
"No, J'onn, go, GO NOW!" Clark told him firmly.
Andrew was close behind, as he and J'onn left Clark alone with Darkseid.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment:
Once Martha was settled in the guest room, Lois and Martha sat down to chat over coffee. Martha was tired from her flight, but she wanted to know how everything was going with her son and with Lois.
"How are things, Lois, and … ummm … you know what I mean?" Martha asked trying not to upset her.
Instead of answering her, Lois picked up her coffee cup, making sure Martha would see the ring. She wiggled her fingers just to be sure.
"Lois?" Martha exclaimed thrilled for her. "When did this happen?" She asked, happy everything was back to normal.
Smiling, she replied, "Earlier today."
"He just proposed, just like that?" Martha asked, needing to hear all the details.
"No, it wasn't 'just like that.' I brought the ring to him and then one thing lead to another."
"Wait, you brought the ring to him?" Martha asked curious.
"Martha, we just needed some time to think things through, and to forgive each other, and well, I had to make things right. There really was nothing else I could do." She paused. "I still love him," Lois told her, getting emotional.
"I know you do, honey," Martha murmured, and gave her a warm hug. "I'm so happy for you and for Clark too," she murmured to her, after they had pulled apart.
"Thank you, Martha." She paused. "Something happened earlier this evening. Tess was with me when you called from the airport."
Martha left her arms and went to sit down on the sofa, but she couldn't look her future daughter-in-law in the eye. "Did she tell you what happened between us?"
Lois was worried now. "No, she was very upset when I told her you were in town. What happened between you two?"
Martha sighed. "I did some things I'm not very proud of, but I was desperate, trying to help Clark, trying to keep him here with us, but I'm ashamed to say that Tess felt the brunt of it. I need to apologize to her for the things I said and did to her."
"But tell me what it was, so I can understand. Surely, it can't be that bad. Tess and I were there for each other for years; we counted on each other. I can't choose between you."
"Oh, you don't have to. I will apologize and hopefully she'll forgive me and we can move forward."
"But what if she doesn't? I have to wonder why you both never said a word to me about this. I hate secrets, Martha. Both you and Tess know this," Lois said, deeply disappointed.
"Please don't hold it against Tess. It was a secret that we both needed to keep. Everything that happened with Zod, and Clark almost dying, well, it was a very stressful time for all of us."
Lois frowned. "I see you're not going to tell me what happened."
"Lois?"
"It's late. Get some rest, Martha," Lois dismissed her, so disappointed she couldn't look at her.
Martha felt terrible about all of it. "Good night, Lois."
"Good night, Martha."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the mansion:
Clark stood back and watched as Lionel's possessed body rose from the floor. His eyes glowed red, his hair had an unusual glow to it, and the dark flow of blood oozed from his wounds. Clark decided to speak to Darkseid. "It's time for you to leave. For years you've tried to learn the secrets of ultimate power, but you will not find it here, not on Earth. You will never win."
"You must be disgusted how easily people were swayed by my influence."
"I believe in people." He paused. "It's time for you to go," Clark repeated as he stared at him.
Darkseid was angry now. He then raised his arm and telekinetically grabbed Clark and threw him across the room, but Clark regained his balance and hovered in the air and stared at him, hoping to figure out a way to stop him. He then realized that it was Jor-El who had guided him, who had been guiding him all along. Clark felt surrounded by his presence.
Darkseid continued, "It's time for you to go back where you came from."
"I'm here to stay. The Phantom Zone is closed forever. No one leaves and no one goes in. Your plan failed." Clark clinched his fists. He was finished talking, and at that moment, hovering above Darkseid, that he'd never felt more powerful. "We need to finish this … NOW!" And with his arms out in front of him, Clark flew directly into Lionel's possessed body thereby destroying it as Darkseid exploded into nothingness and vanished into the night sky.
~o~o~
Back at Watchtower, a little while later:
Tess, Oliver and the League had just received a call from Clark telling them that Darkseid was no more. But of course, they gave him the news of the planet Apokolips and that it was now visible from space. The League then told Clark that they all had faith in him.
"I know what I have to do," Clark told them, determined to finish this. He then looked up at the sky and he had no time to waste as he could see the planet moving closer and closer to Earth. He thought of Lois, his mother, and everyone on Earth who depended on him to do what needed to be done. The darkness was still there and it was up to him to save everyone. He called Watchtower. Tess answered. "Tell Lois … I'll see her soon."
"I will," Tess responded.
As Clark floated up towards the sky heading towards the burning planet, the rising sun burst forth and shined bright like a beacon calling to him, strengthening his body and his spirit. He felt its warmth flow through him then he closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, stretched out his arms then flew as fast as he could to the interior of the flaming planet of Apokolips, hoping to destroy it just as he had done to Darkseid.
Minutes went by as everyone watched from the streets, from their homes and cars, and prayed that the flying man could save them all.
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment:
Lois was still awake when she got the call from Tess, then she ran to get Martha. They both hurried outside as well as thousands of others just in time to see Clark destroy the massive planet within moments of its final approach toward Earth. Clark continued to surround the planet both from within and its outer surface finally able to stop its descent, and force it back into space far away from Earth.
Martha and Lois hugged each other close. "He's alright, Martha, I know he is," Lois told her.
"I know," Martha wasn't worried.
As they both looked up at the sky, Lois then began to feel sorry for the way she had acted.
"I'm sorry for what I said, Martha."
They turned to face each other. "Please don't apologize," Martha began.
"But I need to say this. Clark and I have been through so much over the years because of secrets and the harm it does. But you, Martha, I never expected that from you."
"I know Lois, and please don't say anymore. I'll tell you what happened and please keep an open mind and remember that Clark's destiny is so much more than we ever could have imagined."
"I know and thank you, Martha." Lois shook her head as they continued to watch the fiery planet move further and further away. "Is there anything he can't do?" She wondered aloud.
"I've often asked myself that same question. Standing here, watching him save the world, I think back to that terrible time and the things I did to protect him. I sometimes wish that Clark could turn back the clock just for a minute, and then I would have done things a lot differently."
Lois frowned and thought about her words. "I hear what you're saying, Martha, but not even Clark has that kind of power." She frowned again. "At least I hope not. I mean, I couldn't imagine anything happening where he would have to make that kind of a decision."
"You're right, of course, I hope he never does either," Martha thoughtfully said.
As the cheers and applause from the people in the street slowly died down to murmurs of thanks and hugs of relief and the pure joy just to be alive, it appeared the crisis was over, and the darkness was gone.
So Lois and Martha headed back inside and waited for Clark to return.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: Clark is so amazing, but of course I pictured him doing all of it in the suit! I hope you enjoyed it. The 'Martha' issue will be cleared up shortly. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.