Stolen Legacy
Written by Hellacre13
Chapter 4:
Jimmy Olsen yawned. It was a slow day for news in Metropolis. At least the type of news that the Daily Planet's star reporter, Lois Lane, was interested in. She was not budging for the picketing of dock workers on the waterfront or the three car pile-up on Route 9. She was neither interested in the opening of the newly refurbished Burns Unit in Metropolis General nor the hold up of the Italian Restaurant down the street.
They were not front page news.
She had dismissed them, with a wave at Editor in Chief, Perry White, "Send Clark. That's his kind of thing."
So Jimmy had to sit put and wait for her cue. He glanced over at her desk. She was glued to her laptop. She was following a certain red and blue figure as he flew around the world, fighting forest fires in Australia, helping contain an oil spill off the coast of Alaska, rescuing workers trapped in a collapsed mine in South Africa, and helping the King of Atlantis battle a large, deep sea-monster.
Jimmy sighed. True, the news happening around them could not be compared to what he was doing. Or when he was around. In fact, since he appeared in Metropolis six years ago he was every media house's dream. They had seen nothing like him. He was the full package. Gifted, powerful, startlingly handsome and he fought on the right side of the law. It did not take him long to become Metropolis' adopted son and hero and the object of every woman's fancy. Even tough, career gal, Lois Lane, had been captured and like everything she approached, she had approached him to win. She had gotten the exclusive scoop on him and had been the one to give him his name: Superman.
Jimmy was not too sure if there was anything going on between them but Superman did seem to have a soft spot for her and together they had worked on cases to bring down the likes of megalomaniac businessman Lex Luthor and even a project called Cadmus. Luthor was now languishing in jail and Cadmus was no longer using government funds to create super-soldiers. The project Doomsday that they had been working on had been neutralized and was a threat no longer.
Since the advent of the Justice League two years ago, the world benefitted from having a team of men and women with great abilities and a commitment to fight for justice and save lives. Superman himself was credited for starting the League and gathering some of the most diverse heroes on and off the planet. He was its chairman and the level of trust and good will he had garnered was probably one of the main reasons the U.N. and world governments accepted strangers coming into their land to help them with security issues.
Yes, he was something special.
Jimmy heard Lois mutter something. "Watch it, Barbie…"
He craned his neck to see a pretty, blond woman interviewing Superman after he had summarily stopped terrorists from hijacking an airline in London air space. Jimmy grinned. The T.V reporter looked incredibly impressed and openly seemed to flirt with him. He looked a little sheepish and amused as he answered the woman's questions.
Lois closed the page and the lid of her laptop. She leaned back with a roll of the eyes. "Some women! What does she think? Flirting will get her his direct line at the JLA satellite?"
Jimmy looked at her with some bemusement as it could be said Lois had used that tact a fair bit in getting Superman's attention in the beginning. That and always getting into hot water by pursuing dangerous stories that put her in danger. "Er yeah. What a nerve."
Lois leaned back and muttered, "God, it's slow today! Not one thing worth a headline or even second page!"
Jimmy began, "There's the protest down on the docks…"
"Oh, please. That's been going on for days and they are no closer to any negotiations. It's been so boring today; I'd even take a bank robbery…I…"
Lois was interrupted by Perry White. "Lane! Olsen!"
They both looked up to see Perry thumbing at the television on the wall. "Thought you might want to know. Toyman is causing havoc downtown!"
Lois' eyes lit up as she grabbed her coat. "Come on, Jimmy! Let's go!"
Sure enough there was Toyman, the insane, mechanical genius, Winslow Schott, in the middle of downtown Metropolis. He was in a fifty foot robot that was the splitting image of the current best selling toy last Christmas: the Superman action figure.
Lois and Jimmy stood beyond the police barricade and stared as it burst out of a bank and ploughed its way through a line of squad cars. Schott could be seen sitting in the open mouth, in his trademark bizarre grinning mask, operating the arms. Both of the robot's hands held bags of money. A compartment opened up where the S shield was and it popped the bags into its chest.
As police fired at the robot, it shot laser beams from the eyes, making them scamper and then duck and dive as two cars exploded and went up into flames.
Everyone took cover as the robot stepped over the flaming cars and headed towards another bank. On its way it punched at buildings and kicked at vehicles.
Lois muttered, "How did he get free? Wasn't he locked away in Arkham?"
Jimmy flinched as another car exploded. "Yeah. Seems he came out with a sense of irony too. Superman rampaging downtown."
"Someone call Superman!" was a shout from a group of civilians who were stubbornly not moving from a spot behind the police barricade.
"Call the Justice League!"
As if on cue, the sound of an air craft engine could be heard overhead. It was a smooth sleek sound. Everyone looked up but could see nothing other than the clouds breaking up. Then as if by magic a hatch seemed to open up and two figures appeared.
One glided down, his black cowl stretched taut, the distinctive shape of a bat as he descended in the path of the robot.
Following him, landing heavily upon the robot's head, was a female figure. She was tall and lithe and had flaming red hair in a high pony tail. She wore a red, strapless bodice with something like a gold breast plate that looked like an eagle. A golden belt clinched her waist and she wore a dark blue mid thigh warrior skirt with stars. She wore knee high red boots with wings at the ankles, a tiara with a red star, and broad silver bracelets. On her right forearm was a gauntlet; hitched at her hip was a glowing, golden lariat and she carried a quiver of arrows and a classical bow.
"It's the Batman and Wonder Woman!"
Toyman immediately fired at the figure in the cowl, who moved swiftly by somersaulting out of the way, and releasing some exploding batarangs at the feet of the robot
Lois stood up and dragged Jimmy. "Come on! We gotta get images!"
She dragged him under the barricade, much to the dismay of a young officer who tried to stop them as well as other reporters.
The female known as Wonder Woman used her gauntlet fist to ram the head of the robot. Large metal hands came up and tried to swat her off, while she peeled the metal back.
She ducked several times and said impatiently in what seemed to be a transmitter at her ear, "Come on, Batman, can you at least keep the fool from moving his arms?"
Batman's raspy voice replied, "Behind you."
She glanced back to see him appear via a grapple hook on the shoulder. "What are you doing back there…?"
Just then there was an explosion and both forearms at the elbow joint fell to the floor.
"I stopped his arms as you asked."
Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed at his dry response but continued tearing the head open from the spitcurl to the top of the head. She looked down to see Toyman's mask grinning up at her.
She snapped, "I am getting very tired of capturing and recapturing the same faces every few months."
Batman shouted, "Watch it!"
But by the time she grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, a puff of gas exploded in her face. Blinded, she stumbled backwards, and fell off the head. But her winged sandals saved her as she regained her momentum before she hit the ground. Batman was about to hurl a batarang but Toyman was ready with something that looked like a Super Soaker. But it was not a water gun as the Dark Knight soon found out. Batman had to dive out of the way of the acid.
Wonder Woman flew back up, lasso in hand, her eyes still stung a little and this time she gritted her teeth and hurled the lasso over the head of the robot. She shouted at Batman. "I'm taking him down!"
The Dark Knight used his grapnel to hit the side of a nearby building and he swung away just as she heaved with all her might and the robot began to teeter. The whole thing crashed to the ground.
Toyman crawled out of the wreckage and tried to run only to feel a line with a batarang whip around his feet. He fell into the pavement. He looked up to see Batman over him and Wonder Woman landing with a heavy thud next to them. She had her bow and arrow pointed at him.
"Any more tricks and I will put you in the hospital."
The Dark Knight gestured to the police. "He's yours."
She said darkly, as Toyman was cuffed and taken away, "Why don't you people deal with him properly? This is the fifth time since I joined the League he's come out of his hole. Superman must be a masochist. It should be three strikes and you are out. He'd be dead already in some societies."
Batman said dryly, "Yes, but this is not the Bana Mighdall, is it?"
She sniffed. "Oh yes, I know the rules. But I guess it's the same with you and the Joker in your city."
Batman asked sarcastically, "Tell me again…why did you even join the JLA?"
She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. "The Oracle, Penelope, had a vision that the earth will darken and that a group of champions will rise to save the world. She saw an Amazon in golden armor among them. Hippolyta decreed a contest and I won."
"It was a rhetorical question," he retorted sarcastically.
She scowled. "Why the Manhunter had to pair me up with you, I will never know."
"Same here."
Lois and Jimmy came running up to shout at them, behind the police line. "Batman! Wonder Woman! A statement? Please?"
Batman looked at her. "You deal with this. I am going to check out the robot for traps."
She began crossly, "Stop ordering me around and you know I hate these reporters…"
"You are the Ambassador. They expect it of you."
Wonder Woman grumbled under her breath and reluctantly walked towards the two reporters to give a brief statement and answer their questions. It could not be said she was comfortable with it. She was brusque and to the point much to their chagrin.
"I hope your Metropolis authorities this time will try to better contain Toyman. We are fortunate no one was killed this time. Good day to you."
Lois asked quickly to stop her from turning away, "How are you adjusting to the League?"
"What does that have to do with what happened just now?"
Lois shrewdly shot back, "Well, what is it like working with the Batman?"
Wonder Woman glanced back at him. He was already scanning the robot and taking up Toyman's weapons. "No different to anyone else. We are here to get a job done. Nothing else. And you need to leave now. The Forensic agency will be coming in. Excuse me."
As she walked away, Jimmy observed with a sigh, "She is so edgy."
Lois looked at her. "Yes, she has a chip on her shoulder."
"She looks hot in that uniform though."
Lois scowled. "I think this one would faster date Black Canary than the likes of Superman or Batman…"
Jimmy looked disappointed. "You think?"
Lois shrugged. "Who knows with these Amazons. They are from an all female society of warriors who finally came out of their isolated existence some decade ago and revealed themselves to the world. It took the U.N. a good time to get the other nations to vote them in and finally set up their embassy last year. The Queen opened up the island to allow visitors and you know who got that assignment."
Jimmy smiled. "Clark."
"Yeah, how he wrangled that one was beyond me. But seems the Amazons are willing to share their knowledge and philosophy with the world and the world has accepted. Artemis of Bana Mighdall sure could use a crash course in the art of diplomacy. But then the Amazons have a strange way of choosing their Ambassadors. Being able to fight well does not make one the best representatives of a people. A good soldier maybe. Not a diplomat."
"So, how did it go with Artemis?"
Batman looked up at the shadow falling over his computer screen. He turned in his chair to see Superman enter the Resource Room.
He said curtly, "I guess she was better. Least she didn't shoot any arrows through anyone's hand this time."
Superman said, as he leaned on the desk next to him, "Did you let her know?"
"What?"
"That she did well?"
Batman gave him an impatient look. "Clark, if you want to give out pretty stars as a reward, go ahead. Don't expect me to indulge anyone for simply following League protocol."
Superman replied, "Bruce, you know it isn't about that. It's about building trust and respect. I know you two don't get on that well. You're too alike…"
"We are not alike!"
Superman smiled. "You are tough, unyielding, stubborn, moody, don't suffer fools lightly…" He put his hand up when Batman looked to protest, "My point is, put yourself in her shoes. She was sent here by Queen Hippolyta to represent the Amazon people and use her gifts to help fight for peace. She must feel more out of place than all of us. Having to leave what she knows because of a dream by a Priestess to send out a champion."
"Well, if she does not believe in her cause it comes as no surprise."
"That's debatable. Having loyalty to ones people is not a crime. You can't deny she isn't a good fighter."
Batman shrugged noncommittally.
Superman said innocently, "You know, you don't usually get so prickled by anyone…well apart from Plastic Man maybe…"
Batman replied ironically, "We can't all be like you, Pollyanna."
Superman laughed and said slyly, "She's a beautiful woman."
"And what is your point in stating the obvious?"
"Nothing. I am just stating the obvious."
He scowled. "How is your little romance going by the way?"
"Changing the topic?"
"Yes. Have you told her you are Clark Kent?"
"Not yet."
"You are funny, Kent. What are you waiting on?"
He asked wryly, "Have you ever told any of the normal women you dated Bruce Wayne and Batman are one?"
"Yes. At least two of them."
"Where are they now?"
"Okay. I get your point."
"Plus Lois does not see Clark Kent as exactly a catch."
"Clark is only a fraction of what you are. It allows you to do all this. If she loves you enough she will understand."
"It seems simple enough. But…"
"But what?"
He walked towards a window and looked out at the stars and the earth below. "When I stand here I am reminded too often that it is not simple enough."
"It could have been worse. You could have fallen for a woman you had to really work hard for."
Superman spun around. "What?"
"Lois Lane is all over Superman. What work did you really have to do? Save her a dozen times? Take her flying? Give her a scoop or three? Come on, Kent. Get real."
"What are you implying here, Bruce?"
Batman stood up. "You don't need me to tell you the obvious. I'm due back at Gotham. Don't call unless you all really need me."
As he walked away, Superman frowned. He turned to stare out at the stars. Deep inside he knew his friend was right.
Wonder Woman landed at the Themysciran Embassy. It was located in Washington DC. It had been up and running a whole year. Prior to that the Amazons had been liaising with the U.N. when they had first revealed themselves to the world some decade ago. It had been initially to seek their help, in tracking down their missing Princess. Queen Hippolyta had swallowed her pride and sent her best Amazons out and although they had never found the heir to Themyscira, they had managed to reconnect with the world. It had been done with help from people like the well known historian and archeologist Julia Kapatelis, and air force pilot, Steve Trevor and his wife Etta Candy, who had been amongst the first people the Amazons met in the Patriarch's world. Who had welcomed them and helped them make contact with the authorities and gain acceptance by the wary public.
Themyscira was now part of the U.N and she had put down her barriers by inviting outsiders, including men in the form of reporters, diplomats and scientists to see what wonders the island hidden from the world for centuries had to offer. The contest to seek a champion itself had been covered by reporters and members of the Justice League. The Queen herself had contacted the latter after meeting with its chairman, Superman, in New York when Themyscira had been made a member and she had been impressed by what she heard of him and the League. She had hopes that the Champion could join the League and united they would be a force for good and protect the weak and the innocent. It had taken losing her child to make her open her eyes. It was what she owed the world and her nation.
The Embassy staff comprised of Amazons and civilians. Julia Kapatelis was the appointed aide and cultural adviser. A Themysicran sister, Mala, was Deputy Chief of Mission. Euboea, headed the Amazonian contingent of guards and Security Adviser was Colonel Steve Trevor. Chief Administrator was a former archeologist, Helena Sandmark, and Press Secretary was a man by the name of Martin Garibaldi. There were several more sisters from both Themyscira and the Bana holding positions along with other men and women from the outside.
What would have seemed seditious ten years ago now seemed routine. The Amazons were working alongside outsiders. The mistrust and fears they had were put aside for the greater good. And because Hippolyta did not think twice to defy the Gods after they refused to appear to her and give comfort and aid in her search for her lost child.
Artemis was met by Julia. She was a slim, petite woman in her late fifties.
"You have visitors."
Artemis' brow rose. "Who?"
Julia led her into a sitting room off the main foyer. Sitting there was the Queen of Themyscira, General Phillipus and a pretty young woman about eighteen years old with sparkling blue eyes and a ready smile.
Artemis bowed. "Your Majesty. This is a surprise."
Hippolyta gestured for her to rise. "How are you, Artemis?"
"I am well. How are my Bana sisters?"
"They are in good spirits and send their greetings."
Artemis looked at Phillipus and gave her a nod. She acknowledged the young woman. "Princess Donna." She regarded them with a curious gaze. "What are you doing here? Checking up on me?
Hippolyta said somberly, "Among other things. But we are here because Donna has shown an interest in coming out into the world."
Artemis's brow rose. "What do you mean?"
Donna said, "I have spoken to Mrs. Kapatelis about enrollment in a University to pursue studies here in this city."
"Oh. I see. That is …interesting." Artemis' expression looked a tad skeptical.
Hippolyta looked at Julia. "Mrs. Kapatelis, will you show Donna around while we chat about the details?"
Julia smiled at Donna. "Certainly. This way, your Highness."
As soon as they left, Artemis blurted out, "You're letting the Princess leave home?"
Hippolyta replied calmly, "It is not as if she has not seen the outside world. She has accompanied me on occasional visits throughout the years. She has expressed a desire to do so. I think it is a good learning experience for her."
"But she is your heir…After what happened all those years ago with your other child, I thought…"
"That I would naturally not let Donna out of my sight? I wanted to. More than anything. But necessity made us come out of seclusion and reconnected with the outside. Donna has seen and met people of the outside when they visited the island and she is fascinated. She has gifts that she insists she would like to use to help others and she wants to have a chance of knowing the outside world. While I am alive and able to rule, she will get her chance."
"The Gods…"
Hippolyta's voice was brittle. "The Gods did nothing to help me find Diana! They have remained silent for years! We found more understanding in the outsiders we met while we looked for my child. I myself came and looked and it was when I met Hector Hall I was finally able to rest and accept that Diana was not coming back. He could not see her. Penelope could not see her. Diana is gone. Donna is here. And thank all that is good, Donna was young when Diana was taken and time has healed her wounds. She remembers her sister with love. Not sorrow. I have meditated over this long and hard. Isolation will not help us or Donna if she is to become a good Queen. My daughter came to me and begged me to allow her to do this and I have given my blessing."
"So I assume Princess Donna will be staying here?"
"Yes. Julia submitted her application to the University and Mrs. Sandmark has liaised with American immigration. If all goes well, Donna will start her studies in four months time."
"And what am I expected to do?"
Hippolyta replied, "Nothing. If she needs help there are enough sisters here to help her. But now that she is here, it will be expected that for certain functions the Princess of Themyscira will accompany you."
"And what of her powers? Has she expressed a desire to join the Justice League too? I think the League has made it known they are recruiting members since they rebuilt and expanded the Watchtower."
"She did hint at it but I have discussed that with her and not until she has finished her studies will she take up any membership with the League. That was my only condition. She has accepted that."
"I see. Well, your will is my command, Majesty. I do not mean to be rude but I do need to change now. I have an engagement to attend."
"Certainly. You may go, Artemis."
Phillipus turned to the Queen once they were left alone. Hippolyta sighed. "You know, General, this is not the direction I expected life would have taken us."
"You regret all this, Your Majesty?"
Hippolyta rose and went to the window to look out at the street and cars and the skyline. "It is too late for regret. I could not have protected her any better and yet she still was taken from me. I am doing what is right for my people. Living in paradise cost us our instinct and made us complacent. Look at this world. They have wonders here to make life easy and yet they have weapons that can decimate Themyscira in seconds. There are other races out in the stars that can erase this planet. We must learn to understand them and let them understand us. Only together will we be able to survive if the darkness comes."
Phillipus' eyes looked sad. Hippolyta still carried that burden of guilt since losing her daughter. She almost never laughed now. She smiled. Mainly for Donna's sake. But the hearty laughter had died when she had put up the memorial to her lost daughter on Themyscira and she stopped praying to Hera altogether.
Hippolyta had not commanded any of her sisters to follow her example. The Gods still were important to many of the tribe as they had been for eons. Many saw Diana's loss as tragic but simply a test they had to endure as they had endured their enslavement. Hippolyta's loss of faith in her Gods was seen as her grieving for her daughter. Time would be the only healer here. Phillipus and every Amazon prayed for that whenever they visited the Temple.
Phillipus said gently, "It is a wise decision."
Hippolyta touched the window pane. "What do you think happened to her, Phillipus?"
The General replied, "I do not know."
" I still dream of her…I see the little girl I love running to me…and when I go to her, she is so far away…I can't touch her…I cannot reach her."
"She will always remain in our hearts."
"If she is alive somewhere…"
"My Queen, I thought we were over this…" Phillipus' hand rested on her shoulder.
Hippolyta patted her hand and said wistfully, "I know, my sister. It is just if I had her dead body, I would know. But to not know…It is hard to not wonder."
Phillipus said, "If she is alive somewhere out there. We pray she is well and happy."
Hermes appeared in one of the many the fragrant courtyards of Mount Olympus. He was about to head to his own quarters up the steps leading to a balcony when he heard a rustle behind him. A deliciously husky feminine voice sounded behind him.
"And where have you been?"
He spun around to see a voluptuous female figure wreathed in a filmy pink robe with long golden curls standing with her arms folded watching him with a knowing expression. Standing beside her was another female in white robes with an owl on her shoulder.
Hermes regarded Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, his one time lover and mother of two of his children, and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, with a faint smile. "What brings you two to my domain? Surely you are not bored with Adonis, Aphrodite? And are you looking for something, Athena?"
Athena stepped forward and said bluntly, "Away with your jesting. Are you going to tell us where you have been going?"
"What makes you think I have been going anywhere?"
"We are not fools, Hermes. Where did you get this?" Athena produced a metal bracelet. It was a child's from the small size and had familiar etchings on its side.
Hermes' eyes clouded as he snatched it from her. "You went into my quarters and searched it when I was away!"
Athena said dryly, "We saw the other one to it. Where did you get them?"
He said gruffly, "They were being thrown out to be incinerated in a fire pit. I took them."
Aphrodite exclaimed, "I knew it! You found her! Where is she?"
"She is in another dimension. Rules by other Gods."
Athena looked troubled. "Is she well?"
Hermes sighed. "She is alive."
Aphrodite cried, "You said nothing! You did nothing!"
"I am loyal to Zeus. It is not his will to go to war for one human girl child."
"She is not just any human girl child…" began Athena angrily.
"Would you defy your father and put the whole Amazon nation at risk of invasion and death? Because that is what was going to happen if I took her," he retorted angrily.
"So what is it you have been doing?"
"I have been watching over her. Her life has been hard. I have tried to stay close given the limits imposed on me. That place where she lives has darkness in its very core. I cannot stop all that has happened but I can be there to …give her a chance." He sighed. "I feel I might be beginning to lose her."
He sat down and told them about Diana's life on Apokolips. The two Goddesses listened and their faces grew dark with anger.
Athena paced. "I can understand Zeus not caring but Hera? How could she let so much time pass and do nothing?"
"Because she cannot interfere with free will anymore than you can," said a voice behind them.
They all rose. Startled. Guilty.
They bowed. "Hera."
She came forward. "Time is not the same here as it is there. What is a long time for a mortal is a merest drop in the ocean for an immortal. We cannot intervene or go against Zeus."
Athena said bitterly, "Then we call ourselves patrons for nothing. I do not blame Hippolyta for turning her back on us."
Hera smiled sadly, "The Queen of the Amazons is a mother. Mothers never want pain to touch their children. But pain can forge a champion."
"You speak in riddles," began Aphrodite. "When Diana was born, we gifted her with abilities so she would be that champion. This was not her destiny. To be servant to a tyrant who is searching to kill all free will in the universe."
"No. Her destiny was to bring peace, justice and understanding. And not alone." Hera looked at Aphrodite. "You know of what I speak."
Aphrodite waved her hand dismissively. "That is hardly likely to happen now. In fact, I would not be surprised Zeus refused to lift a finger because he hates the thought of any lesser beings more powerful than him."
Hera looked at them pointedly. "It cannot happen if they do not meet."
Hermes rolled his eyes. "Prophesies do not always come to pass. They are just windows in time. And she is in the Fourth World. He is on Earth."
"His Fate was always linked to the Fourth World. That is all we must trust in." She looked at Hermes. "We three can do nothing. You, Hermes, patron of boundaries, watcher of night, bringer of dreams, and master of stealth, speed and cunning. You alone can make the difference." She turned to Aphrodite and Athena. "Come away. Leave Hermes to his duty."
Hera vanished. The other two Goddesses gave him an anxious look and withdrew.
Hermes looked at the small bracelet in his hands. "Ah, Princess, what has the Fates in store for you?"
Lois looked at Superman with a little frown.
"Again? But you were only off world last month."
They were sitting on the open air terrace of her apartment. She had been working late and he had flown her home and had brought takeout Italian for them
"I know. But I have been requested to help from a couple of our allies. There is a war going on between two great powers and I have been asked to go and help with a situation." He was careful not to reveal any details to her.
"How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know."
She put down her glass. "War you say? So I expect it will be dangerous."
"It is the nature of the job, Lois."
She sighed and rose to her feet. "This relationship of ours seems like it is running on your schedule. It is not fun sitting and wondering if and when I will see you again."
He got up. He touched her shoulder. "This is my home. Of course you will see me again."
"Unless you are dead." She turned to wag her finger at him. "You had better come back in one piece."
He smiled. "I will do my very best."
She leaned into him and commanded, "Shut up and kiss me. It's the least you could do."
He obliged. Very gently. He held her carefully. He kissed her softly and with that great control that he had. It was nice. It was connecting to her and although he could not hold her hard as he wanted, he compensated with her smell and taste and the beating of her heart.
She was getting into the kiss and she pressed herself against him. She whispered " Do you want to take this inside?"
He raised his head. Lois was offering. He knew what she wanted. But he could not, given the circumstances. He needed to tell her the truth. He began slowly, "Lois, I have something else to tell you…I have been meaning to tell you all evening…"
She looked up at his grave expression. "Something else? God, you look so serious now. I really can't take too much bad news tonight. Fine. Spit it out."
He took her hand and sat her down. "Lois, how do you feel about Clark Kent?"
She cocked her head at him in some confusion. "What do you mean how do I feel? He is a colleague. He's an okay kind of a guy. Not the most interesting. He's a bit dull and clumsy. You know, typical corn fed farm boy. He's got a little crush on me but he's never been creepy about it. Why are you asking me this? He's not in some kind of trouble is he?"
"Lois, look at me."
She looked at him. He mussed his hair slightly, changed his posture and voice. "What do you see?"
She looked at him taken back. "What are you doing? Trying to mimic Clark Kent?"
His hand reached down into the bag that he brought the takeout in and produced a pair of dark frames. He slipped it on.
Lois's jaw dropped. She stared at him and her color fluctuated.
"You? No! You can't be…How…?" She got up and gasped. "Smallville? You and Superman? Oh, my God!"
"Lois…" He tried to take her hand. "I wanted to tell you for a while now."
She pushed him away. "Don't touch me! How could you?"
Superman began, "Lois, I never meant for it to come so far without telling you. It just sort of happened and before I knew it you and I were dating and Clark was as if he was on the outside looking in. Truth is there is no one Clark or one Superman. I pretend to be clumsy and shy so no one would work out who I am. But I was christened as Clark. It's the name I grew up with. The identity is important to me. I need it to not only live normally but it allows me to do my job without harm coming to those I care about. I can't risk people knowing who is dear to Superman. We have been sneaking around a while now. No one knows we are dating and it's best it stays that way…Too many times you've been put in danger because…"
She put her hand out and cried, "Enough! I trusted you. You made a fool out of me. How you must have laughed at me every time Clark scooped me!"
"No. Lois I did this to protect you."
"Protect me? You lied to me!" She stared at him. "So what is real? What do I call you? Superman? Clark? What? You expect me to start dating you at the office? Take off those damned glasses…They give me the creeps!"
He took off the glasses. "You are angry."
"God damn right I am! You had years to tell me! And you never did!" She put her hand up. Angry tears sparkled in her eyes. "I need you to leave. Right now!"
"Lois…"
"No. Superman…Clark…whoever you are! Go!"
He sensed there was no calming her. He tried one last time. "Lois, I'm sorry."
She snapped. "Go!"
He sighed and took to the air.
Lois Lane went inside her apartment and slammed her bedroom door shut. She cried tears of anger and disgust at herself. Her illusions of Superman being the perfect man shattered.
"Here we are. The Celestial City."
Superman was jerked out of his thoughts by the voice of Scott Free.
He looked to see their ship coming out of the boomtube and floating towards a golden city in the clouds. And beneath the city were expanses of lush forests, silvery blue rivers and mountains.
Superman's eyes widened. It was the most beautiful thing he had seen. Not even in all his travels to other worlds had he seen anything like it.
Barda, Scott's tall dark haired wife, smiled at Superman's expression. "I know. I felt the same way seeing it when we came to seek out Scott's real family shortly after we ran from Apokolips."
Superman said a little bemused, "So Scott is son to the ruler here? But why do you choose to live on Earth away from your birthright?"
Scott replied, "Darkseid does not care about places like Earth. We were able to live our lives in peace and when we met J'onn Jonzz and he told us of the Justice League, we believed it our duty to join and help carry out your mandate. Highfather and I do not exactly have a normal father-son relationship…"
"Well, if someone exchanged me like a bartering tool to stop a war I would be a tad miffed," said Superman who had heard the whole story from J'onn.
Scott said, "He had little choice. For that I don't hold any grudges. It kept the denizens of New Genesis safe until I defected from Apokolips. Highfather has never blamed me for it but he seeks my help this time around. I have come to offer my aid. And I thank you for coming as well, Superman."
Barda nodded. "Yes, Superman. Thank you."
Superman said truthfully, "Well, out of the current League roster, J'onn thought I was the one who seemed most suited to this mission."
Scott piloted the ship towards a landing platform. They were met by palace officials who ushered them into the throne room where a tall, white haired, bearded man in blue robes with a golden staff awaited them.
Scott and Barda bowed. "."
Highfather raised his hand as if to beckon them forward. "Scott. Barda. Welcome. Thank you for answering my call."
Scott introduced Superman. Highfather looked at him with real curiosity. "Welcome, Superman. You are Kryptonian? This is indeed unprecedented. Your race has been thought to be all but extinct."
"I am among the few of my race alive."
"You come from a great people. Alas that they became isolated and cut off from the rest of the universe and even each other."
"It was the Council's way of control. They were no better than any tyrant. My father's rebellion is what cost him his reputation and status. His determination that I would get a chance at life was the reason I was sent to Earth. He and my mother sacrificed their lives so I could have a chance."
Highfather looked at him with a twinge of sadness in his eyes as he looked at Scott. "There are times one would wish one had one soul to choose over than thousands. But I am grateful you would come to help us, Superman."
Barda stepped forward and asked, "I understand the war with Apokolips is ongoing, Highfather, but why have you been summoned Scott here?"
He looked at Scott. "My adopted son, your step brother, Orion, has been captured by Darkseid's forces. We need your help to rescue Orion."
Scott looked at him a little perplexed. "But surely your own forces could have done this?"
"My forces are engaged in keeping attacks off New Genesis and trying to help the rebels. Darkseid's forces would not expect you. You and Barda have first hand experience how they operate. You have the advantage of a mother box and being able to dismantle any trap or prison they could build. You know the Citadel inside out."
"This could be a trap."
"Yes, it could. But I will not sit by idly this time. I allowed them to take you and for that I regret it all my days. Orion may not be my son by blood but he has grown up as one." Highfather stood up and stepped down the dais to face the trio. "There is a prophecy. Darkseid knows of it. Orion is destined to bring his downfall."
"What?" Scott and Barda looked stunned.
"Yes. It was the reason he was so willing to exchange Orion and yourself. It was a risk I took. But I knew it my heart you would rebel against Darkseid's training, Scott. Himon being there was not a coincidence. I sent him to be there for you. Orion himself has fought the darkness in himself and he has become a good soldier of New Genesis. I would not ask your help if I was not optimistic you could save Orion."
Superman listened intently. He asked pensively, "This Darkseid, why doesn't he kill your stepson if he is such a risk to him?"
"He cannot. He will not. The Oracle also predicted that Orion will one day find the Anti-Life Equation. It is what the Lord of Apokolips seeks. He is too smart to kill him. But he will use him and make him suffer. Even if it is to goad me."
Scott put his hand on his chin. He looked uneasy. Barda went close to him and whispered with a tremor in her voice, "Scott, she might be alive. This might be our only chance…"
Scott looked at her. There was not a day Barda had not thought of the girl she left behind on Apokolips. He touched her cheek and nodded.
He faced Highfather and said decisively, "Very well. We will go."